Dual Ions Research Articles

A Glutathione-Consuming Bimetallic Nano-Bomb with the Combination of Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy for Tumors: An in vivo and in vitro Study.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) faces challenges of low catalytic ion efficiency and ROS production. We developed a ROS nano-bomb, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe, to address these issues. The nano-bomb was synthesized by doping copper into ZIF-8 and assembling Fe3+ and gallic acid (GA). It was tested for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in acidic conditions and its photothermal properties. In an acidic micro environment, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe effectively released Fe3+ and Cu2+, depleting GSH and generating ROS. The GA-Fe coating provided photothermal heat and was used to enhance Fenton reactions via dual ions for increasing ROS production. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe inhibited tumor growth with minimal side effects. Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe shows promise for safe and effective CDT, offering a synergistic approach to tumor therapy.

Tailoring the solvation shells of dual metal ions for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries

For a long time, the issue of dendrites in neutral/mild electrolyte-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) has been a matter of concern. The dendrites resulting from this problem lead to short-circuit faults and significantly reduce the cycle life, which is quite troublesome. Here, we induce uniform Zn deposition by utilizing the enhanced electrostatic shielding effect of a hybrid additive of Na2SO4 and EDTA. The limited tip-blocking effect of Na+ is due to the higher exchange reaction rate constant (kex) of water molecules in the solvation shell. The coordination of EDTA can provide a more stable solvation shell for Na+, ensuring a stronger blocking effect on Zn deposition at the tip. This enhanced electrostatic shielding effect effectively suppresses the growth of Zn dendrites. In addition, EDTA also enters the solvation shell of Zn2+ and displaces some coordinated water molecules, allowing for more reversible Zn plating/stripping without significant side reactions occurring at the Zn anode.

Promoting cycle stability and rate performance of birnessite-type MnO2 cathode via cupper and bismuth dual ions pre-intercalation for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Birnessite-type MnO2, as a promising and attractive cathode material for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries, is plagued by grievously poor cycling stability and rate performance, mainly attributed to structural collapse of MnO2 and slow Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. Herein, the Cu/Bi dual ions pre-intercalated birnessite-type MnO2 was fabricated by one-step hydrothermal method. It is validated by theoretical calculation in conjunction with experimentation that the Cu/Bi ions tends to occupy L1 sites, which not only can accelerate Zn2+ diffusion kinetics owing to the low the Zn2+ diffusion energy barrier, but also can stabilize the structure of MnO2 host due to the formation of chemical bonds between the pre-intercalated Cu/Bi ions and oxygen atoms. Consequently, the CBMO cathode displays a high discharge capacity of 412.3 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and distinguished cycling stability at 3 A/g after 1000 cycles with only approximately 0.0042 % capacity fading per cycle, which will be a strong competitive cathode material for developing stable and high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Temperature-dependent dielectric investigation of dual-ions doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Different metal ions doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were prepared by the sol–gel method. The phase analysis and the average surface roughness are determined using powder.X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The synthesized dual-ions doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles exhibit a stable HAp structure without any impurity peaks. The higher roughness (Ra) value of 65.839 nm and the lower roughness (Ra) value of 4.5276 nm were obtained for Magnesium-Zinc HAp (Mg-ZnHAp) and Copper-Zinc HAp (Cu-Zn-HAp) samples, respectively. We found the hardness value increased with the addition of dual dopant ions in HAp. The decrease in hardness of the (Mg-ZnHAp) sample is found to be due to a decrease in the density of dopant ions in HAp. The modification in the dielectric properties of dual-ions doped HAp by varying the temperature as a function of frequency is analyzed. Temperature-dependent dielectric studies unveiled the non-Debye-type relaxation behaviour in the synthesized samples. The dielectric values as a function of frequency show the deviations in peaks are due to polarization with respect to different temperatures.

