Acid Carrier Research Articles

Photochemical internalization of mRNA using a photosensitizer and nucleic acid carriers

Photochemical internalization of mRNA using a photosensitizer and nucleic acid carriers

Rational Design of Advanced Gene Delivery Carriers: Macrophage Phenotype Matters.

Nucleic acid delivery in hard-to-transfect macrophages have attracted increasing attention in diverse applications such as defence against bacterial infection. Regulated by microenvironments in specific applications, macrophages have a heterogenous nature and exist in different phenotypes with diverse functions, e.g., pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. However, it is not clear whether macrophage phenotype affects nucleic acid delivery, and which one is harder to transfect, and the design of nucleic acid carriers in harder-to-transfect macrophage phenotypes is largely unexplored. Herein, it is first revealed that nucleic acid delivery efficacy in macrophages is influenced by phenotype: IL-4-treated "M2-like" macrophages with suppressed mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) levels are harder-to-transfect than "M1-like" macrophages for mRNA and DNA. This knowledge is then translated to the purpose-design of gene delivery carriers for harder-to-transfect M2 phenotype macrophages dominant upon bacteria immune evasion. By loading chloroquine in tetrasulfide bond-containing organosilica nanoparticles, the resultant composite promotes macrophage M2 polarization to M1 and increases mTORC1 levels for enhanced translation. The design is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo for pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. It is expected that the findings may provide new knowledge and gene delivery solutions in other applications where the M2 phenotype macrophage is dominant.

Transportery kwasów tłuszczowych jako potencjalne markery diagnostyczne raka jelita grubego

Colorectal cancer (RJG) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms: approximately 1.9 million new cases are reported annually. Notwithstanding the advent of techniques for the early detection of RJG and the introduction of novel therapeutic modalities, this disease remains the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The results of recent studies highlight the role of fatty acid transporters, including fatty acid translocase/cluster of differentiation 36 (FAT/CD36), fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), and fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), in the pathogenesis of RJG. Changes in serum concentrations and in expression levels in tumor tissue may serve as promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of the disease and/or the monitoring of its progression and the efficacy of its treatment. Moreover, the fatty acid carriers present a promising avenue for the development of efficacious therapies against RJG.

A dangerous liaison: Spreading depolarization and tissue acidification in cerebral ischemia.

Brain pH is precisely regulated, and pH transients associated with activity are rapidly restored under physiological conditions. During ischemia, the brain's ability to buffer pH changes is rapidly depleted. Tissue oxygen deprivation causes a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism and the accumulation of lactic acid and protons. Although the degree of tissue acidosis resulting from ischemia depends on the severity of the ischemia, spreading depolarization (SD) events emerge as central elements to determining ischemic tissue acidosis. A marked decrease in tissue pH during cerebral ischemia may exacerbate neuronal injury, which has become known as acidotoxicity, in analogy to excitotoxicity. The cellular pathways underlying acidotoxicity have recently been described in increasing detail. The molecular structure of acid or base carriers and acidosis-activated ion channels, the precise (dys)homeostatic conditions under which they are activated, and their possible role in severe ischemia have been addressed. The expanded understanding of acidotoxic mechanisms now provides an opportunity to reevaluate the contexts that lead to acidotoxic injury. Here, we review the specific cellular pathways of acidotoxicity and demonstrate that SD plays a central role in activating the molecular machinery leading to acid-induced damage. We propose that SD is a key contributor to acidotoxic injury in cerebral ischemia.

To determine the accuracy of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) as a new and early cardiac biomarker in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)

Heart diseases including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), are the second leading cause of death all over the world. Therefore, early detection and treatment of AMI have become the most critical and effective life-saving steps. H-FABP is a soluble cytoplasmic protein with a low molecular weight of 14.9 kDa fatty acid carrier protein abundantly present in the cardiac tissue. After myocardial ischemic damage, H-FABP can be detected in blood within 1 hour of onset of chest pain, with peak values at 3-6 hrs. Cardiac troponins, CK-MB, used routinely in the diagnosis of AMI, are not elevated in the initial hours (super acute phase) of AMI, precluding their usefulness in the early diagnosis. Our aim is to determine the accuracy of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) as a new and early cardiac biomarker in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. 55 patients with acute chest pain were enrolled. CK-MB, Troponin I and H-FABP and ECG were done on admission (0-4 h) and 8-12 h after the onset of chest pain. Cardio detect combi kit was used to qualitatively determine H- FABP and troponin I for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and results were obtained within 15 minutes. All the results of ECG, CK MB, Troponin I and H-FABP for every patient were obtained and compared for final diagnosis as per standard criteria. At 0-4 h, after the onset of AMI, the diagnostic sensitivity of H-FABP (93%) was higher than that of troponin I (cTnI) (38%) and CK-MB (13%). It is concluded that H-FABP is a reliable and excellent biochemical marker for early diagnosis of AMI.

