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A series of stable N-doped porous carbon encapsulated Ni nanoparticles (Ni@CN) were prepared via direct pyrolysis of Ni-MOF-74(N) and utilized for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of phenol to cyclohexanol with isopropanol as a hydrogen donor. The prepared catalysts were characterized by means of TG, XRD, BET, SEM, TEM and XPS. The effects of preparation and reaction conditions on the CTH performance were investigated. The results showed that the Ni particles of Ni@CN were smaller than that of Ni@C, which reflected that the doping of nitrogen could improve the dispersion of Ni nanoparticles. Moreover, electrons can be redistributed with N-doping. These two factors contribute to better catalytic activity. The Ni@CN-450 catalyst exhibited 99.3% phenol conversion with 100% cyclohexanol selectivity. Moreover, the catalysts could be recycled and reused easily with the help of a magnet and its catalytic performance did not decrease obviously even after five successive cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral linear assemblies of plasmonic nanoparticles with chiral optical activity often show low asymmetry factors. Systematic understanding of the structure-property relationship in these systems must be improved to facilitate rational design of their chiroptical response. Here we study the effect of large area interparticle gaps in chiral linear nanoparticle assemblies on their chiroptical properties using a tetrahelix structure formed by a linear face-to-face assembly of nanoscale Au tetrahedra. Using finite-difference time-domain and finite element methods, we performed in-depth evaluation of the extinction spectra and electric field distribution in the tetrahelix structure and its dependence on various geometric parameters. The reported structure supports various plasmonic modes, one of which shows a strong incident light handedness selectivity that is associated with large face-to-face junctions. This works highlights the importance of gap engineering in chiral plasmonic assemblies to achieve g -factors greater than 1 and produce structures with a handedness-selective optical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of controllable dynamic systems is vital for the construction of organelle‐like architectures in living cells, but has proven difficult due to the lack of control over defined topological transformation of self‐assembled structures. Herein, we report a DNA based dynamic assembly system that achieves lysosomal acidic microenvironment specifically inducing topological transformation from nanoparticles to organelle‐like hydrogel architecture in living cells. Designer DNA nanoparticles are constructed from double‐stranded DNA with cytosine‐rich stick ends (C‐monomer) and are internalized into cells through lysosomal pathway. The lysosomal acidic microenvironment can activate the assembly of DNA monomers, inducing transformation from nanoparticles to micro‐sized organelle‐like hydrogel which could further escape into cytoplasm. We show how the hydrogel regulates cellular behaviors: cytoskeleton is deformed, cell tentacles are significantly shortened, and cell migration is promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of controllable dynamic systems is vital for the construction of organelle‐like architectures in living cells, but has proven difficult due to the lack of control over defined topological transformation of self‐assembled structures. Herein, we report a DNA based dynamic assembly system that achieves lysosomal acidic microenvironment specifically inducing topological transformation from nanoparticles to organelle‐like hydrogel architecture in living cells. Designer DNA nanoparticles are constructed from double‐stranded DNA with cytosine‐rich stick ends (C‐monomer) and are internalized into cells through lysosomal pathway. The lysosomal acidic microenvironment can activate the assembly of DNA monomers, inducing transformation from nanoparticles to micro‐sized organelle‐like hydrogel which could further escape into cytoplasm. We show how the hydrogel regulates cellular behaviors: cytoskeleton is deformed, cell tentacles are significantly shortened, and cell migration is promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Photo-driven enzyme was firstly immobilized by affinity absorption. • An immobilization capacity of 98 mg/g carrier was achieved. • Hydrocarbon fuel production was achieved by immobilized photoenzyme. • High remaining enzyme activity after immobilization was observed. Fatty acid photodecarboxylase in Chlorella variabilis NC64A (Cv FAP) performed excellent ability to exclusively decarboxylate renewable fatty acids for C1-shortened hydrocarbons fuel production under visible light. However, the large-scale application by such an approach is limited by the free state of Cv FAP catalyst, which is unstable for efficient biofuel production. In this study, Cv FAP was immobilized in magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4) nanoparticles for facile recovery by a simple procedure. The shift of Ni 2p in electron binding energy was detected to clarify the interaction between Ni2+ and histidine of Cv FAP. The coordination of NiFe 2 O 4 and Cv FAP contributed to an efficient affinity binding with an immobilization capacity of 98 mg/g carrier. Hydrocarbon fuel concentration of 3.7 mM was obtained by NiFe 2 O 4 @ Cv FAP-induced photoenzymatic decarboxylation. The high stability of Cv FAP in terms of residual enzyme activity of 79.7% at pH 9.0 and that of 68% at organic solvent ratio of 60%, respectively, were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long-term live cell tracking is desirable and necessary to understand the dynamics and complexity of biological interactions in stem cells and cancer cells. Conventional live cells fluorescence trackers are generally non-degradable and are showing increased toxicity concerns during the long-term application. Previously we developed biodegradable fluorescent poly(citrate)-based hybrid elastomers for bone regeneration applications. Here, we fabricated the photoluminescent poly(citrate-siloxane) nanoparticles (PCSNPs) through an oil/water emulsion method and demonstrated their long-term live stem cells/cancer cells imaging applications. PCSNPs showed a uniform size distribution (mean diameter 120 nm) and highly stable dispersability (above 30 days) in various physiological medium, as well as excellent fluorescent properties and photostability. PCSNPs possess excellent cellular biocompatibility, which could be efficiently internalized by cells and selectively image the cell lysosome with a high photostability. Compared with commercial Cell Tracker™ Green and Cell Tracker™ Red, the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells or human hepatoma cells were stably labeled by PCSNPs for over 14 days as they grew and developed (7 passages). Additionally, PCSNPs efficiently tracked cells up to 7 days in vivo through a non-invasively way compared with 1 day of commercial tracker. This study demonstrates an important strategy to design biodegradable multifunctional delivery platforms for biomedical applications such as long-term bioimaging. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Biodegradable PCS nanoparticles were fabricated through a facile emulsion technology. • PCSNPs showed a monodispersed size (120 nm) and highly stable dispersability. • PCSNPs exhibited excellent fluorescent properties and photostability. • PCSNPs possess excellent cellular biocompatibility and long term cell tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically investigate the role of coherence in adiabatic search algorithms by using the relative entropy measure of coherence. Both in the ideal case (adiabatic evolution) and the non-ideal case (nonadiabatic evolution), the success probability increases with the decreases of coherence. In addition, the coherence depletion in global adiabatic search algorithm, local adiabatic search algorithm and an adiabatic search algorithm with constant evolution time was discussed. The results show that the coherence decreases faster in more efficient algorithm and an exponential decaying of coherence is necessary to achieve fast search (constant evolution time) in the adiabatic search algorithm. More importantly, we demonstrate that the efficiency of adiabatic search algorithm can be improved by utilizing appropriate method to speed up the coherence depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel chitosan-based nanoparticle (G-C-Q NPs), which simultaneously loaded catechin and quercetin, was synthesized through ionic gelation reaction between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate and subsequent modification by genipin. Chemical structure, size distribution, morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release behavior, antioxidant and antibacterial effects of G-C-Q NPs were investigated. Results showed that G-C-Q NPs were dispersed as an ellipsoidal shape with an average diameter of 180.4 nm and a zeta potential of 31.79 ± 1.28 mV. Entrapment efficiency of catechin and quercetin reached 76.35 ± 1.37% and 52.23 ± 2.45%, respectively. In vitro release study showed that both catechin and quercetin had a sustainable release from the G-C-Q NPs. G-C-Q NPs had higher or comparable potency in scavenging DPPH, ABTS + , OH and O 2 − radicals and in suppressing growing of Escherichia coli , Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus aureus as compared to native drugs (single or combination). These results contribute some basis to the design and fabrication of polymeric nanoparticle delivery systems for multiple bioactive compounds with beneficial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ε-Polylysine-loaded chitosan-sodium alginate nanoparticles (ε-PL NPs) were synthesized and characterized in terms of particle size distribution, surface morphology, thermal properties and structure, respectively. Their antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus were studied. The ε-PL NPs were well dispersed as spherical particles within the range of 200–500 nm. In vitro release studies showed an initial burst release of ε-PL from the nanoparticles followed by a sustained release. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ε-PL NPs against four test bacteria were 7.81 μg/mL ( E. coli ), 31.25 μg/mL ( B. subtilis ), 15.63 μg/mL ( S. aureus ) and 38.67 μg/mL ( M. luteus ), respectively. The bacteriostatic activity of ε-PL NPs was three times higher ( P  < 0.05) than that of free ε-PL in terms of inhibition zone diameter, suggesting that ε-PL NPs has stronger antibacterial activity. These findings may provide some basis for the application of ε-PL NPs as a promising food preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traditional targeting approach utilizing biological ligands has to face the problems of limited receptors and tumor heterogeneity. Herein, a two‐step tumor‐targeting and therapy strategy based on inverse electron‐demand [4+2] Diels–Alder cycloaddition (iEDDA) is described. Owing to the unique acidic tumor microenvironment, an intravenous injection of tetrazine modified pH (low) insertion peptide could efficiently target and incorporate onto various cell surfaces in tumor tissue, such as cancer cells, vascular endothelial cells, and tumor‐associated fibroblasts. The “receptor‐like” tetrazine groups with a large amount and homogeneous intratumoral distribution could then serve as the baits to greatly amplify the tumor‐targeting ability of indocyanine green (ICG)‐loaded and trans‐cyclooctene (TCO)‐conjugated human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles (TCO‐HSA‐ICG NPs) via iEDDA after the second intravenous injection. Compared with the passive enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and traditional active targeting approaches, the targeting performance and photothermal therapeutic effect based on the two‐step strategy are significantly enhanced, while no notable toxicity is observed. As acidity is a characteristic of solid tumor, the two‐step strategy can serve as a universal and promising modality for safe and high‐performance nanoparticle‐based antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrihydrite in natural environment is commonly produced in the presence of significant amounts of Al and low molar mass organic impurities, which affect the surface reactivity of ferrihydrite depending on the impurity levels. Here, we investigated the effect of citrate on the species and levels of Al impurities in ferrihydrite. Al-bearing ferrihydrite was synthesized at different citrate/(Fe + Al) and Al/(Fe + Al) molar ratios. The samples were then characterized by chemical analysis, TEM, XRD, XPS and FTIR. The results showed that citrate promoted the formation of stable colloidal ferrihydrite particles, and induced Al accumulation in colloidal fraction at the citrate/(Fe + Al) ratio of 25% as well as in the surface layer of ferrihydrite at the citrate/(Fe + Al) ratios of 25 and 50 mol%. DFT analysis showed that Al-for-Fe substitution was closely related to the particular sites in ferrihydrite structure. We also estimated the mass of citrate (or aluminum citrate complexes) required to occupy the reactive sites on ferrihydrite nanoparticles. The results revealed that with increasing citrate content, the surface reactive sites favorable for Al-substitution of ferrihydrite became occupied by adsorbed citrate, which partially inhibited the substitution of Fe by Al but increased the adsorption of Al through Al-citrate surface complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, morphology, and optical property of Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The nanomaterial was first applied to ultrasonic catalytic degradation. The sonocatalytic activity of Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles was evaluated at room temperature and in the dark by using the Methyl Orange (MO) as the simulated contaminant. The effects of ultrasonic output power, Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 addition amount, initial concentration of pollutants, pH of solution, types of organic dyes and other factors on the catalytic degradation efficiency were investigated. The experiment results show that the ultrasonic catalytic