Visible light-driven Z-scheme Bi2O3/CuBi2O4 heterojunction with dual metal ions cycle for PMS activation and Lev degradation

In this study, Bi2O3/CuBi2O4 composite was prepared by sol–gel method, which was used to degrade levofloxacin (Lev) by the synergistic effect of visible light and peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The physicochemical properties of Bi2O3/CuBi2O4 were regulated by varying the molar ratio of the raw materials. The structure and morphology of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS). Secondly, Bi2O3/CuBi2O4/Vis/PMS system was constructed to investigate the effects of different conditions (pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, PMS concentration, pH and different anion concentration) on the removal effect of Lev. Benefit from the highly ordered alternating nanoparticles and nanosheets, Bi2O3/CuBi2O4 showed satisfactory PMS activation ability than single Bi2O3. The degradation rate increased from 12.98 ± 2.41% (Bi2O3) to 70.62 ± 0.07% (Bi2O3/CuBi2O4) within 120 min. Finally, the quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results showed that radical pathways (h+, SO4-·, ·OH) and non-radical pathways (1O2) were both involved in the PMS activation process. The main reaction mechanism of Bi2O3/CuBi2O4/Vis/PMS system was predicted, the unique electron transfer pathway of Z-scheme heterojunction and Cu(II)/Cu(I), Bi(V)/Bi(III) redox-cycle on the catalyst surface effectively drove the generation of radicals, realizing the high efficiency of pollutant degradation.

Effect of intragranular/extragranular tara gum on sustained gastrointestinal drug delivery from semi-IPN hydrogel matrices

The present research was undertaken to develop semi-IPN hydrogel matrix tablets of tara gum (TG) and carboxymethyl TG (CMTG) for sustained gastrointestinal delivery of highly water soluble tramadol hydrochloride (TH). The matrix tablets were developed by a hybrid process of wet granulation and direct compression technique. Carboxymethyl TG was crosslinked with dual cross-linking ions (Al3+/Ca2+). The uncross-linked component of the semi-IPN matrix was either incorporated within the granules (intragranular TG) or incorporated outside the granules (extragranular TG), prior to compression. The effect of intragranular/extragranular TG on the swelling, erosion and TH release characteristics from the semi-IPN hydrogel matrix tablets was investigated. The key finding of the investigation indicated that intragranular TG expedited TH release, while extragranular TG sustained TH release. Moreover, the effect of cross-linking ions on viscosity, rigidity, cross-link density and TH release behavior from hydrogel matrices was investigated. In-vivo pharmacokinetic performance of the optimized extragranular TG semi-IPN hydrogel matrix (F15) indicated sustained TH release in gastrointestinal milieu.

Chromium and copper dual-doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles: Synthesis, structural, morphological and optical properties

Copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) dual-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via a chemical co-precipitation technique at 24±°C without any capping agent used. The obtained metal sulfides were characterize using transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultra-violet/visible (UV–Vis), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed a Cr, Cu in ZnS lattice, grain size less than 5 nm, and unequal, aggregated spherical particles. Moreover, XRD analyses indicated that the dual ions penetrated the zinc sulfide without changing its cubic structure, the average size was nearly in the range 2.035–1.959 nm. Optical analysis displayed blue-shift after doping. The band gap values(Eg) were in the range of 4.79–4.89 eV. Thermal analysis shows that the synthesized sample is more stable in range 434–1029 °C. Based on these featured, it could be concluded that the synthesized Cu and Cr dual-doped ZnS NPs are beneficial for opto-electronic devices, and photocatalytic applications.

Suitability of NaK alloy for the sodium or potassium metal batteries: Competition between cathode size effect and ion reaction priority effect

