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Single-handed helical tantalum pentoxide nanotubes with inner chiral organic self-assemblies were prepared through a supramolecular templating approach. After carbonization and removal of tantalum pentoxide, single-handed twisted carbonaceous nanotubes were obtained. The handedness of the carbonaceous nanotubes followed that of the tantalum pentoxide nanotubes. The carbonaceous nanotubes were formed due to the adsorption of the organic self-assemblies on the inner surfaces of the tantalum pentoxide nanotubes and the shrinkage of organic self-assemblies during the drying process and subsequently carbonization. The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy characterizations indicated that the carbon was amorphous. The circular dichroism spectra indicated that the twisted carbonaceous nanotubes exhibited optical activity. The elemental analysis showed that these carbonaceous nanotubes were N-doped. These N-doped carbonaceous materials might find applications as catalysts and chirality sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to improve therapeutic efficacy of dexamethasone (DXM)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced acute renal injury (AKI), sialic acid (SA) is used as a ligand to target the inflamed vascular endothelium. DXM-loaded SA-conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated NPs (SA-NPs) are prepared via solvent diffusion method and show the good colloidal stability. SA-NPs reduce apoptotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via downregulating oxidative stress-induced Bax, upregulating Bcl-xL, and inhibiting Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activation. Cellular uptake results suggest SA-NPs can be specifically internalized by the inflamed vascular endothelial cells (H2O2-pretreated HUVECs), and the mechanism is associated with the specific binding between SA and E-selectin receptor expressed on the inflamed vascular endothelial cells. Bio-distribution results further demonstrated the enhanced renal accumulation of DXM is achieved in AKI mice treated with SA-NPs, and its content is 2.70- and 5.88-fold higher than those treated with DXM and NPs at 6 h after intravenous administration, respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies demonstrate SA-NPs effectively ameliorate renal functions in AKI mice, as reflected by improved blood biochemical indexes, histopathological changes, oxidative stress levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, SA-NPs cause little negative effects on lymphocyte count and bone mineral density while DXM leads to severe osteoporosis. It is concluded that SA-NPs provide an efficient and targeted delivery of DXM for ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury-induced AKI, with improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, developing nano iron fertilizer is an important strategy to alleviate Fe deficiency and elevate Fe fertilization effect in agricultural applications. In this study, watermelon seedlings were grown in soil amended with iron oxide nanoparticles (γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs) at different concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100 mg/L). The content of soluble sugar and protein, content of chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of antioxidant enzymes of watermelon leaves were determined in five successive weeks to evaluate the physiological changes of watermelon plants after γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs exposure. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations indicated that γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs could enter root cell of watermelon. Results showed that 20 mg/L γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs didn't cause any oxidative stress on watermelon and 50 mg/L γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs could increase soluble sugar, soluble protein and chlorophyll content in the growth of plants. In addition, 50 and 100 mg/L γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs caused oxidative stress on watermelon leaves, but this NP-induced stress was removed with the growth of watermelon. It is noteworthy that we found γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs might possess an intrinsic peroxidase-like activity. The variation trend of physiological parameters was correlated with the nutritional requirements of plants. It can be concluded that γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs at proper concentrations have the ability to improve iron deficiency chlorosis and promote the growth of watermelon plants. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first holistic study focusing on the impact of γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs in long-term experiment of watermelon plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with cinnamon essential oil (CE-NPs) exhibited the excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant property for the pork during refrigerated storage. In this study, CE-NPs with three sizes of 112 nm, 215 nm and 527 nm were prepared by ionic gelification reaction. The loading capacity of cinnamon essential oil was improved with the mean diameter of CE-NPs increasing. The fresh pork was wrapped with the low density polyethylene (LDPE) films and the active films coated with different CE-NPs and displayed at 4 °C for 15 day. The active films with 527 nm CE-NPs led to a significant decrease of microbial growth, pH, peroxide value (POV), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and sensory scores of the pork ( P < 0.05) than the other treatments at the end of storage. The 527 nm-treated pork samples showed significantly highest redness ( P < 0.001) in all the four groups. In all, CE-NPs with the big size have more potential as a natural preservative to maintain the quality of meat and meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It’s meaningful to design and fabricate novel high-performance carbon anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, 3-aminophenol-formaldehyde resin/silica nanorods were synthesized via a sol–gel transcription method, using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as the template and pentanol as co-structure directing agent. After carbonization at 600 °C and removal of silica, carbonaceous nanorods with N content of 7.87 wt% and specific surface area of 551.3 m 2 g −1 were obtained. They showed a stable discharge capacity of 696.7 mAh g −1 after 400 cycles. Carbonaceous nanorods (comprising 9.6 wt% β-SiC) with N content of 1.22 wt% and specific surface area of 1079.1 m 2 g −1 were also obtained at 1400 °C. They showed a stable discharge capacity of 457.9 mAh g −1 after 400 cycles. The results prove that the synthesized N-doped carbonaceous nanorods are good anode candidates for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citronellol (CI)-loaded, chitosan (CS)-enclosed dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (CI@D-MONs@CS) are successfully fabricated. The synthesized CI@D-MONs@CS present spherical shape with the particle size of 424±24 nm in diameter and dendritic mesopores. CI loading ratio of CI@D-MONs@CS is about 12.42% from TGA analysis. CI release from CI@D-MONs@CS exhibits pH-redox dual responsiveness. More interesting, the axillary deodorant effect is investigated with Staphylococcus haemolyticus in an artificial sweat model. The results show that CI@D-MONs@CS present an excellent bacteria-killing effect and the smell of artificial sweat is greatly improved, avoiding the formation of undesirable odorant compounds from the bacteria. The obtained CI@D-MONs@CS is a potential carrier of natural fragrance or actives with dual responsive release. The application of CI@D-MONs@CS is a new and effective strategy to the axillary odor problem. • The pH-redox dual responsive nanoparticles CI@D-MONs@CS were designed and fabricated. • Chitosan formed the pH-responsive "gate" of CI@D-MONs@CS. • CI@D-MONs@CS exhibited significantly enhanced and durable antibacterial capacities. • CI@D-MONs@CS greatly reduced the off-odor caused by the axillary bacteria. • Application of CI@D-MONs@CS was a new and effective strategy to the axillary odor problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Earlier studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. In this study, δ-FeOOH was used as a surface coating material on the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles to enhance Cr(VI) adsorption. Physical characterizations of the synthesized materials were preformed using TEM, XRD and VSM. TEM images showed the multidispersed circular particles with a dimension of 15nm and VSM patterns indicated the decreased magnetic properties with the surface-coating. The δ-FeOOH-coated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with different mass ratio of δ-FeOOH to γ-Fe2O3 were tested for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and the primary results showed that the optimal ratio was 1.0. Equilibrium studies showed that Cr(VI) adsorption data follow Langmuir model. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of the δ-FeOOH-coated γ-Fe2O3, determined to be 25.8mg/g, is higher than that of pure γ-Fe2O3 (19.4mg/g). The high stability and recovery capacity of the δ-FeOOH-coated γ-Fe2O3 were verified from regeneration studies and XRD investigations. Moreover, FTIR and XPS results suggest that the Cr(VI) adsorption onto the δ-FeOOH-coated γ-Fe2O3 be mainly controlled by outer-sphere complexation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, various magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method and used for the removal of Cr(VI) from synthetic electroplating wastewater. The size of these magnetic nanoparticles was measured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and found to be about 20nm. Their magnetic properties were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The technical feasibility of magnetic nanoparticles for Cr(VI) removal was investigated in batch studies in acidic synthetic solution using 5g/L of different magnetic nanoparticles and 100mg/L of Cr(VI). The Cr(VI) removal performances were compared and the adsorption capacities followed the order: MnFe2O4 >MgFe2O4 >ZnFe2O4 >CuFe2O4 >NiFe2O4 >CoFe2O4. Contact time required by all types of