Combination Of Poly Research Articles

Optimization of Barrier Properties of PLA/PBAT Polymers in Biodegradable Materials

AbstractDespite its popularity as a bio‐based biodegradable material, polylactic acid (PLA) has a number of shortcomings. Nevertheless, the combination of poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) to enhance the mechanical properties of PLA was achieved through the utilisation of PLA/PBAT/TPS ternary composites, which were created through the calendering method. These composites exhibit advantageous characteristics, including high ductility, enhanced toughness, and biodegradability. The results of the water vapour permeability test indicate that the proportion of the material composition exhibiting the lowest value of water vapour permeability is 2.0571 g/m²·24h. The results of the water vapour transmission test demonstrate that the material generated by the composition ratio has the lowest water vapour transmission, indicating that the composite material blending effect is superior. The majority of current research employs nanocellulose as a substrate in PLA, with a paucity of studies investigating its use in PLA/PBAT/TPS composites. These composites are modified due to the notable divergence of nanocellulose from the hydrophobicity of the composite and its susceptibility to decomposition at elevated temperatures. This study establishes a foundation for future research in this field.

Preparation, optimization, and evaluation of ligand-tethered atovaquone-proguanil-loaded nanoparticles for malaria treatment

This work focused on improving antimalarial therapy through the development and characterization of Atovaquone-Proguanil-loaded nanoparticles employing a 32 factorial design. The nanoparticles were prepared from combinations of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and Eudragit L100 polymers and different concentrations of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). Based on the results obtained the formulations were characterized for the particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and percent drug release. Among the nine formulations, F5 proved to be the most favorable in the biophysical parameters with a particle size of 176.3 nm, a zeta potential of −33.5 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 86% was found in the present investigation. Experimental dissolution profile analysis indicated that F5 had a slow and controlled-release profile where approximately 92.5%. Besides, cytotoxicity studies employing MTT, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), and Trypan blue reduction test also supported the biocompatibility of nanoparticles and F5 had the highest cell viability (96%) with the least LDH release of 4%. In stability studies conducted for six months, F5 was found to remain stable regarding physicochemical characteristics and drug release profile at different temperature conditions such as room temperature, 4 °C, and 45 °C. The use of folic acid-functionalized nanoparticles is more effective, according to parasitemia, survival rate, and weight loss in mice treated with the nanoparticles. This is because functionalized nanoparticles could be used to enhance anti-malarial therapies.

Intranasal immunization with poly I:C and CpG ODN adjuvants enhances the protective efficacy against Helicobacter pylori infection in mice

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a serious public health issue, and development of vaccines is a desirable preventive strategy for H. pylori. Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands have shown potential as vaccine adjuvants that induce immune responses, but polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a nucleic acid-based TLR9 ligand, is less well studied in H. pylori vaccine research. Here, we evaluated the effects of poly I:C and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), a nucleic acid TLR3 ligand, as adjuvants in combination with the H. pylori recombinant proteins LpoB and UreA to protect against H. pylori infection. For analysis of specific immune responses, the levels of specific antibodies and splenic cytokines were measured in the immunized mice. Compared with CpG ODN, poly I:C could induce mucosal sIgA antibody responses and reduce H. pylori colonization. Additionally, the combination of poly I:C and CpG ODN caused greater immunoprotection and significantly reduced gastritis, exerting synergistic effects. Analysis of splenic cytokines revealed that poly I:C mainly triggered a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 immune response, whereas the combination of CpG ODN and poly I:C induced a Th1/Th17 immune response. Our findings indicated that increased levels of mucosal sIgA antibodies and a robust splenic Th1/Th17 immune response were associated with reduced H. pylori colonization in vaccinated mice. This study identified a potential TLR ligand adjuvant for developing more effective H. pylori vaccines.

Modelling insertion behaviour of PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) and PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) microneedles

A comprehensive investigation into the effects of nonlinear material behaviour of polymeric (MN) and skin on the dynamics of the MN insertion in skin was undertaken in this study using experiments and numerical simulations. The nonlinearity of the material behaviour was incorporated by employing the Ramberg–Osgood and neo-Hookean equations for stress–strain relationships for the MN materials and skin, respectively. For this purpose, a characteristic type of dissolving MN array was selected. This type of MN is made by a combination of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The numerical simulations were validated using experimental investigations where the MNs were fabricated using laser-engineered silicone micromould templates technology. Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and compression breaking force for the MN polymers were determined using a texture analyser. The alignment between experimental findings and simulation data underscores the accuracy of the parameters determined through mechanical testing and mathematical calculations for both MN materials (PVP/PVA) and skin behaviour during the MN insertion. This study has demonstrated a strong alignment between the experimental findings and computational simulations, confirming the accuracy of the established parameters for MNs and skin interactions for modelling MN insertion behaviour in skin, providing a solid foundation for future research in this area.