Sodium-potassium (NaK) alloys in a specific ratio can maintain their liquid state at room temperature, rendering them dendrite-free anodes for alkali metal batteries. Nevertheless, a controversy has arisen regarding the suitability of either sodium metal batteries (NaMBs) or potassium metal batteries (KMBs) due to the presence of dual active ions in NaK. Based on the current research, there is a contradiction regarding the feasibility of making NaK anodes suitable for NaMBs through the cathode size effect (e.g., Na3V2(PO4)3), and for KMBs due to the ion reaction priority effect of K+. In this study, Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathodes are assembled into batteries with various anodes (Na, Na-rich-NaK, NaK, K-rich-NaK, and K), to investigate the dominant role of active ions in the competing process between the cathode size effect and the ion reaction priority effect. Tests and characterization results demonstrate that the ion preference reaction spontaneously displaces Na+ with K+ in the presence of K, although the cathode size effect may restrict K+ embedding and significantly reduce battery capacity. In summary, the ion reaction priority effect dictates the reactions that render NaK anodes exclusively suitable for KMBs without altering the reaction priority of K+.

Chromogenic, specific cascade detection of fluoride and alkaline earth metal ions

A salen-based colorimetric chemosensor (MM) has been designed and synthesized to selectively recognize F− and alkaline earth metal ions in solution and solid phase, respectively. A ratiometric UV–visible absorption spectral change with a colorimetric visualization from yellow to pink is observed in the presence of F− ions. The detection of F− ions is fully reversible in alkaline earth metal ions. The limit of detection (LOD) of F− ions by our as-prepared MM could be possible down to the μM range. A paper strips-based test kit has been fabricated to detect F− ions selectively by the naked eye. A smartphone-based assay analysis is also successfully performed to identify F− ions in the non-aqueous media. Such a dual ions sensing system with excellent reversibility and repeatability prompted us to consider probe MM a viable choice for fabricating molecular logic circuits and set-reset memorized molecular devices.

Effects of Zinc and Strontium Doping on In Vitro Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis of Calcium Silicate/Calcium Phosphate Cement.

Based on multiple biological functions (mainly osteogenesis and angiogenesis) of bioactive ions, Zn/Sr-doped calcium silicate/calcium phosphate cements (Zn/Sr-CS/CPCs, including 10Zn-CS/CPC, 20Sr-CS/CPC, and 10Zn/20Sr-CS/CPC) were prepared by the addition of Zn and Sr dual active ions into CS/CPC to further accelerate its bone regeneration in this study. The physicochemical and biological properties of the Zn/Sr-CS/CPCs were systematically investigated. The results showed that the setting time was slightly prolonged, the compressive strength and porosity did not change much, and all groups maintained good injectability after the doping of Zn and Sr. Besides, the doping of Zn and Sr had little effect on the phase and microstructure of hydrated products of CS/CPC. The degradation rate of Zn/Sr-CS/CPCs decreased after doping with Zn and Sr. In mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSC) experiments, all Zn/Sr-CS/CPCs stimulated the viability, adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity together with osteogenesis-related genes (ALP, Runx2, Col-I, OCN, and OPN). The further addition of Zn and Sr played better and synergistic roles in in vitro osteogenesis. Thereinto, 10Zn/20Sr-CS/CPC manifested the optimum in vitro osteogenic performance. As for human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) experiments, the incorporation of CS doped with Zn and Sr into CPC possessed good vascularization properties of proliferation, NO secretion, tube formation, and the expression of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF, bFGF, and eNOS). In conclusion, the doping of Zn and Sr into CS/CPC could exhibit excellent osteogenesis and good angiogenesis potentials and 10Zn/20Sr-CS/CPC could be considered as a promising candidate in bone repair.

Spectral studies of synthetic symmetric syringaldehyde di-Schiff azine with β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as a fluorescent probe for the detection of metal ions