Comparative evaluation of DNA synthesis for qPCR analysis from oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues - A rapid and robust isolation technique for gene expression studies

BackgroundDNA isolation from biological materials is the initial step in several bioanalytical processes, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This procedure works best with pure DNA devoid of potential amplification reaction inhibitors. Since the quantity and quality of biological samples are limited, it is essential to extract as much DNA as possible from the original sample. The solid-phase extraction technique is frequently used to purify DNA. In this process, the DNA is adsorbed onto a solid support, any contaminants from the reaction are eliminated by washing, and the purified DNA is then eluted from the support. The quality and concentration of DNA have a direct effect on the gene analysis procedure. Therefore, before interpreting the results of PCR-based diagnostic assays, it is imperative to confirm the DNA preparation and integrity, particularly if no pathogenic DNA is identified. MethodsA comparative study was carried out using two standardized protocols for DNA synthesis in comparison with a test protocol incorporating carrier RNA and proteinase K from a viral detection kit. The quality and quantity of the synthesized DNA are assessed by qPCR analysis for gene amplification of metastasis suppressor genes NDRG1, RhoGDI, and KISS 1. Results and conclusionThe test protocol showed higher yields of DNA in comparison to the standard protocol. The concentration of DNA obtained was validated by the concentration of gene expressed from q PCR analysis. The gene expression was significantly higher when the test protocol method was followed for DNA synthesis. Thus the study validates the potential of nucleic acid carrier RNA molecules to improve DNA extraction processes used in tissue samples for gene analysis procedures.

Dopamine loss alters glutamate synapses and transporters in the medial prefrontal cortex and anxiety-related behaviour in a male MPTP rodent model of Parkinson's disease.

Anxiety is a prominent non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Changes in the B-spectrum recordings in PD patients of the prefrontal cortex correlate with increased anxiety. Using a rodent model of PD, we reported alterations in glutamate synapses in the striatum and substantia nigra following dopamine (DA) loss. We hypothesize that DA loss will result in increased anxiety-related behaviours and that this will be associated with alterations in glutamate synapses and transporters within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Following 4weeks of progressive 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration, there was an increase in anxiety-related behaviours and a 78% decrease in plasma corticosterone levels versus the vehicle (VEH)-treated mice. This was associated with a 30% decrease in the density of dendritic spines in Layers Il/Ill, and a 53% decrease in the density of glutamate immuno-gold labelling within vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1)-labelled nerve terminals and spines, with no change within vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) positive terminals/spines in the MPTP versus VEH groups. Our prior work determined that a decrease in striatal glutamate terminal density was associated with an increase in extracellular glutamate levels. There was an increase in protein expression of Vglut1 (40%), Vglut2 (37%) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) (225%), and a decrease in glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) (50%) and excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) (51%), in the MPTP versus VEH groups within the mPFC. These data suggest that the decrease in dendritic spines within the mPFC following nigrostriatal DA loss may be due to increased extracellular glutamate levels (decrease in glutamate transporters), leading to an increase in anxiety-related behaviours.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Target Selectivity of Phenylsulfonylamino-Benzanilide Inhibitors Based on S1647 at the SLC10 Carriers ASBT, NTCP, and SOAT.