Poly(2-oxazoline)-Based Thermoresponsive Stomatocytes.

The design of biocompatible and biodegradable nanostructures with controlled morphological features remains a predominant challenge in medical research. Stimuli-responsive vesicles offer significant advantages in drug delivery, biomedical applications, and diagnostic techniques. The combination of poly(2-oxazoline)s with biodegradable polymers could provide exceptional biocompatibility properties and be proposed as a versatile platform for the development of new medicines. Therefore, poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPrOx) possessing a hydroxy terminal group that acts as an initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of d,l-lactide (DLLA) have been utilized in this study. The resulting amphiphilic block polymers were used to create polymersomes, which undergo solvent-dependent reorganization into bowl-shaped vesicles or stomatocytes. By blending PEtOx-b-PDLLA and PiPrOx-b-PDLLA copolymers, a thermoresponsive stomatocyte was generated, where the opening narrowed and irreversibly closed with a slight increase in the temperature. Detailed transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the formation of both closed and fused stomatocytes upon heating the sample above the critical solution temperature of PiPrOx.

Results and exploratory biomarker analyses of a phase II study CHANGEABLE: Combination of HX008 and niraparib in germ-line-mutated metastatic breast cancer.

1084 Background: The combination of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and immune-checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity in preclinical studies. Here we report the efficacy, safety, and biomarker analyses of the combination of niraparib and PD-1 inhibitor HX008 in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with germline DDR gene mutations in a phase II trial (CHANGEABLE). Methods: Eligible patients had histologically confirmed MBC with at least one measurable disease and germline pathogenic/suspected pathogenic mutations in DDR genes. Patients were enrolled into two cohorts: the main cohort (HER2-negative MBC patients with gBRCA1/2, gPALB2, gCHEK2) and the exploration cohort (MBC patients with gDDR gene mutations and brain metastases). Simon's Two-Stage design was used for recruiting patients in the main cohort. Patients with HER2-negative MBC received niraparib 200 mg qd combined with HX008 200 mg q3w, while HER2-positive patients received additional anti-HER2 TKI pyrotinib 400mg qd if having brain metastases, until disease progression. The primary endpoint was ORR. NGS of tissue and ctDNA were performed for exploratory biomarker analyses. Results: As of January 12, 2024, 37 patients were enrolled. In the main cohort with gBRCA1/2 mutations (n = 28), ORR was 78.6% (22/28), with 3 patients having complete response. DCR was 96.4% (27/28). Median PFS was 7.3 months (95%CI 4.2 to 10.4). According to Simon's Two-Stage design, since two patients with gCHEK2 mutations in the first stage had only stable disease, the recruitment was terminated. One patient with gPALB2 mutation had stable disease and the remaining one is in the screening process. In the patients having brain metastases (exploration cohort), ORR was 40% (2/5) and DCR was 80% (4/5). The most common treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher were anemia (13 [35.1%]), thrombocytopenia (4 [10.8%]), and neutropenia (3 [8.1%]). No treatment-related deaths were reported. In the biomarker analysis, NGS of 700 genes was performed on 24 patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations in the main cohort. No significant difference was found in ORR or PFS between gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations. Somatic mutations in XPO1 (16 patients (73%), 15/18 PR+CR, 1/4 SD+PD) showed significant correlation with response. Somatic TP53 mutations are significantly correlated with shorter PFS, while ASXL1 mutations are significantly correlated with longer PFS. Four somatic mutations (AR_c.1418_1420del, AR_c.231_239dup, 2 DUSP22 mutations) showed a consistent trend of decreasing in PD samples, while NF1_c.3198-4dup showed a consistent trend of increasing in PD samples. Conclusions: The combination of niraparib and HX008 demonstrated promising clinical benefits with a tolerable safety profile in MBC patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations, even in patients with brain metastases. Clinical trial information: NCT04508803 .

