Search

In the realm of clinical practice, nucleoside analogs are the prevailing antiviral drugs employed to combat feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infections. However, these drugs, initially formulated for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, operate through a singular mechanism and are susceptible to the emergence of drug resistance. These challenges underscore the imperative to innovate and develop alternative antiviral medications featuring unique mechanisms of action, such as viral entry inhibitors. This research endeavors to address this pressing need. Utilizing Bio-layer interferometry (BLI), we meticulously screened drugs to identify natural compounds exhibiting high binding affinity for the herpesvirus functional protein envelope glycoprotein B (gB). The selected drugs underwent a rigorous assessment to gauge their antiviral activity against feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and to elucidate their mode of action. Our findings unequivocally demonstrated that Saikosaponin B2, Punicalin, and Punicalagin displayed robust antiviral efficacy against FHV-1 at concentrations devoid of cytotoxicity. Specifically, these compounds, Saikosaponin B2, Punicalin, and Punicalagin, are effective in exerting their antiviral effects in the early stages of viral infection without compromising the integrity of the viral particle. Considering the potency and efficacy exhibited by Saikosaponin B2, Punicalin, and Punicalagin in impeding the early entry of FHV-1, it is foreseeable that their chemical structures will be further explored and developed as promising antiviral agents against FHV-1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of nanocomposites based on poly( ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by in situ polymerization. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed not only a well dispersion of GO but also a strong interfacial interaction between GO and the PCL matrix, as evidenced by the presence of some GO nanosheets embedded in the matrix. Effects of GO nanofillers on the crystal structure, crystallization behavior and spherulitic morphology of the PCL matrix were investigated in detail. The results showed that the crystallization temperature of PCL enhanced significantly due to the presence of GO in the nanocomposites, however, the addition of GO did not affect the crystal structure greatly. Thermal stability of PCL remarkably increased with the addition of GO nanosheets, compared with that of pure PCL. Incorporation of GO greatly improved the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PCL without a significant loss of the elongation at break. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of magnetic nanocomposites based on poly( ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and FeO nanoparticles were prepared using a facile in situ polymerization method. The chemical structures of the PCL/FeO nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results of wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the incorporation of the FeO nanoparticles did not affect the crystallization structure of the PCL. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the morphology and dispersion of the FeO nanoparticles within the as-synthesized nanocomposites. Results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) showed that the crystallization temperature was raised and the spherulites size decreased by the presence of FeO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites due to the heterogeneous nucleation effect. The thermal stability of the PCL was depressed by incorporation of FeO nanoparticles from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The superparamagnetic behavior of the PCL/FeO nanocomposites was testified by the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer analysis. The obtained biodegradable nanocomposites will have a great potential in magnetic resonance imaging contrast and targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite possessing a high theoretical capacity, MnS has a rather complex lithium kinetic diffusion and poor mechanical stability that hinders its application in energy storage devices like lithium-ion batteries. This study is focused on overcoming the drawbacks of MnS anode material by assembling a carbon-constraint MnS nanocomposite in a core-shell configuration. This structure is obtained by a simple route involving DC plasma evaporation of Mn@C nanoparticles and posterior thermal sulfurization process. As anode material in a Li-ion battery, MnS@C-300 attains high specific capacity of 890 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g−1. It also shows remarkable high rate capability with capacity values of 705, 684, 643, 578, and 495 mAh g−1 at current densities of 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mA g−1, respectively. This exceptional electrochemical response is endorsed to the synergetic effect of the smart design of a core-shell architecture. The carbonaceous shell enhances the lithium-ion diffusion towards the active MnS core and preserves structural stability during the long cycling process. Image 1 • Simple plasma evaporation and sulfuration are used to produce MnS@C nanocomposites. • Carbon constraint avoids the sintering of MnS nanoparticles during synthesis. • Core-shell structure provides outstanding stability and lithium storage properties. • High capacitive contribution generates excellent high-rate capability results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]