ferrite particles was relatively short, ranging from 5 to 60min. Factors affecting adsorption including solution pH, shaking rate, and magnetic properties were further investigated. In addition, the desorption of Cr(VI)-adsorbed magnetic nanoparticles were conducted using 0.01M NaOH as eluent and the desorption efficiency was found to be more than 90%. While much lower amount of Cr(VI) desorbed from Cr-loaded MnFe2O4 nanoparticles using the same eluent due to a chemical redox occurred during adsorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium existing in the effluent is a major concern for the metal-processing plant. In this study, a new method combining nanoparticle adsorption and magnetic separation was developed for the removal and recovery of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The nanoscale maghemite was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as adsorbents of Cr(VI). Various factors influencing the adsorption of Cr(VI), e.g., pH, temperature, initial concentration, and coexisting common ions were studied. Adsorption reached equilibrium within 15min and was independent of initial Cr concentration. The maximum adsorption occurred at pH 2.5. The adsorption data were analyzed and fitted well by Freundlich isotherm. Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of maghemite nanoparticles was compared favorably with other adsorbents like activated carbon and clay. Competition from common coexisting ions such as Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, NO3 −, and Cl− was ignorable, which illustrated the selective adsorption of Cr(VI) from wastewater. Regeneration studies verified that the maghemite nanoparticles, which underwent six successive adsorption–desorption processes, still retained the original metal removal capacity. In addition, the adsorption mechanisms were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopic techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A facile construction of Ru/RuO 2 composite with porous reticular structure (denoted as Ru/RuO 2 -PRS) by controllable pyrolysis of Ru3+ coordinated cyanoguanidine was presented for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Ru/RuO 2 heterostructure was identified in Ru/RuO 2 -PRS. Taking the advantages of the Ru/RuO 2 heterostructure and large specific surface area, Ru/RuO 2 -PRS exhibits much more improved OER activity with much lower onset potential and overpotential to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 compared with RuO 2 porous powder and RuO 2 nano-particles counterparts in both acidic and alkaline solution. Specifically, Ru/RuO 2 -PRS exhibits much improved durability because the unique Ru/RuO 2 heterostructure relieves the dissolution of RuO 2 at high anodic potential that has been the bottleneck of Ru-based catalysts for OER, especially in acidic electrolyte. This study provides a new strategy to promote the OER application in acidic solution. • We present a facile one-step calcination method to synthesize 3D porous reticular structure of Ru/RuO 2 (Ru/RuO 2 -PRS). • The as prepared Ru/RuO 2 -PRS presents abundant Ru/RuO 2 heterostructure, which benefits to the electrocatalytic process. • Ru/RuO 2 -PRS exhibits excellent OER activity and stability in both acid and alkaline electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient use of natural gas to produce aromatics is an attractive subject; the process requires catalysts that possess high-performance active sites to activate stable C–H bonds. Here, we report a facile synthetic strategy to modify HMCM-49 with small molybdenum oxide nanoparticles. Due to the higher sublimability of nano-MoO3 particles than commercial MoO3, they more easily enter into the channels of HMCM-49 and associate with Brønsted acid sites to form active MoCx-type species under calcination and reaction conditions. Compared with commercial MoO3 modified MCM-49, nano-MoO3 modified MCM-49 exhibits higher methane conversion (13.2%), higher aromatics yield (9.1%), and better stability for the methane aromatization reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) involves various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and epithelial cell apoptosis. However, current drug therapies face limitations due to issues like systemic distribution, drug degradation in vivo , and hydrophobicity. To address these challenges, we developed a pH-responsive nano-drug delivery system for delivering antioxidant peptides to treat ALI. In this study, we utilized low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as carrier materials. LMWC carries a positive charge, while HA carries a negative charge. By stirring the two together, the electrostatic adsorption between LMWC and HA yielded aggregated drug carriers. To specifically target the antioxidant drug WNWAD to lung lesions and enhance therapeutic outcomes for ALI, we created a targeted drug delivery system known as HA/LMWC@WNWAD (NPs) through a 12-h stirring process. In our research, we characterized the particle size and drug release of NPs. Additionally, we assessed the targeting ability of NPs. Lastly, we evaluated the improvement of lung injury at the cellular and animal levels