Efficacy of IFN-γ, sCD40L, and Poly(I:C) Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages in Murine Mammary Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Introduction Here, we explored methods to generate anti-tumor bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and how delivery of the BMDM at early tumor sites could impact disease progression. Methods BMDM treated with IFN-γ, sCD40L, poly(I:C), and a combination of the three were assessed. Results Treatment with sCD40L had no significant impact on the BMDM. Treating BMDM with IFN-γ impacted IL-1β, MHC Class II, and CD80 expression. While poly(I:C) treatment had a greater impact on the BMDM than IFN-γ when assessed by the in vitro assays, the BMDM treated with poly (I:C) had mixed results in vivo where they decreased growth of the EMT6 tumor, did not impact growth of the 168 tumor, and enhanced growth of the 4T1 tumor. The combination of poly(I:C), IFN-γ, and sCD40L had the greatest impact on the BMDM in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with all three agonists resulted in increased IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12 expression, decreased expression of arginase and mrc, increased phagocytic activity, nitrite production, and MHC Class II and CD80 expression, and significantly impacted growth of the EMT6 and 168 murine mammary carcinoma models. Discussion Collectively, these data show that treating BMDM with poly(I:C), IFN-γ, and sCD40L generates BMDM with more consistent anti-tumor activity than BMDM generated with the individual agonists.

Synthesis and Reduction Processes of Silver Nanowires in a Silver(I) Sulfamate-Poly (Vinylpyrrolidone) Hydrothermal System.

Silver (Ag) nanowires, as an important one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterial, have garnered wide attention, owing to their applications in electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and other fields. In this study, an alternative hydrothermal route was developed to synthesize Ag nanowires via modified reduction of Ag+. Silver sulfamate plays an important role in the formation of Ag nanowires via controlled release of free Ag+. Results of controlled experiments and characterizations such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS, and 1H NMR revealed that sulfamic acid does not function as a reductant, supporting by the generation of free Ag+ instead of Ag nanostructures in hydrothermally treated silver sulfamate solution. The initial reduction of Ag+ was induced by the combination of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) end group and degradation products. This phenomenon was supported by abundant free Ag+ in the mixed preheated silver sulfamatic and preheated PVP aqueous solutions, indicating a second and distinct Ag+ autocatalytic reduction. Thus, the roles of different reagents and Ag+ reduction must be studied for nanomaterial syntheses.

Novel nucleotide-packaging vaccine delivers antigen and poly(I:C) to dendritic cells and generate a potent antibody response in vivo

An issue with many current vaccines is the dependency on broadly inflammatory adjuvants, such as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum salts that affect many immune- and non-immune cells. These adjuvants are not necessarily activating all antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that take up the antigen and most likely they also activate APCs with no antigen uptake, as well as many non-immune cells.Conjugation of antigen and adjuvant would enable the use of smaller amounts of adjuvant and avoid unnecessary tissue damage and activation of bystander cells. It would ensure that all APCs that take up the antigen would also become activated and avoid that immature and non-activated APCs present the antigen to T cells without a co-stimulatory signal, leading to tolerogenesis.We have developed a novel vaccine that co-deliver antigen and a nucleotide adjuvant to the same APC and lead to a strong activation response in dendritic cells and macrophages. The vaccine is constructed as a fusion-protein with an antigen fused to the DNA/RNA-binding domain from the Hc2 protein from Chlamydia trachomatis. We have found that the fusion protein is able to package polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) or dsDNA into small particles. These particles were taken up by macrophages and dendritic cells and led to strong activation and maturation of these cells. Immunization of mice with the fusion protein packaged poly(I:C) led to a stronger antibody response compared to immunization with a combination of poly(I:C) and antigen without the Hc2 DNA/RNA-binding domain.

Green Bionanocomposites of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Fabrication and Properties

This study utilizes a polymer matrix made from a combination of Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The polymer matrix is then improved by adding a compatibilizer, Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), a filler, Recycled Tyre Waste (RTW), and a nano-scale filler, Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). Examining how PE-g-MA, RTW, and GNPs influence the binary blend's (PLA/RTW) chemical and thermo-mechanical characteristics is the focus of this study. A twin-screw extruder is used for the melting and intercalating processes. The binary mixture consists of 5% PE-g-MA, five percent RTW, and 3% GNPs. The samples are then pelletized after being cooled to room temperature. Analysis and characterization of the pelletized samples thermal and chemical characteristics follow. After including a compatibilizer, filler, and nanofiller into the bionanocomposite, improved qualities are anticipated.

Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Porous Polymer-Blended Scaffolds Functionalized with Tricalcium Phosphate.