degradation reaction of MO by the Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles basically follows the pseudo first-order kinetic model. Under the best conditions, the ultrasonic catalytic degradation rate of Methyl Orange reaches 97.8%, and the degradation rate can still reach 82.6% after four cycles of experiments. These results indicate that Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles can be used as acoustic catalyst for the purification of organic wastewater, which has a good application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AgBr microparticles decorated by CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a facile direct precipitation method. The composite exhibited enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance for methyl orange (MO) degradation, about 4.3 times that of pure AgBr. The phases of CuO and AgBr were demonstrated by X-ray diffraction analysis as well as XPS. The SEM images and the cycle experiment revealed that the stability of AgBr was improved significantly by combining with CuO during visible-light illumination. The pH values and the trapping experiments of active species provided good evidences that p-n heterojunction was formed. The high performance and stability of composite were attributed to the crucial role of inner field in p-CuO/n-AgBr, which may transfer holes out of AgBr. The charge transfer mechanism of CuO/AgBr was proposed and discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur-doped anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles with sulfur atoms occupying oxygen sites were realized by low-temperature hydrothermal oxidation of titanium disulfide (TiS 2 ) with deionized water as the solvent. S doping can effectively narrow the bandgap of TiO 2 due to the fact that S 3 p level is higher than O 2p orbital. The large surface area caused by this doping method induces higher photocatalytic activity in the visible regime compared with S-TiO 2 oxidized at high temperature. The low-temperature hydrothermal oxidation of TiS 2 in pH neutral solvent is an environmental-friendly method to obtain S-TiO 2 with high photocatalytic activity, which can be extended to other nonmetal doping of TiO 2 or other semiconductors for bandgap engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared from a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/n-butanol/cyclohexane water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion. The preparation conditions of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst were investigated and are discussed in detail. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed uniform Pt nanoparticles (about 3 nm) with high dispersion in the catalyst. The Pt/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic properties in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzene (o-CNB) to o-chloroaniline (o-CAN). After 60-min reaction at normal pressure and 303 K, the conversion of o-CNB was 81.1% and the selectivity to o-CAN was 96.2%. Kinetic study showed o-CNB hydrogenation to be a first-order reaction with an apparent activation energy of 56.37 kJ mol-1. The microemulsion-derived catalyst shows a higher catalytic activity than an impregnation-drived catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel solvothermal approach to synthesize fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) was developed by using citric acid and ammonium oxalateas as the carbon source, glycol as the solvent. The solution of the as-prepared CNPs emitted strong blue fluorescence under UV 365 nm, and the particles were well- dispersed with an average diameter of about 30–40 nm. The solution of the obtained CNPs was applied to photocatalytic degradation of naphthol green, and the decolorization rate is over 91% when the reaction time reaches more than 5 h under visible light in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed for turbulent nanofluid flows in order to investigate the mechanism of convective heat transfer enhancement induced by the addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid. In the energy equation of a turbulent nanofluid flow, a new thermal dispersion term taking the thermal dispersion effect of nanoparticles into account is introduced, which makes DNS of nanofluid turbulent flow with heat transfer available. The newly established thermal dispersion model is validated by comparing DNS results of heat transfer in a turbulent nanofluid flow with experimental data. Statistical analyses on fluctuating temperature field obtained by DNS show that the mean temperature profile is lowered and the temperature fluctuation intensity, the stream-wise and wall-normal turbulent heat fluxes are all depressed in the buffer layer of nanofluid turbulent flows as compared with the base fluid flow. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis, which has been widely used in the investigations of coherent structures in velocity field of turbulent flows, is carried out to extract coherent structures in the temperature fields of turbulent nanofluid flows. POD analysis shows that the turbulent energy contributions from the first few eigenmodes are reduced by adding nanoparticles and the overall energy distribution becomes more uniform among coherent structures in the fluctuating temperature field. Finally, from the viewpoint of field synergy principle (FSP), the average intersection angles between the two vectors of velocity and temperature gradient are estimated for different cases. It indicates that FSP can also apply to explaining the mechanism of heat transfer enhancement in a turbulent nanofluid flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tea polyphenols have strong antioxidant and antitumor activities. However, these health benefits are limited due to their poor in vivo stability and low bioavailability. Chitosan nanoparticles as delivery systems may provide an alternative approach for enhancing bioavailability of poorly absorbed drugs. In this study, tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles have been prepared using two different chitosan biomaterials, and their antitumor effects were evaluated in HepG2 cells, including cell cytotoxicity comparison, cell morphology analysis, cell apoptosis and cell cycle detection. The results indicated that the tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles showed a branch shape and heterogeneous distribution in prepared suspension. MTT assay suggested that tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the cytotoxicity rates were increased gradually and appeared an obvious dose-dependent relationship. Transmission electron microscope images showed that the HepG2 cells treated with tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited some typical apoptotic features, such as microvilli disappearance, margination of nuclear chromatin, intracytoplasmic vacuoles and the mitochondrial swelling. In addition, the tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles had relatively weak inhibitory effects on HepG2 cancer cells compared with tea polyphenols. Tea polyphenols not only induced cancer cell apoptosis, but also promoted their