to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of this drug targeting delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diabetic wound causes serious threat to human health due to its long inflammatory phase and the reduced vascularization. Herein, we develop a hydrogel system for the treatment of diabetic wound, which can short the inflammatory stage (through the use of ori) and promote the angiogenesis (through the addition of siRNA-29a gene). Based on the Schiff base bonds, the Gel/Alg@ori/HA-PEI@siRNA-29a hydrogel was prepared by mixing oxidized hydroxymethyl propyl cellulose (OHMPC), adipic dihydrazide-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-ADH), oridonin (ori) loaded alginate microspheres (Alg@ori) and siRNA-29a gene-loading hyaluronic acid-polyethyleneimine complex HA-PEI@siRNA-29a (HA-PEI@siRNA-29a) under physiological conditions, which had moderate mechanical strength, appropriate swelling property, impressive stability, and slow release ability of ori and siRNA-29a. Excellent biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogel was also confirmed by in vitro mouse fibroblasts L929 cells culture study. Moreover, in vivo experiments further demonstrated that the prepared Gel/Alg@ori/HA-PEI@siRNA-29a hydrogel not only significantly accelerated the diabetic wound healing, angiogenesis factors (α-SMA and CD31) production, but also inhibited pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α). In summary, we believe that the prepared hydrogels exhibit great potential for the treatment of chronic diabetic wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of oily components is often difficult to evaluate due to their incompatibility with most models. Here, we emulsified adlay bran oil (ABO), processed it to a nanoscale, and investigated its anti‐hyperpigmentation efficacy, assessed for its inhibitory effects against tyrosinase activity and melanin production, in an in vitro system (mouse melanoma B16F10 cells) and an in vivo system (zebrafish embryos). ABO induced dose‐dependent reductions in tyrosinase activity and melanin production in both the melanoma cells and zebrafish, without affecting viability. The efficacy of ABO was strongly influenced by emulsion particle size in the zebrafish but not in the cells. These results indicate that ABO has potential as a tyrosinase inhibitor and anti‐hyperpigmentation agent and that the emulsion system is an effective method for delivering the bioactive components of ABO to living systems that could be utilized for other oily components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimodal imaging, as an important approach to circumvent the limitations of single imaging modality, has attracted extensive attention in recent years. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and the ongoing efforts to improve their targeting capability and endow multiple imaging ability, nanoprobes are expected to play crucial roles in multimodal imaging through integrating different imaging moieties or molecules into a single nanoparticle, where silica has been used intensively as a carrier or a medium for the construction of the nanoprobes due to its preferable characteristics including good biocompatibility, long blood circulation time, and ease of modification. Based on the types of the silica used for the fabrication of nanoprobes, solid silica-based and mesoporous silica-based nanoparticles were developed for multimodal imaging. Herein, the newly developed silica-based nanoparticles as multimodal imaging agents for disease diagnosis and therapy in the last 5 years were summarized, along with their fabrication process, specific applications, and especially the role of the silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic cancer therapy is always accompanied with toxicity to normal tissue, which has prompted concerted efforts to develop precise treatment strategies. Herein, we firstly develop an approach that enables spatiotemporally controlled formation and rotation of magnetic nanochains in vivo, allowing for precise mechanotherapy of tumor. The nanochain comprised nanocomposites of pheophorbide‐A (PP) modified iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) and lanthanide‐doped down‐conversion NP (DCNP). In a permanent magnetic field, the nanocomposites would be aligned to form nanochain. Next, MnO2 NPs were subsequently administered to accumulate in tumor as suppliers of Mn2+, which coordinates with PP to immobilize the nanochain. In a rotating magnetic field, the nanochain would rapidly rotate, leading to apoptosis/necrosis of tumor cell. The nanochain showed high T2‐MR and NIR‐II fluorescence imaging signals, which facilitated guided therapy. The strategy has great potential in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic cancer therapy is always accompanied with toxicity to normal tissue, which has prompted concerted efforts to develop precise treatment strategies. Herein, we firstly develop an approach that enables spatiotemporally controlled formation and rotation of magnetic nanochains in vivo, allowing for precise mechanotherapy of tumor. The nanochain comprised nanocomposites of pheophorbide‐A (PP) modified iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) and lanthanide‐doped down‐conversion NP (DCNP). In a permanent magnetic field, the nanocomposites would be aligned to form nanochain. Next, MnO2 NPs were subsequently administered to accumulate in tumor as suppliers of Mn2+, which coordinates with PP to immobilize the nanochain. In a rotating magnetic field, the nanochain would rapidly rotate, leading to apoptosis/necrosis of tumor cell. The nanochain showed high T2‐MR and NIR‐II fluorescence imaging signals, which facilitated guided therapy. The strategy has great potential in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring multifunctional sulfur host materials with high immobilization ability and catalytic activity is of great significance for realizing high-performance Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Recently, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) receive extensive attention for advanced energy storage applications owing to their intrinsically exceptional physical/chemical properties and natural abundance. Herein, a highly dispersed cobalt clusters/nanoparticles embedded into CNC derived carbon aerogel composite (CA/Co-2) is for the first time synthesized. Benefiting from the interconnected hierarchical porous structure, homogeneously anchored Co clusters/nanoparticles and N-doped species, the designed CA/Co-2 could enable rapid electron/ion transport, efficient sulfur utilization, effective suppression of the shuttle effect and fast catalytic conversion of polysulfides, thereby contributing to outstanding electrochemical performance. Consequently, CA/Co-2@S cathode delivers high initial discharge capacity (1553.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C) and superior cycle stability. Moreover, a remarkable rate performance of 681.4 mAh g−1 at 5.0C and exceptional long-term cycling stability with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.028 % per cycle at 5.0C over 1000 cycles could be achieved when coupled with carbon paper interlayer. This work develops a workable strategy for fabricating multifunctional sulfur host derived from the fascinating bio-nanomaterial of CNC, which provides valuable guidance for the future design of high-performance Li–S batteries. [Display omitted] • Highly dispersed Co clusters/nanoparticles embedded in cellulose nanocrystal derived carbon aerogel (CA) was fabricated. • CA/Co-2@S exhibited superior rate capability and outstanding cycling stability. • CA/Co-2@S coupled with carbon paper interlayer delivered ultralow decay rate of 0.028 % per cycle (1000 cycles) at 5C. • Well-dispersed Co species and hierarchical CA synergistically enhanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel 1D irregular ZnO nanorods (ZNR) with a rough surface and a partially hollow structure (IZRH) was synthesized through an aqueous chemical growth process, followed by a two-step post-treatment. ZNR was first treated using an innovative hydrothermal method, followed by freezing at subzero temperatures to form IZRH. The as-prepared IZRH was compounded with hierarchical ZnO nanoparticles (ZNP) synthesized through low-temperature solid-phase method. The mixture of IZRH and ZNP was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy; it was used as photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs was investigated. Result shows that after freezing post-treatment, IZRH can significantly enhance the conversion efficiency of DSSCs. The maximum power conversion efficiency reaches 7.08%, which is 33% and 45% higher than those of only hydrothermal post-treatment and without post-treatment, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability and release of iRGD-modified RBCm nanoparticles loaded with Jug and Oxa (RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-iRGD-NPs) were evaluated by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. The current study demonstrated that RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-iRGD-NPs had a drug-release profile similar to RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-NPs, but were more stable. Keywords: Juglone; Oxaliplatin; nanoparticles; iRGD; colorectal cancer EN Juglone Oxaliplatin nanoparticles iRGD colorectal cancer 1301 1316 16 01/25/22 20220201 NES 220201 Poor solubility and non-specific biological distribution are critical obstacles for applying Juglone (Jug) into clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: A novel and highly sensitive gas sensor for triethylamine (TEA) was proposed based on its cataluminescence (CTL) from the catalytic oxidation on the surface of nano-sized LaF3–CeO2. The LaF3–CeO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by using a calcination method. The luminescence characteristics and the optimal conditions were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the present gas sensor exhibited a linear range of 0.9–54ppm, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9987 and a limit of detection (S/N=3) of 0.2ppm. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for 36.5ppm triethylamine was 4.3% (n =6). There was no significant change in the catalytic activity of the sensor after 6 days, with a R.S.D. less than 5%. The proposed triethylamine sensor showed the advantages of good sensitivity and high selectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide and NiO composite is prepared by homogeneous coprecipitation and subsequent annealing. Characterizations show that NiO particles have a nanosheet-based microsphere structure and anchor uniformly on the surface of reduced graphene oxide platelets. The RG-O/NiO-based supercapacitors exhibit high specific capacitance of 770Fg−1, and enhanced rate capability. It is found that the electrochemical performance can be enhanced by anchoring NiO particles on the surface of RG-O platelets in the RG-O/NiO composite. This method provides a facile and straightforward approach to distribute NiO nanoparticles onto the surface of RG-O sheets and can be extended to the preparation of other RG-O/metal oxides composite for electrochemical energy storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic and difficult process. Much effort and attempt has been made to accelerate this process. The purpose of this study is to prepare nanoparticles loaded with vaccarin (VAC-NPS)hydrogel and evaluate its effect on promoting wound healing. In the present study, the physicochemical properties of VAC-NPS were characterized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphology of VAC-NPS. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was employed to assessment the biocompatibility of VAC-NPS in vitro. The wound healing function of VAC-NPS hydrogels was evaluated in the full-thickness dermal wound in a rat model. The results indicated that VAC-NPS was spherical like particles with uniform particle size distribution and no obvious aggregation with a diameter of (216.6 ± 10.1)nm. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of VAC in the nanoparticles were (14.3 ± 1.2) % and (51.7 ± 1.7) % respectively. MTT assay demonstrated that the VAC-NPS had no cytotoxicity and could promote HUVEC proliferation and migration. In vivo results showed that VAC-NPS promotes wound healing, and the mechanism may be through up-regulating IL-1β and PDGF-BB, promoting angiogenesis. VAC-NPS might have a potential application value for the treatment of the wound healing and a promising performance in bio-medically relevant systems. Unlabelled Image • The prepared nanoparticles have spherical shape and without obvious aggregation. • The physicochemical properties of VAC-NPS were characterized. • The biocompatibility of VAC-NPS in vitro was evaluated. • The effects of VAC-NPS on wound healing in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. • VAC-NPS promotes wound healing by up-regulating PDGF-BB, promoting angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic illustration of Dox loaded PEGylated BODIPY NPs for image-guided Drug Delivery and Photodynamic Therapy. Herein, an amphipathic polymeric photosensitizer, designated as PEGylated distyryl boron dipyrromethenes with real-time tracing property, is synthesized as a kind of multifunctional carrier to load drugs for combined photodynamic-chemo therapy. The hydrophilic PEG side chains on the carriers prolong its blood circulation time and the self-assembly capacity of PEGylated distyryl boron dipyrromethenes effectively solves the problem of low drug loading efficiency and difficulty in drug release. Meanwhile, with the assistance of the photochemical internalization effect more carriers are taken up and accumulate in the cancer cells. Moreover, the autofluorescence of BODIPY can trace and visualize the carriers in cells or tissues and the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the multidrug resistance (MDR) transporter proteins can overcome MDR in cancer chemotherapy. The IC 50 of PEGylated BODIPY is 250 μg/mL while the IC 50 decreased to 100 μg/mL for Dox@PEGylated BODIPY. As shown in our experiment the self-carriers itself without loading other bioactive constituents can obviously inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and the therapeutic effect is improved after the loading of Dox, indicating the amphipathic polymeric photosensitizer with tracing and self-assembling properties a potential multifunctional cancer treatment platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citral-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (citral-SLNs) were prepared via a high-pressure homogenization method, using glyceryl monostearate (GMS) as the solid lipid and a mixture of Tween 80 (T-80) and Span 80 (S-80) at a weight ratio of 1:1 as the surfactant. The microstructure and properties of the citral-SLNs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The chemical stability of citral in the citral-SLNs was analyzed by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography (SPME-GC). The GC results showed that 67.0% of the citral remained in the citral-SLN suspensions after 12 days, while only 8.22% remained in the control. Therefore, the encapsulation of citral in the solid lipid can enhance its stability in acidic surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have considered as excellent electrocatalysts with high reactivity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While electro-catalytic properties of TMPs