The intestinal bile acid carrier ASBT (SLC10A2), the hepatic bile acid carrier NTCP (SLC10A1), and the steroid sulfate carrier SOAT (SLC10A6), all members of the solute carrier family SLC10, are established drug targets. The ASBT inhibitors odevixibat, maralixibat, and elobixibat are used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis, cholestatic pruritus, and obstipation. The peptide drug bulevirtide blocks binding of the hepatitis B and D viruses to NTCP and thereby inhibits the virus's entry into hepatocytes. Experimental SOAT inhibitors have antiproliferative effects on hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. The phenylsulfonylamino-benzanilide S1647 is an inhibitor of ASBT and SOAT. The present study aimed to comparatively analyze a set of newly synthesized and commercially available S1647 derivatives for their transport inhibition against ASBT, NTCP, and SOAT. Structure-activity relationships were systematically analyzed regarding potency and target specificity to elucidate whether this compound class is worth being further developed in preclinical studies for pharmacological ASBT, NTCP, and/or SOAT inhibition.

Lyotropic liquid crystal and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems nanoparticles as artesunic acid and praziquantel carriers: An innovative approach for formulation of anti-malaria and schistosomicidal drugs

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating cestode and trematode infections, and it is currently the only option against schistosomiasis. Artesunic acid (AcART) is effective against several parasites and has emerged as an alternative for schistosomiasis treatment. However, AcART and PZQ have limited bioavailability due to poor water solubility, low permeability, and rapid cell clearance. To address these challenges, this study aimed to develop self-emulsifying drug delivery systems to develop SEDDS and NPs-LLC to overcome the low water solubility affecting AcART and PZQ bioavailability. The study involved validating the HPLC analytical methodology for AcART, SEDDS, and NPs-LLC formulations, and conducting physicochemical characterization and ex-vivo intestinal permeation assays. The composition of formulations was determined by the solubility balance of AcART and PZQ. The drug content ranged between 83 and 90 %. The anionic zeta potential was attributed to Myverol®, and the particle diameter increased slightly after the drug incorporation, while the polydispersity index indicated the relatively narrow particle size distribution. Additionally, the DSC thermogram confirmed that PZQ and AcART are in solution within SEDDS and NPs-LLC. The FTIR analysis suggests that components of SEDDS and NPs-LLC and drugs do not react to form new chemical species. The selection of specific compound formulations was based on achieving the best solubility balance. The nanostructures were stable and exhibited a surface charge favorable to mucosal permeation, with slightly superior performance for SEDDS. The innovative formulations, SEDDS and NPs-LLC, are suitable and effective carriers for AcART and PZQ.

The fabrication of gastrointestinal pH-responsive sodium alginate surface-modified protein vehicles to improve limonin digestive stability, bioaccessibility and trans-intestinal mucus barrier capacity

Protein-based delivery systems tend to degrade too quickly in the gastrointestinal tract. Applying polysaccharide-based surface coatings on protein carriers is an effective strategy to prevent interference from gastric acid and proteases during the digestive process. This study prepared gastrointestinal pH-responsive bovine serum albumin (BSA)-myristic acid (MA) carriers using sodium alginate (SA)-based surface coating technology to improve the digestive properties and intestinal mucus penetration of limonin (LM). The results showed that ultrasonication caused uniform hydrophilic BSA and MA particle formation in optimal conditions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations confirmed that SA adhered to the BSA-MA particle surfaces via electrostatic interaction at pH 4, causing the controlled gastrointestinal release of the self-assembled BSA-MA complexes. The subsequent SA-BSA-MA complexes displayed an LM encapsulation yield (EY) of >84%. In vitro, simulated gastrointestinal digestion indicated that compared with free LM, the SA-BSA-MA particles significantly increased the intestinal LM retention rate, bioaccessibility, and micellization rate by 45.49%, 155.48%, and 102.14%, respectively. The results of the artificial intestinal mucus experiments demonstrated that the trans-intestinal mucus barrier capacity of SA-BSA-MA particle-loaded LM was significantly enhanced. Its apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) (6.53 × 10−6 cm/s for free LM) and intestinal mucus permeability (17.56% for free LM) increased substantially to 14.22 × 10−6 cm/s and 38.22%. This study presents a gastrointestinal pH-responsive delivery system that effectively improves the ability of hydrophobic nutrients to cross the intestinal mucus barrier.