necrosis. However, tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited their antitumor effects mainly through inducing cell apoptosis. Our results revealed that the inhibition effects of tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on tumor cells probably depended on their controlled drug release and effective cell delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles themselves as the delivery carrier showed limited antitumor effects compared with their encapsulated drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report here the use of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and gold nanostar (AuNS) assemblies modified with oligonucleotides for the detection of target DNA molecules through SERRS. SERS activities of assmblies consisted of 16 nm AuNPs, 30 nm AuNSs and 100 nm AuNSs were compared. Interaction of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AuNP and AuNS assemblies were controlled through adjusting the distance between AuNPs/AuNSs which were realized by varying the length of oligonucleotide with various base sequence. Raman spectroscopies were measured with excitation wavelength of 633 nm. It was found that stronger Raman signal was recorded when AuNSs were used while weaker signals were obtained with AuNPs. This may attribute to AuNSs has tip-enhancement effect while AuNPs has no tips on surface, and AuNSs DNA probes can easily detect 10 nM target DNA. We also found that the Raman signal being stronger when the distance between nanoparticles is ∼3 nm than that of ∼6 nm and ∼12 nm. We envisage this study will achieve further insight into the mechanism of SERRS and provide a general approach for the ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules based on SERRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of antibiotic-loaded microneedles has been hindered for years by limited excipient options, restricted drug-loading space, poor microneedle formability, and short-term drug retention. Therefore, this study proposes a dissolving microneedle fabricated from the host-defense peptide ε-poly- l -lysine (EPL) as an antibacterial adjuvant system for delivering antibiotics. EPL serves not only as a major matrix material for the microneedle tips, but also as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that facilitates the intracellular accumulation of the antibiotic doxycycline (DOX) by increasing bacterial cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the formation of physically crosslinked networks of EPL affords microneedle tips with improved formability, good mechanical properties, and amorphous nanoparticles (approximately 7.2 nm) of encapsulated DOX. As a result, a high total loading content of both antimicrobials up to 2319.1 μg/patch is achieved for efficient transdermal drug delivery. In a Pseudomonas aeruginosa -induced deep cutaneous infection model, the EPL microneedles demonstrates potent and long-term effects by synergistically enhancing antibiotic activities and prolonging drug retention in infected lesions, resulting in remarkable therapeutic efficacy with 99.91 % (3.04 log) reduction in skin bacterial burden after a single administration. Overall, our study highlights the distinct advantages of EPL microneedles and their potential in clinical antibacterial practice when loaded with amorphous DOX nanoparticles. • Epsilon-poly- l -lysine (EPL) microneedles (MN) possess a high drug loading capacity. • The EPL-based MN can encapsulate more antibiotics and inhibit crystal growth. • Amorphous antibiotic nanoparticles can be formed within the MN needle tip. • The EPL can enhance antibiotic efficacy by facilitating bacterial internalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of antibiotic-loaded microneedles has been hindered for years by limited excipient options, restricted drug-loading space, poor microneedle formability, and short-term drug retention. Therefore, this study proposes a dissolving microneedle fabricated from the host-defense peptide ε-poly- l -lysine (EPL) as an antibacterial adjuvant system for delivering antibiotics. EPL serves not only as a major matrix material for the microneedle tips, but also as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that facilitates the intracellular accumulation of the antibiotic doxycycline (DOX) by increasing bacterial cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the formation of physically crosslinked networks of EPL affords microneedle tips with improved formability, good mechanical properties, and amorphous nanoparticles (approximately 7.2 nm) of encapsulated DOX. As a result, a high total loading content of both antimicrobials up to 2319.1 μg/patch is achieved for efficient transdermal drug delivery. In a Pseudomonas aeruginosa -induced deep cutaneous infection model, the EPL microneedles demonstrates potent and long-term effects by synergistically enhancing antibiotic activities and prolonging drug retention in infected lesions, resulting in remarkable therapeutic efficacy with 99.91 % (3.04 log) reduction in skin bacterial burden after a single administration. Overall, our study highlights the distinct advantages of EPL microneedles and their potential in clinical antibacterial practice when loaded with amorphous DOX nanoparticles. • Epsilon-poly- l -lysine (EPL) microneedles (MN) possess a high drug loading capacity. • The EPL-based MN can encapsulate more antibiotics and inhibit crystal growth. • Amorphous antibiotic nanoparticles can be formed within the MN needle tip. • The EPL can enhance antibiotic efficacy by facilitating bacterial internalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Viscoelastic-fluid-based nanofluids with dispersion of copper (Cu) nanoparticles in viscoelastic surfactant solution (aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride/sodium salicylate) were prepared. A comparative study of thermal conductivity and viscosity between viscoelastic-fluid-based Cu nanofluids and distilled water based nanofluids was then performed experimentally. Different concentrations of viscoelastic base fluid and volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles were matched in order to check their influences on fluid’s thermal conductivity and viscosity. The experimental results show that the viscoelastic-fluid-based Cu nanofluids have a higher thermal conductivity than viscoelastic base fluid, and its thermal conductivity increases with increasing temperature and increasing particle volume fraction. Furthermore, the viscoelastic-fluid-based Cu nanofluid shows a non-Newtonian behavior in its viscosity, and the viscosity increases with the increase of Cu nanoparticle concentration and decrease of temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary An improved nanocomposite-based packaging material (NCP) was prepared by blending polyethylene with nano-Ag, nano-TiO2 and attapulgite. And its effect on preservation quality of green tea (Biluochun and Qingfeng) during one-year ambient storage was investigated. The results showed that adding nanoparticles to the polyethylene could significantly improve the barrier property. After one-year ambient storage, the moisture of Biluochun and Qingfeng with