Bone tissue is one of the most transplanted tissues. The ageing population and bone diseases are the main causes of the growing need for novel treatments offered by bone tissue engineering. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, as artificial structures that fulfil certain characteristics, can be used as a temporary matrix for bone regeneration. In this study, we aimed to fabricate 3D porous polymer scaffolds functionalized with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles for applications in bone tissue regeneration. Different combinations of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG with molecular weight of 600 or 2000 Da) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with TCP were blended by a gel-casting method combined with rapid heating. Porous composite scaffolds with pore sizes from 100 to 1500 µm were obtained. ATR-FTIR, DSC, and wettability tests were performed to study scaffold composition, thermal properties, and hydrophilicity, respectively. The samples were observed with the use of optical and scanning electron microscopes. The addition of PCL to PLA increased the hydrophobicity of the composite scaffolds and reduced their susceptibility to degradation, whereas the addition of PEG increased the hydrophilicity and degradation rates but concomitantly resulted in enhanced creation of rounded mineral deposits. The scaffolds were not cytotoxic according to an indirect test in L929 fibroblasts, and they supported adhesion and growth of MG-63 cells when cultured in direct contact.

Dual-functional metal-organic frameworks-based hydrogel micromotor for uranium detection and removal

Self-propelled micro/nanomotors have attracted great attention for environmental remediation, however, their use for radioactive waste detection and removal has not been addressed. Engineered micromotors that are able to combine fast detection and highly adsorptive capability are promising tools for radioactive waste management but remain challenging. Herein, we design self-propelled micromotors based on zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-hydrogel composites via inverse emulsion polymerization and show their potential for efficient uranium detection and removal. The incorporation of magnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles enables the magnetic recycling and actuation of the single micromotors as well as formation of swarms of worm-like or tank-treading structure. Benefited from the enhanced motion, the micromotors show fast and high-capacity uranium adsorption (747.3 mg g−1), as well as fast uranium detection based on fluorescence quenching. DFT calculation confirms the strong binding between carboxyl groups and uranyl ions. The combination of poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) with ZIF-8 greatly enhances the fluorescence of the micromotor, facilitating the high-resolution fluorescence detection. A low detection limit of 250 ppb is reached by the micromotors. Such self-propelled micromotors provide a new strategy for the design of smart materials in remediation of radioactive wastewater.

Assessing the Structure and Equilibrium Conditions of Complex Coacervate Core Micelles by Varying Their Shell Composition and Medium Ionic Strength.

Complex coacervates result from an associative phase separation commonly involving oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. When this associative interaction occurs between charged-neutral diblock copolymers and oppositely charged homopolymers, a nanometric aggregate called a complex coacervate core micelle, C3M, is formed. Recent studies have addressed the issue of their thermodynamic or kinetic stability but without a clear consensus. To further investigate this issue, we have studied C3Ms formed by the combination of poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and copolymer poly(acrylamide)-b-poly(acrylate) using different preparation protocols. Dynamic light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements suggest that these structures are in an equilibrium condition because the aggregates do not vary with different preparation protocols or upon aging. In addition, their stability and structures are critically dependent on several parameters such as the density of neutral blocks in their shell and the ionic strength of the medium. Decreasing the amount of copolymer in the system and, hence, the density of neutral blocks in the shell results in an increase in the aggregate size because of the core growth, although their globular shape is retained. On the other hand, larger clusters of micelles were formed at higher ionic strengths. Partially replacing 77% of the copolymer with a homopolymer of the same charge or increasing the ionic strength of the system (above 100 mmol L-1 NaCl) leads to a metastable state, after which phase separation is eventually observed. SAXS analyses reveal that this phase separation above a certain salt concentration occurs due to the coagulation of individual micelles that seem to retain their individual globular structures. Overall, these results confirm earlier claims that equilibrium C3Ms are achieved close to 1:1 charge stoichiometry but also reveal that these conditions may vary at different shell densities or higher ionic strengths, which constitute vital information for envisioning future applications of C3Ms.