Estimation of Subfatin, Fetuin-A and other Parameters in Obese Menopause Women

Background: Menopause is an aging in women, it begins in most of them at 45 years old, the main reason of menopause is the decline of the Estrogen result from decline of ovaries function, it’s include many of symptoms such as nocturnal sweats, hot flashes, depression, elevated of anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbance, genitalia include inflammation, dryness, urinary tract infections, painful urination, gaining weight, usually in the abdomen, hips and joint pain. Menopause leads to many disease include insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, chronic hearts disease, obesity, osteoporosis. The adipose tissue it's secretes active proteins such as subfatin which is adipocytokines regulates food intake. Fetuin-A is adipokines and hepatokiens that generated mainly by liver it serves to act as carrier of free fatty acid in circulation. Materials& Methods: Ninety women ages (50-65) participated in the study. (45) non-obese menopausal women with BMI (22.08±3.39) Kg/m2 as a control group. (45) obese women in the menopause with a BMI (35.38±2.52) Kg/m2 as the second group. أعلى النموذجResults: The results showed that there was a significant decrease at (P≤ 0.01) in the level of Subfatin and increase at (P≤ 0.01) in Fetuin-A in the second group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study found significant negative correlation between Subfatin and lipid profile and significant positive correlation between Fetuin-A and lipid profile.

Novel platinum therapeutics induce rapid cancer cell death through triggering intracellular ROS storm

Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cancer cells plays a critical role for cancer treatment. However, therapeutic efficiency remains challenging due to insufficient ROS production of current ROS inducers. We designed a novel platinum (Pt)-based drug named “carrier-platin” that integrates ultrasmall Pt-based nanoparticles uniformly confined within a poly(amino acids) carrier. Carrier-platin dramatically triggered a burst of ROS in cancer cells, leading to cancer cell death as quick as 30 min. Unlike traditional Pt-based drugs which induce cell apoptosis through DNA intercalation, carrier-platin with superior ROS catalytic activities induces a unique pattern of cancer cell death that is neither apoptosis nor ferroptosis and operates independently of DNA damage. Importantly, carrier-platin demonstrates superior anti-tumor efficacy against a broad spectrum of cancers, particularly those with multidrug resistance, while maintaining minimal systemic toxicity. Our findings reveal a distinct mechanism of action of Pt in cancer cell eradication, positioning carrier-platin as a novel category of anti-cancer chemotherapeutics.

Development of a Shigella conjugate vaccine targeting Shigella flexneri 6 that is immunogenic and provides protection against virulent challenge

Immunity protective against shigella infection targets the bacterial O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) component of lipopolysaccharide. A multivalent shigella vaccine would ideally target the most common global Shigella species and serotypes such as Shigella flexneri 2a, S. flexneri 3a, S. flexneri 6, and S. sonnei. We previously reported development of shigella conjugate vaccines (SCVs) targeting S. flexneri 2a (SCV-Sf2a) and 3a (SCV-Sf3a) using a platform squaric acid chemistry conjugation approach and carrier protein rTTHc, a 52 kDa recombinant protein fragment of the heavy chain of tetanus toxoid. Here we report development of a SCV targeting S. flexneri 6 (SCV-Sf6) using the same platform approach. We demonstrated that SCV-Sf6 was recognized by serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies and convalescent sera of humans recovering from shigellosis in Bangladesh, suggesting correct immunological display of OSP. We vaccinated mice and found induction of serotype-specific OSP and LPS IgG and IgM responses, as well as rTTHc-specific IgG responses. Immune responses were increased when administered with aluminum phosphate adjuvant. Vaccination induced bactericidal antibody responses against S. flexneri 6, and vaccinated animals were protected against lethal challenge with virulent S. flexneri 6. Our results assist in the development of a multivalent vaccine protective against shigellosis.

Quaternary ammonium grafted chitosan hydrogel with enhanced antibacterial performance as tannin acid and deferoxamine carrier to promote diabetic wound healing

The delay of diabetic wound healing puts a huge burden on the society. The key factors hindering wound healing include bacterial infection, unresolved inflammation and poorly generated blood vessels. In this paper, glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTA) was grafted to chitosan (CS) to obtain quaternary ammonium grafted chitosan (QCS) with enhanced antibacterial performance, and then cross-linked by dialdehyde terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO DA) to construct QCS/PEO DA hydrogel with tissue adhesion, biodegradation and self-healing properties. The QCS/PEO DA hydrogel is loaded with tannin acid (TA) and deferoxamine (DFO) to enhance antioxidant property and angiogenesis. At the same time, the TA and DFO loaded TA@DFO/hydrogel preserved the biocompatibility and biodegradability of chitosan. Moreover, the multifunctional hydrogel behaved excellent hemostatic properties in mice model and significantly promoted the healing efficacy of diabetic wounds. Overall, the TA@DFO/hydrogel is promising anti-infection dressing material for diabetic wound healing.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Porous Starch Obtained by Combined Physical and Enzymatic Methods-Part 2: Potential Application as a Carrier of Gallic Acid.