NCP was decreased by 10.3% and 6.1% compared with the normal packaging material. Meanwhile, the contents of amino acid, tea polyphenols, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid were increased by 22.8%, 9.4%, 30.4% and 9.5% for Biluochun and 19.2%, 9.3%, 27.3% and 21.6% for Qingfeng, respectively, compared with the normal packaging material. Moreover, the sensory quality of NCP was also superior to that with the control. Therefore, the improved NCP material probably provides an attractive alternative to maintain the preservation quality of green tea at a high level during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation method using carboxymethyl chitosan and chitosan hydrochloride as carriers of tea polyphenols. The characteristics of chitosan-coated tea polyphenols nanoparticles (CS-TP NPs) were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy. It was found that the synthesized CS-TP NPs were non-spherical in shape with an average size of 407±50nm. Meanwhile, the drug content and encapsulation rate of the nanoparticles was 8–16% and 44–83%, respectively. These CS-TP NPs also demonstrated sustained release of tea polyphenols in PBS. The antitumor of CS-TP NPs towards HepG2 cancer cells was investigated. The result showed that CS-TP NPs retained significant antitumor activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new type of CoO nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitable hollow carbon sphere (GHCS) composite material was synthesized. The core–shell structure CoO/GHCS composite shows the improved cyclability as an anodic material in Li-ion battery. The core–shell composite containing 50wt% CoO exhibits a reversible capacity of 584mAhg−1 at a constant current density of 100mAg−1 between 0 and 3.0V (vs. Li+/Li), and remains a capacity retention of 95% after 50th cycle. The improvement could be attributed to that the GHCS with a good electronic conductivity and high surface severs as dispersing medium to prevent CoO nanoparticles from aggregating, and provide the enough space to buffer the volume change during the Li-ion insertion and extraction reactions in CoO nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sodium ferulate (SF) loaded nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation procedure and subsequent cross-linking of the wall material of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Several factors in the nanoencapsulation process, such as the addition rate of the desolvation agent, composition of BSA and SF solution, amount of the cross-linker glutaraldehyde, were investigated to elucidate their influences on the particle size, zeta potential, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the resulted nanoparticles. The obtained spherical nanoparticles were negative charged with zeta potential from −20 to −40mV, and characterized between 100 and 200nm with a narrow size distribution. In the condition of introducing 1.0mL 8% glutareldehyde per mg of BSA, the drug entrapment efficiency (EE) of 80% (w/w) and loading capacity of about 16% (w/w) could be achieved for the cross-linked BSA nanoparticles with SF encapsulated (SF-BSA-NP). And the drug EE was decreased along with the increasing amount of glutareldehyde used for cross-linking. The in vitro drug release properties of SF-BSA-NP behaved with an initial burst effect and then sustained-release stage. To some extent, the drug release rate could be adjusted by cross-linking with different amount of glutaraldehyde. Compared with SF solution, SF-BSA-NP showed a much higher drug distribution into liver and a lower drug concentration in other tissues, after intravenously injected to mice. So, BSA based nanoparticles might be a suitable controlled released carrier for the freely water-soluble drug SF and further hepatic targeted drug delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The size dependence in the palladium nanoparticle-catalyzed solvent-free aerobic oxidation of alcohols was studied. Palladium nanoparticles with tunable mean sizes in a range of 2.0–10.5nm were prepared over NaX zeolite by ion exchange of Na+ with an ionic Pd precursor followed by calcination and H2 reduction. The calcination temperature was found to be a crucial factor in determining the mean size of Pd nanoparticles. Pd/NaX catalysts with proper mean sizes of Pd could catalyze the solvent-free aerobic oxidation of various alcohols, and were particularly efficient for the oxidation of benzylic alcohols without substituents in benzene ring. Detailed studies using the Pd/NaX catalysts with different mean sizes of Pd revealed that the solvent-free aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol was structure-sensitive, and the intrinsic turnover frequency (TOF) reached a maximum at a medium mean size of Pd (2.8nm). On the other hand, for the oxidation of geraniol or 2-octanol without delocalized π-ring, the reaction was structure-insensitive, and the intrinsic TOF did not change significantly with the mean size of Pd particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To promote dispersion of nano-silica in polypropylene (PP), a polymerizable foaming agent p-vinylphenylsulfonylhydrazide was synthesized and grafted onto the nanoparticles via free-radical polymerization. It was found that the grafted poly(p-vinylphenylsulfonylhydrazide) played dual role when being melt mixed with PP. The side sulfonylhydrazide groups were gasified to form polymer bubbles, leading to rapid inflation of the surrounding matrix that pulled apart the agglomerated nanoparticles, while the remaining backbone of the grafted polymer helped to improve the filler/matrix interaction through chain entanglement and interdiffusion at the interface. Mechanical tests indicated that the grafted nano-SiO2/PP composites prepared according to the above strategy were simultaneously toughened, strengthened and stiffened. Compared with conventional graft polymerization treatment where no blowing function is associated, the technique proposed in this work could significantly enhance notch impact strength of PP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Liposome-encapsulated polyoxometalates (abbreviated as LEP): incorporating K6SiW11TiO40 {(SiW11Ti) LEP} have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, and IR, UV–Vis, and NMR spectroscopy. The particle sizes of these complexes ranged from 15 to 60 nm. The polyoxometalate retained the parent structure after encapsulation by the liposome. Based upon in vitro measurements with KB and HeLa cancer cells, the liposome-encapsulation enhances cell-membrane penetration, and the stability and antitumoral activity of the polyoxometalate. The toxicity of the polyoxometalate was reduced when LEPs were employed against HL-60 tumors in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies the preparation and fluorescent properties of core-shell nanoparticles composed of a polystyrene core having a poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) shell. Microscopic methods used to confirm the presence of core-shell structure; Use of infrared spectra to study coordination between various groups; Study of fluorescence intensity transition.