Hole Transporting Bilayers for Efficient Micrometer‐Thick Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractAchieving high efficiencies in halide perovskite solar cells with thicknesses >1 µm is necessary for developing perovskite‐Si tandem cells based on small pyramidal structures. To achieve this goal, not only is the perovskite layer quality to be optimized but also the properties of the charge‐transport layers must be tuned to reduce charge‐collection losses. The transport layers provide a non‐ohmic resistance that modulates the Fermi‐level splitting inside the perovskite absorber. The finite conductivity of the transport layers can lead to losses in the fill factor (FF) and short‐circuit current, even at infinite charge‐carrier mobility in the absorber layer. These losses notably scale with the absorber layer thickness, which implies that higher‐conductivity transport layers are required for thicker perovskite absorbers. One strategy to improve charge collection and thereby FFs in thick inverted perovskite solar cells is to use bilayers of hole‐transport layers. In this study, the combination of poly[bis(4‐phenyl) (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine] with self‐assembled monolayers provides the best photovoltaic performance in single‐junction devices.

Selective Tumor Hypoxia Targeting Using M75 Antibody Conjugated Photothermally Active MoOx Nanoparticles.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) mediated at the nanoscale has a unique advantage over currently used cancer treatments, by being spatially highly specific and minimally invasive. Although PTT combats traditional tumor treatment approaches, its clinical implementation has not yet been successful. The reasons for its disadvantage include an insufficient treatment efficiency or low tumor accumulation. Here, we present a promising new PTT platform combining a recently emerged two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanomaterial, MoOx, and a tumor hypoxia targeting element, the monoclonal antibody M75. M75 specifically binds to carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a hypoxia marker associated with many solid tumors with a poor prognosis. The as-prepared nanoconjugates showed highly specific binding to cancer cells expressing CAIX while being able to produce significant photothermal yield after irradiation with near-IR wavelengths. Small aminophosphonic acid linkers were recognized to be more effective over the combination of poly(ethylene glycol) chain and biotin-avidin-biotin bridge in constructing a PTT platform with high tumor-binding efficacy. The in vitro cellular uptake of nanoconjugates was visualized by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and label-free live cell confocal Raman microscopy. The key to effective cancer treatment may be the synergistic employment of active targeting and noninvasive, tumor-selective therapeutic approaches, such as nanoscale-mediated PTT. The use of active targeting can streamline nanoparticle delivery increasing photothermal yield and therapeutic success.

Arrhenius-model-based degradable oligourethane hydrogels for controlled growth factor release.

Biodegradable hydrogels are growing in demand to enable the delivery of biomolecules (e.g. growth factors) for regenerative medicine. This research investigated the resorption of an oligourethane/polyacrylic acid hydrogel, a biodegradable hydrogel which supports tissue regeneration. The Arrhenius model was used to characterize the resorption of the polymeric gels in relevant in vitro conditions, and the Flory-Rehner equation was used to correlate the volumetric swelling ratio with the extent of degradation. The study found that the swelling rate of the hydrogel follows the Arrhenius model at elevated temperatures, estimating degradation time in saline solution at 37°C to be between 5 and 13 months, serving as a preliminary approximation of degradation in vivo. The degradation products had low cytotoxicity towards endothelial cells, and the hydrogel supported stromal cell proliferation. Additionally, the hydrogels were able to release growth factors and maintain the biomolecules' bioactivity towards cell proliferation. The study of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release from the hydrogel used a diffusion process model, showing that the electrostatic attraction between VEGF and the anionic hydrogel allowed for controlled and sustained VEGF release over three weeks. In a rat subcutaneous implant model, a selected hydrogel with desired degradation rates exhibited minimal foreign body response and supported M2a macrophage phenotype, and vascularization. The low M1 and high M2a macrophage phenotypes within the implants were associated with tissue integration. This research supports the use of oligourethane/polyacrylic acid hydrogels as a promising material for delivering growth factors and supporting tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There is a need for degradable elastomeric hydrogels that can support the formation of soft tissues and minimize long-term foreign body responses. An Arrhenius model was used to estimate the relative breakdown of hydrogels, in-vitro. The results demonstrate that hydrogels made from a combination of poly(acrylic acid) and oligo-urethane diacrylates can be designed to resorb over defined periods ranging from months to years depending on the chemical formulation prescribed by the model. The hydrogel formulations also provided for different release profiles of growth factors, relevant to tissue regeneration. In-vivo, these hydrogels had minimal inflammatory effects and showed evidence of integration into the surrounding tissue. The hydrogel approach can help the field design a broader range of biomaterials for tissue regeneration.

Microfluidic Platform for Microparticle Fabrication and Release of a Cathepsin Inhibitor.

