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The current work studied the physical modification effects of non-covalent surfactant on the carbon-particle-filled nanocomposite. The selected surfactant named Triton™ X-100 was able to introduce the steric repelling force between the epoxy matrix and carbon fillers with the help of beneficial functional groups, improving their dispersibility and while maintaining the intrinsic conductivity of carbon particles. Subsequent results further demonstrated that the physically modified carbon nanotubes, together with graphene nanoplates, constructed an effective particulate network within the epoxy matrix, which simultaneously provided mechanical reinforcement and conductive improvement to the hybrid nanocomposite system. For example, the hybrid nanocomposite showed maximum enhancements of ~75.1% and ~82.5% for the quasi-static mode-I critical-stress-intensity factor and dynamic compressive strength, respectively, as compared to the neat epoxy counterpart. Additionally, the fine dispersion of modified fillers as a double-edged sword adversely influenced the electrical conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite because of the decreased contact probability among particles. Even so, by adjusting the modified filler ratio, the conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite went up to the maximum level of ~10−1–100 S/cm, endowing itself with excellent electro-thermal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific stacking mode of D/A blocks is often considered to largely determine the physicochemical properties of cocrystals. However, this rule may fail when encountering a large degree of (integer or near-integer) charge transfer situations. Herein, we explore the extensive correlations between the possible smallest structural units, stacking modes, and near-infrared photothermal conversion (NIR-PTC) properties of F4TCNQ-based cocrystals with typical features of integer-charge-transfer. Surprisingly, these cocrystals with distinct stacking modes display analogous D-A interactions, broad red-shift absorption, ultrafast (1-3 ps) relaxation dynamics of excited states, and excellent NIR-PTC properties. This supports that the resulting "D + A - " ion pairs from integer-charge-transfer may serve as the primary structural units beneath the secondary stacking modes to dominate the property of cocrystals. The stacking modes play an important but only secondary role. This work provides new insights into the structure-dynamics-property correlations and modular design of organic cocrystals for PTC and other applications.

Objectives: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease affecting the joint, which is characterized by injury to the articular cartilage, as well as changes in the synovial and subchondral bone. TMJOA has a high incidence rate, without any effective treatment. Despite the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in various diseases, their efficacy in treating TMJOA is constrained by the local hypoxic conditions and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) environment within the damaged temporomandibular joint. In recent years, many studies have reported that parathyroid hormone (PTH) can effectively treat TMJOA, and has an important impact on MSC differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that PTH may influence the potential of MSCs, thereby improving their therapeutic effect on TMJOA., Methods: First, we isolated and cultured rat bone marrow MSCs, and evaluated their proliferation and differentiation after adding PTH. Next, the in vitro environment of hypoxia and high ROS was established by hypoxia condition and H 2 O 2 treatment, and the resistance of PTH-treated MSCs to hypoxia and ROS was subsequently investigated. Finally, PTH-treated MSCs were used to treat TMJOA in a rat model to evaluate the efficacy of PTH., Results: PTH enhanced the proliferation ability of MSCs, promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, and improved the tolerance of MSCs to hypoxia and ROS. Finally, the therapeutic effect of PTH-treated MSCs on TMJOA was significantly improved., Conclusion: PTH enhances the therapeutic effect of MSCs on TMJOA in rats., Competing Interests: None., (AJSC Copyright © 2023.)