Wettability measurements were performed for aqueous dispersions of native and modified corn, potato, and pea starch granules deposited on glass plates by the thin layer method using test liquids of a different chemical nature (polar water and formamide or non-polar diiodomethane). High values of the determination coefficient R2 confirm that the linear regression model describes the relationship between the wetting time and the square of the penetration distance very well, indicating the linear nature of the Washburn relationship. A change in free energy (enthalpy) during the movement of the liquid in the porous layer was determined for all starches before and after modification in contact with test liquids. Wetting times for polar liquids increased significantly (from 3 to 4 fold), especially for corn starch. The lower the value of the adhesive tension, the easier the wetting process takes place, and consequently, the adsorption process is facilitated. Adhesive tension for polar substances applies to the adsorption of hydrophilic substances, while in the case of apolar substances, adhesive tension applies to the adsorption of hydrophobic substances. For the adsorption of gallic acid on starch, the relationships obtained for polar substances are crucial. The adsorption of gallic acid by forming hydrogen bonds or, more generally, donor-acceptor (acid-base) bonds is definitely higher for corn starch than other starches. Therefore, this starch has the most significant potential for use as a carrier of gallic acid or, more broadly, compounds from the polyphenol group.

Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1 as a Regulator of Neuronal GSH Synthesis.

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) is a cytokine known to play important roles in cell survival under stressful conditions, maintenance of cellular growth homeostasis, and activation of the immune system. However, the impact of Erdr1 on neurons remains undefined. In this study, we present novel evidence that Erdr1 plays a role in regulating glutathione (GSH) synthesis via glutamate transporter-associated protein 3-18 (GTRAP3-18), an anchor protein in the endoplasmic reticulum that holds excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) in neurons. Both DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed an approximately 2-fold increase in Erdr1 levels in the hippocampus of GTRAP3-18-deficient mice compared to those of wild-type mice. Knockdown of Erdr1 in vitro resulted in a decrease in GTRAP3-18 levels, leading to an increase in EAAC1 expression and intracellular GSH levels, and subsequently, cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress. Our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms involving Erdr1, GTRAP3-18, EAAC1, and GSH in the context of neuronal defense against oxidative stress. Understanding the intricate interplay among these molecules may pave the way for the development of promising therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Protein expression of the amino acid transporter SLC7A5 in tumor tissue is prognostic in early-stage colorectal cancer.

Proteins overexpressed in early-stage cancers may serve as early diagnosis and prognosis markers as well as targets for cancer therapies. In this study, we examined the expression of an essential amino acid carrier SLC7A5 (LAT1, CD98, or 4F2 light chain) in cancer tissue from two well-annotated cohorts of 575 cases of early-stage and 106 cases of late-stage colorectal cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry showed SLC7A5 overexpression in 72.0% of early-stage and 56.6% of late-stage cases. SLC7A5 expression was not influenced by patient gender, age, location, or mismatch repair status, although it appeared to be slightly less prevalent in tumors of mucinous differentiation or with lymphovascular invasion. Statistical analyses revealed a positive correlation between SLC7A5 overexpression and both overall survival and disease-free survival in early-stage but not late-stage cancers. Co-expression analyses of the TCGA and CPTAC colorectal cancer cohorts identified a network of gene transcripts positively related to SLC7A5, with its heterodimer partner SLC3A2 having the highest co-expression score. Network analysis uncovered the SLC7A network to be significantly associated with ncRNA such as tRNA processing and the mitotic cell cycle. Since SLC7A5 is also a marker of activated lymphocytes such as NK, T, and B lymphocytes, SLC7A5 overexpression in early colorectal cancers might trigger a strong anti-tumor immune response which could results in better clinical outcome. Overall, our study provides clear evidence of differential SLC7A5 expression and its prognostic value for early-stage colorectal cancer, although the understanding of its functions in colorectal tumorigenesis and cancer immunity is currently rather limited and awaits further characterization.