Cathepsins are a family of cysteine proteases responsible for a variety of homeostatic functions throughout the body, including extracellular matrix remodeling, and have been implicated in a variety of degenerative diseases. However, clinical trials using systemic administration of cathepsin inhibitors have been abandoned due to side effects, so local delivery of cathepsin inhibitors may be advantageous. In these experiments, a novel microfluidic device platform was developed that can synthesize uniform, hydrolytically degradable microparticles from a combination of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and dithiothreitol (DTT). Of the formulations examined, the 10-polymer weight percentage 10 mM DTT formulation degraded after 77 days in vitro. A modified assay using the DQ Gelatin Fluorogenic Substrate was used to demonstrate sustained release and bioactivity of a cathepsin inhibitor (E-64) released from hydrogel microparticles over 2 weeks in vitro (up to ∼13 μg/mL released with up to ∼40% original level of inhibition remaining at day 14). Altogether, the technologies developed in this study will allow a small-molecule, broad cathepsin inhibitor E-64 to be released in a sustained manner for localized inhibition of cathepsins for a wide variety of diseases.

Combination of Poly(3-butylthiophene) Hole-Transporting Layer and Butylammonium Interface Passivation to Improve an Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cell

Owing to their superior power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), all-perovskite tandem solar cells have recently attracted extensive attention, in which an inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite with a wide band gap is configurated as the front photovoltaic cell. A dopant-free poly(3-butylthiophene) is an effective hole-extracting and -transporting material coated on the inorganic perovskite layer, compared with conventional poly(3-hexyl- and -octyl-thiophene)s. In addition, surface passivation of the perovskite layer using alkyl ammonium bromide, especially butyl-one, further improves the PCE, including its durability. Herein, we discussed the matching of the alkyl chain lengths for poly(3-alkylthiophene) and of the alkyl ammonium salt at the interface of the hole-extracting and passivated perovskite layers.

Activatable Conformal Electrode Arrays for Highly Stable and Breathable 12‐Lead Clinical Electrocardiographic Monitoring

AbstractIn clinical practices, ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) signals are a significant index in early diagnosis of heart diseases. Commercial 12‐lead Holter monitors are widely used to evaluate the heartbeat over time. However, poor sweat‐proof adhesion, low water vapor transmittance, and wired connectivity of Holter monitors limit their popularization in wearable electronics. Herein, a facile, low‐cost, and scalable stretchable supramolecular material with activatable high adhesion is reported, which can be used to fabricate breathable on‐skin electrode arrays for stable 12‐lead ECG monitoring applications. In the proposed strategy, a supramolecular polymer network with various dynamic chemical bonds is obtained, resulting in the material exhibiting good stretchability. The introduction of tannic acid (TA) ensure high intrinsic adhesion at wet/dry skin surfaces. Moreover, the combination of poly (lipoic acid) and TA can realize alcohol‐activated high adhesion. Subsequently, electrode arrays are assembled using adhesive layers comprising supramolecular materials and a stretchable conductive Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS)/Au layer. In addition, the micromesh structures obtained by laser scribing endowed the electrodes with good water/air permeability. Finally, the breathable on‐skin electrode arrays are combined with flexible ECG sensors for stable 12‐lead ECG monitoring.

Type I interferon induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid does not contribute to the efficacy of a formalin-killed cell vaccine against Edwardsiella piscicida in the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is a type of pathogen-associated molecular pattern that can strongly induce the expression of type I interferon (I-IFN). Our previous study has demonstrated that the combination of poly I:C with a recombinant protein antigen not only stimulated the expression of I-IFN but also conferred protection against Edwardsiella piscicida in the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, our aim was to develop a better immunogenic and protective fish vaccine, for which we intraperitoneally coinjected P. olivaceus with poly I:C and formalin-killed cells (FKCs) of E. piscicida and compared the efficiency of protection against E. piscicida infection with that of FKC vaccine alone. Results showed that the expression levels of I-IFN, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) ISG15 and Mx were significantly increased in the spleen of fish inoculated with poly I:C + FKC. The results of ELISA showed that the levels of specific serum antibodies in the FKC and FKC + poly I:C groups were gradually increased until 28 days postvaccination and were significantly higher than those in the PBS and poly I:C groups. At 3 weeks after vaccination in the challenge test, the respective cumulative mortality rates of fish in the PBS, FKC, poly I:C, and poly I:C + FKC groups were 46.7%, 20.0%, 33.3%, and 13.3% under low-concentration challenge and 93.3%, 46.7%, 78.6%, and 53.3% under high-concentration challenge. This study showed that poly I:C may not provide an effective adjuvant effect with FKC vaccine for intracellular bacterial infections.