Optical microcavities are known for their strongly enhanced light–matter interactions. Whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonators have important applications in nonlinear optics, single-mode output, and biosensing. However, there are few studies on resonance modes in the ultraviolet spectrum because most materials with high absorption properties are in the ultraviolet band. In this study, the performance of a microdisk cavity based on boron nitride (BN) was simulated by using the Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The WGM characteristics of a single BN microdisk with different sizes were obtained, wherein the resonance modes could be regulated from 270 nm to 350 nm; additionally, a single-mode at 301.5 nm is achieved by cascading multiple BN microdisk cavities. Moreover, we found that a BN microdisk with a diameter of 2 μm has a position-independent precise sensitivity for the nanoparticle of 140 nm. This study provides new ideas for optical microcavities to achieve single-mode management and novel coronavirus size screening, such as SARS-CoV-2, in the ultraviolet region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Luminescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) had shown great impact on bioimaging and environmental applications recently. Here an inexpensive but practical solovethermal method is developed to prepare CNPs using tartaric acid and ammoniumoxalate as starting materials in one-pot. This approach allows large-scale production of aqueous CNPs dispersions without any post-treatment process. The product CNPs have amorphous structures, with diameter of about 10–30nm, exhibit an excitation-independent photoluminescence (PL) behavior. Meanwhile, CNPs showed UV-light sensitive photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) degradation, indicating CNPs potential applications in environment or energy areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nearly monodisperse Dy2Sn2O7 materials have been prepared VIA a one-step hydrothermal method by changing the pH of the reaction solution. The nanoparticles were used for sonocatalytic degradation of Acid blue (AB) in aqueous solution and the results showed that the Dy2Sn2O7 had a sonocatalytic degradation rate of over 99.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The fabrication of stable and efficient catalysts for green and economic catalytic transformation is significant. Here, highly stable covalent triazine frameworks (CTF-1) were used as the supporting material for anchoring ultrafine Pd nanoparticles (NPs) via a facile impregnation process and a one-pot calcination-reduction strategy. The widespread dispersion of ultrafine Pd NPs was a result of the abundant high nitrogen-content triazine groups of CTF-1 that endowed the catalyst Pd@CTF-1 with high catalytic activity. The catalytic performance of Pd@CTF-1 was demonstrated by the one-pot N -alkylation of benzaldehyde with aniline (or nitrobenzene) under mild reaction conditions, and Pd@CTF-1 exhibited a wide range of general applicability for N -alkylation reactions. The reaction mechanism for the N -alkylation reaction was also studied in detail. In addition, the Pd@CTF-1 catalyst exhibited high thermal and chemical stability, maintaining good catalytic efficiency after multiple reaction cycles. This study provides new insights for the fabrication of organic supporting materials with highly dispersed active catalytic sites that can lead to excellent catalytic performance for efficient, economical, and green reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed two-step solution-phase reactions to form hybrid materials of Mn3O4 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets for lithium ion battery applications. Selective growth of Mn3O4 nanoparticles on RGO sheets, in contrast to free particle growth in solution, allowed for the electrically insulating Mn3O4 nanoparticles to be wired up to a current collector through the underlying conducting graphene network. The Mn3O4 nanoparticles formed on RGO show a high specific capacity up to ∼900 mAh/g, near their theoretical capacity, with good rate capability and cycling stability, owing to the intimate interactions between the graphene substrates and the Mn3O4 nanoparticles grown atop. The Mn3O4/RGO hybrid could be a promising candidate material for a high-capacity, low-cost, and environmentally friendly anode for lithium ion batteries. Our growth-ongraphene approach should offer a new technique for the design and synthesis of battery electrodes based on highly insulating materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BaAl12O19:Mn2+ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements. The results indicate that BaAl12O19:Mn2+ with spherical morphology can be synthesized at 1200°C, which is about 300°C lower than that of solid state reaction with size ranging from 40 to 100nm. Monitored at 515nm, the excitation spectra of as-prepared BaAl12O19:x Mn2+ (0.1⩽x⩽0.5) and bulk BaAl12O19:0.1 Mn2+ are similar. The bands at 130 and 156nm were observed and assigned to the optical absorption of AlO4 and AlO6 groups, respectively. The emission band position of nano-BaAl12O19:0.1 Mn2+ is 6nm shorter than that of the bulk due to the low symmetry of crystal field near the surface of nano-BaAl12O19:Mn2+. The optimum emission intensity was obtained at x=0.2 of Mn2+ doping. Furthermore, the decay behaviors of nano-sized and bulk BaAl12O19:0.1 Mn2+ have also been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article cites a study by researcher R.V. Jagadeesh et al. on the general synthesis of amines through reductive amination of carbonyl compounds. The researchers use a cobalt nanoparticle catalyst with a structure derived from the pyrolysis of a metal-organic framework (MOF) compound. The catalysts are vital because of their high activities and selectivities.

Sepiolite is a natural clay that has been used in many fields and has attracted increasing attention. The Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticles were successfully supported by sepiolite and used as the ultrasonic catalyst for the degradation of Acid Orange 7 in this paper. The Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sepiolite composite was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and performed well in ultrasonic degradation. Within 90 min ultrasound vibration, a better degradation ratio of 84.03% was achieved in the Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sepiolite system compared with the sepiolite and Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7. The prepared sonocatalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and XPS. The scavenge tests and ESR results revealed that h+ and ·OH were the primary active species for Acid Orange 7 degradation, and ·O 2 − also played an important role. The results indicated that Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sepiolite has the potential as a sonocatalyst in the process of remedying the environment and provides a new idea for exploiting and utilizing natural minerals. [Display omitted] • Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sepiolite material was successfully prepared by the simple hydrothermal method. • The Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 nanoparticle was used to modify the nature clay sepiolite. • The binary catalyst performed well in ultrasonic degradation. • The mechanism of Acid Orange 7 degradation by the Dy 2 Sn 2 O 7 /Sepiolite was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the magnetoresistance of (gamma-Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3])[sub x]Ag[sub 100-x], a granular system where insulating magnetic nanoparticles and nonmagnetic metal are mixed. Samples for high silver concentration; Samples below the percolation threshold.