Acrylic acid and vinylamine copolymers: Anomalous acidity and association with short polyacids

Acrylic acid and vinylamine copolymers represent one of the simplest polyampholyte structures. The acid-base and solution properties of these copolymers are hardly studied, and there are no works devoted to the synthesis of a set of copolymers with different compositions. We have synthesized a set of acrylic acid and vinylamine copolymers containing from 21 to 95 mol% acrylic acid units. The copolymers show the hydrodynamic properties and solubility of typical polyampholytes. Potentiometric titration revealed unusual acid-base properties of the new copolymers. The addition of HCl to the copolymers in the form of sodium/potassium salt results in only partial protonation of carboxyl anions and amine groups, including the acidic range (pH 2.5). This abnormally high acidity of acrylic acid and vinylamine copolymers is probably due to the formation of strong intra- and intermolecular hydrogen or ionic bonds between partially protonated and protonated groups: ∼COO−+H3N∼, COOH∙∙∙:NH2∼, ∼H2N:∙∙∙ +H3N∼. Poly(vinylamine) and copolymers are able to stabilize curcumin in aqueous medium, significantly increasing its concentration in the neutral pH range. Polymers with high content of amine groups prevent curcumin degradation, probably by converting it to a more stable anionic form. New copolymers are promising substances for the creation of nucleic acid carriers for gene therapy and genetic engineering. The copolymer containing 21 % acrylic acid is comparable to poly(vinylamine) in terms of interaction with oligonucleotides, but yields more homogeneous polyplexes without the impurity of positively charged and potentially toxic particles.

Construction of ZIF-derived CoCrOx/HZSM5 catalysts for deep catalytic oxidation of dichloromethane: Synergistic of B acid, L acid, and redox sites

The acidic and oxidizing properties of the catalyst are critical for the removal of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs). An excellent catalyst often requires outstanding chlorine resistance and byproduct inhibition. In this study, CoOx, which is widely used for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of its outstanding activity was chosen to provide oxidizing properties. To address the potential for chlorination byproducts and the lack of activity, we loaded CoOx on the acidic carrier HZSM-5 by ZIF-derived method, then doped CrOx using impregnation method to enhance both oxidation and acidity. It was found that ZIF-derived method disperse CoOx nicely thus providing more oxidation sites. Besides, CrOx effectively increases the superficial lattice oxygen of the catalyst to compensate for the loss of sites due to the occupation of oxygen vacancies by DCM during the oxidation process. This contributes to the superior oxidizability of the modified catalysts, which explains the high CO2 selectivity. Invigoratingly, CrOx can increase the ratio of Lewis acid to Brønsted acid to completely break the C–Cl bond, hence eliminating the possibility of chlorine-containing byproducts and accomplishing a deeper degradation of CVOCs. The bimetallic catalysts we prepared have high activity and can achieve very low or even zero byproduct generation. In addition, the catalyst shows outstanding stability and water resistance, which is quite meaningful in the field of catalytic oxidation of CVOCs.

Membrane-Cloaked Nanoparticles for RNA Interference of β-Catenin in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

There is an outstanding need for targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype. Since TNBC's rapid growth and metastasis are driven by hyperactive Wnt signaling, suppressing the key-pathway mediator β-catenin through RNA interference may improve patient outcomes. However, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) molecules require a carrier to elicit targeted gene silencing. Here, we show that 4T1 cancer cell membrane wrapped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) can deliver siRNA into TNBC cells, silence β-catenin expression, and reduce the cells' tumorigenic qualities. Compared to unwrapped and nontargeted NPs, the cancer cell membrane wrapped nanoparticles (CCNPs) exhibit dramatically improved uptake by TNBC cells versus breast epithelial cells and greater gene silencing at mRNA and protein levels. Congruently, β-catenin siRNA-loaded CCNPs significantly activate senescence in 2D cultured TNBC cells and reduce proliferation in 3D spheroids. This work advances the development of nucleic acid carriers for targeted RNA interference therapy.