are restricted by uneven dispersion, small surface area, poor conductivity, and unsatisfied stability. Herein, a facile procedure was proposed to prepare a hierarchical structure of FeCoP nanoparticles anchored on N-doped carbon/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NC/CNT) nanocomposites. With the increased porosity and conductive network of NC/CNT substrate, the as-synthesized NC/CNT-FeCoP provided abundant active sites for HER. Meanwhile, due to the synergistic effect between the dual metal centers and uniform distribution of bimetallic composites, the synthesized electrocatalyst can provide enhanced intrinsic activity. Therefore, the optimized NC/CNT-FeCoP delivered excellent HER activity in 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with overpotentials of 182 mV and 150 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, NC/CNT-FeCoP coupled two-electrode system needs a low cell potential of 1.68 V at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. First-principle calculations indicated that N-doped graphene substrate can adjust the electronic properties of surface metal site and consequently affect the H adsorption strength to yield an improved HER activity. Our work demonstrated that the combination of mesoporous conductive matrices with bimetallic phosphides could greatly improve the HER efficiency for electrocatalysis. [Display omitted] • FeCoP nanoparticles were uniformly anchored on N-doped carbon foam/CNT nanocomposite. • NC/CNT-FeCoP exhibits excellent HER activity in both alkaline and acid solution. • Carbon foam can improve the cycle stability for FeCoP. • A low cell potential of 1.68 V at 10 mA cm− 2 was obtained for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable adsorption of chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) onto cotton fabrics was successfully developed without any chemical binders. The adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and capacities under different experimental conditions were investigated. The structure and laundering durability of CNs-adsorbed cotton fabrics (CNs-cotton) were also characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The adsorption capacities of cotton for CNs declined with the increasing CNs particle size and temperature. By contrast, adsorption capacities increased with the increasing adsorption pH and CNs mass concentration. The kinetic adsorption of CNs onto cotton fabrics was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism reflected a complex process, and the intra-particle diffusion was not the only rate-limiting step. The transfer and diffusion rates progressively increased with the decrease of adsorption temperature and CNs particle size. The negative values of the standard Gibbs free energy changes (Δ G°) and the standard enthalpy (Δ H°) indicated that the adsorption was exothermic and spontaneous at 5-75°C. The superior laundering resistance of CNs-cotton was demonstrated after 30 consecutive washes, thereby proving the stable adsorption of CNs onto cotton fabrics without chemical binders. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2093-2102, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The increasing H-bond occurred between hydroxyl of cotton and amino of chitosan NP. [•] The hydrophobic interactions between cotton fibers and chitosan NP were confirmed. [•] The acidity of cotton fibers enhanced after chitosan NP treatment. [•] The crystallinity index of cotton fibers decreased during the green adsorption. [•] Chitosan NP preferentially adsorbed on the (200) crystal planes of cotton fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rod-like Nb 26 M o4 O 77 nanoparticles is fabricated by a facile hydrothermal reaction. • Nb 26 M o4 O 77 with an ordered intergrowth ReO 3 structure are favor to the structural stability and Li+ deintercalation. • Rod-like Nb 26 M o4 O 77 nanoparticles show the improved electrochemical properties as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] As a branch of intercalation type niobium-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries, Nb 26 Mo 4 O 77 samples are synthesized by hydrothermal and solid-state method, respectively, while the structure and lithium-ion storage characteristics are studied in depth. Nb 26 Mo 4 O 77 belongs to a monoclinic phase with ordered intergrowth ReO 3 structure, which is constructed by a mixture of (Nb/Mo)O 6 octahedra blocks of 3 × 4 × ∞ and 4 × 4 × ∞ occurring in alternate sequence and linked by MoO 4 tetrahedra, favoring to the structural stability during the rapid lithium-ion deintercalation. Compared to agglomerated Nb 26 Mo 4 O 77 microparticles synthesized via solid-state process, rod-like nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method with the high specific surface area and reaction reactivity exhibit an improved initial coulombic efficiency (89.3%), notable cyclability (203 mAh g−1 after 503 cycles at 0.5 C), significant intercalation pseudocapacitive contribution (82.2% at 0.9 mV s−1) and increased rate capability (107 mAh g−1 at 10 C). These results provide some new supplements for the improvement of niobium-based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]