Summary: Over the past decade, edible colloidal particle‐stabilised Pickering emulsions have regained research interest. However, little information is available regarding the application of amidated pectin in stabilising Pickering emulsions. In this work, a 'two‐step' method was used to synthesise gliadin/pectin composite colloidal particles. The effects of pectin type, particle ratio, particle amount and oil fraction on the formation and stability of the resulting Pickering emulsion were systematically investigated by particle size and microscopy. The results showed that the particles formed after the addition of amidated pectin could better stabilise the o/w Pickering emulsion with a concentration of 2%, lower than that of the gliadin colloid particles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed the cross‐sectional structure and the attachment of protein particles to the external interface. These results may provide reference for the selection of shell materials for Pickering colloidal particles (especially gliadin) in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Injectable Nanoparticles b Appropriate materials for the efficient and selective capturing of plasma cytokines are urgently needed. In article number 2300037, Jianliang Shen, Xuewu Liu, and co-workers design injectable porous silicon particles (PSPs) as scavenging adsorbents. [Extracted from the article]

We investigated the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-targeted microbubble (MB) destruction (UTMD)-enhanced delivery of monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly- l-lysine (mPEG-PLGA-PLL) nanoparticles (NPs) loading Cy3-labelled platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) siRNA to rat retina in vivo. Eighty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (G). The right eyes, respectively, received an intravitreal injection as follows: normal saline (NS) (G1), NPs and NS (G2), NPs and MBs (G3), NPs and NS (G4) and NPs and MBs (G5). In G4 and G5, the eyes were exposed to US for 5 mins. Twenty-four hours after transfection, the uptake and distribution of Cy3-labelled siRNA in rat retina were observed by fluorescent microscope. The percentage of Cy3-labelled siRNA-positive cells was evaluated by flow cytometer. The levels of PDGF-BB mRNA in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and secreted PDGF-BB proteins were also measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and frozen sections were used to observe tissue damage. Our results showed that the number of Cy3-labelled siRNA-positive cells in G5 was significantly higher than those of the other groups ( P<0.05 for all comparisons). The maximum efficiency of siRNA uptake in neural retina was 18.22±1.67%. In G4 and G5, a small number of Cy3-labelled siRNA-positive cells were also detected in the pigmented cell layer of the retina. NPs loading siRNA delivered with UTMD could more effectively down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of PDGF-BB than NPs plus US ( P=0.014 and P=0.007, respectively). Histology showed no evident tissue damage after UTMD-mediated NPs loading siRNA transfection. UTMD could be used safely to enhance the delivery of mPEG-PLGA-PLL NPs loading siRNA into rat retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano/micro-carrier systems have shown promising application in the biomedical field as various delivery carriers. The composite material and fabrication method determine their microstructures, properties and thus their potential applications. Since approved as tablet coating material by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA), zein has been widely investigated as one of protein-based materials in the past few decades. Zein is renewable, biodegradable and relatively inexpensive in comparison with animal proteins ( e.g ., gelatin and albumin). This paper reviews the current landscape of zein-based nano/micro-carrier systems, with particular emphasis on nano/microparticles, nano/microcapsules and their design, fabrication, assembly mechanisms and biomedical applications especially for controlled drug delivery. The benefits, challenges and related solutions of zein-based colloidal carrier systems are also discussed. In addition, investigations on the molecular structure, biocompatibility and immunogenicity of zein are summarized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positively-charged nanofiltration (NF) membranes have attracted more attention compared with traditional negative NF membranes. In this work, one-step self-assembly strategy was designed to prepare positively-charged NF separation layer by the close packing of poly(styrene- r -quaternized 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (P(St- r -QDMA)) nanoparticles (NPs) with intramolecular crosslinking structure. Meanwhile, the pore size of NF membrane was tailored by regulating the aggregation of the NPs using different ions and annealing conditions. Herein, water was used as a dispersant to obtain P(St- r -QDMA) NPs dispersion, which is non-toxic and green. The pore size cut-off (PSCO) of the separation layer is well controlled in the range of 0.98–4.04 nm. The optimal membrane showed molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 380 Da (i.e., PSCO, 0.98 nm) with the isoelectric point of 9.4, which effectively improved the separation performance for divalent cations (97.2 % for MgCl 2 and 96.0 % for CaCl 2) and neutral small molecules (97.7 % for VB 12 and 92.5 % for PEG400). This work gives a novel and convenient method to construct positively-charged NF membrane with controlled pore sizes, which will be a promising candidate for water softening and molecular separation. [Display omitted] • Positively-charged nanofiltration membrane was prepared by nanoparticles assembly. • The pore size of membrane was tailored by ion concentration and annealing temperature. • It is a novel and convenient preparation method. • The membrane is promising in water softening and molecular separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of AIE-active fluorescent organic nanoparticles were designed and constructed as anti-counterfeiting photoresponsive materials. One is fluorescent organic nanoparticles (TPELs) based on a self-assembly strategy, which were self-assembled from novel amphiphilic tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecules decorated with a lactose moiety and different photoresponsive tags. The other is polymeric fluorescent organic nanoparticles (F-TPEs) derived from the nanoprecipitation strategy, which utilized pluronic copolymer F127 to encapsulate hydrophobic TPEs without lactosyl modifications. Upon UV light irradiation, these AIE-active materials exhibit different photooxidation behaviors in an aqueous solution to give cyan, orange and green fluorescence emissions, and they were successfully used as an anti-counterfeiting fluorescent hydrogel and ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Low-cytotoxic polymer synthesized via photoinitiated free radical polymerization. • PDNM/siKRAS's anti-tumor effect testified through in vivo and in vitro experiments. • PDNM/siKRAS was applied to inhibit 3D cultured PDOs after establishment from patient. • Droplet and suspension transfection were utilized and compared in PDOs. Mutant KRAS sustained KRAS-GTP conformation and activated downstream signaling in pancreatic cancer. Inhibition of KRAS expression has been widely utilized for gene therapy of pancreatic cancer. In this study, a triblock cationic polymer, PDMAEMA-co-PNIPAM-co-PMPC (PDNM), was designed and synthesized as a gene carrier through photoinitiated free radical polymerization. The PDNM/siKRAS delivery system exhibited efficient cellular uptake and low bio-toxicity, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. In vitro experiments using AsPC-1 cells showed that the nanoparticle transfection with PDNM/siKRAS demonstrated favorable anti-tumor effect, including enhanced apoptosis, inhibition of mitosis by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase, reduced Ki67 expression, and impaired cell migration ability. The anti-tumor effect was achieved primarily through KRAS inhibition and caspase 3 activation following siKRAS transfection. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that the PDNM/siKRAS nanoparticles resulted in reduced tumor volumes and decreased Ki67 expression without apparent impairment of other organs. Notably, the transfection of nanoparticles in patient-derived organoids also demonstrated a similar inhibitory effect. Overall, PDNM holds promise as a potential carrier for siKRAS delivery and gene therapy, both in experimental and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the main challenge of poor atomic economy for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons, synergistic catalysis on heterogenous catalysts has been focused on precisely regulating oxidation of specific chemical bonds in organic substrates. Here, a series of copper nanocatalysts loaded on Mn-substituted SrTiO 3 perovskite-type oxides with varying Mn/Ti ratios for cyclohexylbenzene (CHB) oxidation to form cyclohexylbenzene-1-hydroperoxide (CHBHP) were successfully synthesized by coprecipitation method assisted by a micro-liquid-film reactor. It was found that the introduction of manganese created numerous oxygen vacancies in nanocatalysts, promoting the activation of oxygen molecules. Moreover, both copper and manganese ions enhanced the activated adsorption of CHB substrate. In particular, as-constructed Cu-based nanocatalyst with a substitution of 15% Mn into Ti sites showed superior catalytic oxidation efficiency with a ∼30% yield of CHBHP product, which is at the highest level compared with previously reported heterogenous catalysts, mainly attributable to the favorable synergy between copper, manganese, and oxygen vacancies. This work sheds light on the importance of multi-active site synergistic catalysis in advanced alkane oxidation processes. [Display omitted] • Copper nanocatalysts loaded on Mn-substituted SrTiO 3 perovskites were fabricated. • Mn substitution led to the generation of oxygen vacancies and multivalent Mn ions. • The enhanced cyclohexylbenzene oxidation to hydroperoxide was realized. • High catalytic efficiency was attributable to synergy of oxygen vacancy and Mn-substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low effective availability of modern pesticides places heavy burdens on both the environment and costs to farmers. Nano-augmented delivery systems seem to be more promising to address the present challenge modern pesticides are facing. In this article, biodegradable chitosan-lactide copolymer (CPLA) was prepared and characterized as hydrophobic pesticide-pyraclostrobin carrier. Nano-precipitation method was used to fabricate pyraclostrobin-loaded nanoparticles. Loading content (LC), encapsulation efficiency (EE), size, and size distribution of the resulting nanoparticles were investigated. The size of pesticide-loaded nanoparticles can be adjusted between 77 to 128 nm by varying the feed mass ratio of copolymer to pyraclostrobin from 50/1 to 5/1. Compounds contained within nanoparticles was protected from light compared with the technical material. The pyraclostrobin-loaded nanoparticles showed an initial burst, subsequent sustained and pH-controlled release profile. Compared to 25% pyraclostrobin emulsifiable concentrate (EC), the nanoparticles demonstrated better fungicidal activity againstColletotrichum gossypiiSouthw under long incubation time, which further exhibited sustained release characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The uniform Pd nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of spinel-type ZnAlO support for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions. High-surface-area ZnAlO support with microporous framework was successfully synthesized utilizing concurrent hexamethylenetetramine hydrolysis and homogeneous coprecipitation induced spontaneously under solvothermal conditions. The obtained support Pd catalyst was used as heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction in an environmentally friendly ethanol solvent under ligand-free ambient conditions, and exhibited excellent catalytic activity. The remarkable catalytic activity is attributed to the homogeneous distribution of small Pd nanoparticles on the ZnAlO matrix as well as the strong metal-support interaction. Furthermore, the catalytic activity did not deteriorate after recycling for five times, suggestive of the good stability of the catalyst. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Success in anticancer immune therapy relies on stimulation of tumor antigen‐specific T lymphocytes and effective infiltration of the T cells into tumor tissue. Here, a therapeutic vaccine that promotes proliferation and tumor infiltration of antigen‐specific T cells in both inflamed and noninflamed tumor types is described. The vaccine consists of STING agonist 2′3′‐cGAMP, TLR9 ligand CpG, and tumor antigen peptides that are loaded into nanoporous microparticles (μGCVax). μGCVax is effective in inhibiting lung metastatic melanoma, primary breast cancer, and subcutaneous colorectal cancer in their respective murine models, including functional cure of HER2‐positive breast cancer. Mechanistically, μGCVax potently stimulates type I interferon expression in dendritic cells, and promotes CD8+ and CD103+ dendritic cell maturation and migration to lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. Antitumor responses are dependent on TLR9 and interferon α/β receptor signaling, and to a less extent on STING signaling. These results demonstrate a high potential for μGCVax in mediating antitumor immunity in personalized cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]