In the past few years, organic fluorescent probes play a crucial role in sensor fields due to their magnificent selectivity and detection ability towards various transition metals and alkali ions. Herein, A facile and profitable Schiff-based symmetrical azine derivative of 4,4′ ((1E,1′E)-hydrazine-1,2-diylidenebis(methanylylidene)) bis2,6-methoxyphenyl, dihydrazone or syringaldehyde Azine (SyA) has been synthesized which was rapidly detected dual metal ions (Cu2+ and Pb2+) in different mechanism pathway via Chelation Enhanced Fluorescence Mechanism (CHEF) and Ligand to Metal Charge Transfer (LMCT) approach in optimized physiological conditions under ACN medium. Simultaneously, the interaction mechanism between the SyA and both metals was studied with the help of Benesi-Hildebrand and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Afterward, we prepared the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin with SyA (β-CD:SyA) to enhance water solubility and sensing probability. The complex for the observed surprising result was that complexation not only enhanced their properties and detected the new metal ion of Al3+ (may be due to β-CD hydroxyl group interaction with metal ions) without disturbance detection of Cu2+ and Pb2+. The LOD and binding constant values of SyA and β-CD:SyA towards Cu2+, and Al2+ were calculated by absorbance and fluorescence titration profile. From an application point of view, the antibacterial activity and biological activities were evaluated.

Dual metal ions/BNQDs boost PMS activation over copper tungstate photocatalyst for antibiotic removal: Intermediate, toxicity assessment and mechanism

In the metal-based peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation process, the sluggish surface redox cycle of metal ions generally hampered the efficiency of PMS activation for pollutant removal. Herein, Co-doped CuWO4/BN quantum dots (CW/Co/BNQDs) photocatalysts were developed to realize Cu2+/Cu+ and Co2+/Co3+ dual ions redox cycles for PMS activation, which would facilitate the tetracycline (TC) removal. CW/4Co/2BNQDs could degrade 94.8% TC within 30 min in PMS/Vis system, and the apparent rate constant of CW/4Co/2BNQDs was 2.7 times and 1.2 times higher than those of CW and CW/4Co, respectively. The improved TC degradation performance could be attributed to the synergetic effect between BNQDs and dual redox cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of samples before and after the reaction demonstrated that BNQDs were beneficial for accelerating the Cu2+/Cu+ and Co2+/Co3+ redox cycles in CW/4Co/2BNQDs, further boosting the activation of PMS in TC degradation. Experiments of different radical scavengers revealed that the SO4·−/·OH/h+/1O2 reactive species participated in the PMS activation for the TC degradation process. The possible TC degradation pathway and intermediate toxicity were detailed investigated. In addition, CW/4Co/2BNQDs exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity over five consecutive cycles, which illustrated that it was supposed to be a reliable PMS activator over antibiotic elimination for practical application. And this work shed new light on constructing dual redox cycles for efficient PMS activation.

H+/Mg2+ dual ions insertion mechanism in vanadium oxide nanosheet anode for aqueous magnesium-ion batteries

Aqueous magnesium-ion batteries (AMIB) are attracting rising interest owing to high safety, low cost and high energy density in energy storage. Yet, it is difficult in finding high-performance anode materials, which thus hinders realization of its advantages. Herein, an ultra-thin VOx nanosheet with abundant lattice defects and large interlayer distance was obtained via an electrodeposition method, which exhibits excellent electrochemical performance as a binder-free anode for Mg2+ storage, such as a high specific capacity of 402 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.13 Ag−1 and excellent cycling stability with 89.5 % capacity retention after 500 cycles at 4 A g−1 in 4.5 M MgCl2 aqueous electrolyte. Spectroscopy analysis indicates that VOx experiences a dual ions (H+, Mg2+) co-intercalation reaction with part of phase transition for charge storage during the discharge process. This work not only provides a charge storage mechanism of VOx in an AMIB system but also highlights a high-performance electrode material for AMIBs.

Realizing the highly reversible Zn2+ and Na+ dual ions storage in high-crystallinity nickel hexacyanoferrate microcubes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) with the 3D open framework are regarded as promising cathode candidates for aqueous Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Among various PBAs, nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) has attracted considerable attention because of its high operating voltage and economic merit. However, the cyclability of NiHCF is unsatisfactory due to poor structural stability during Zn2+ ions insertion/deinsertion. Moreover, the ion storage mechanism of NiHCF in aqueous electrolytes has not been fully revealed yet. Herein, high-crystallinity NiHCF (HC-NiHCF) microcubes with improved structural stability and larger crystal plane spacing are synthesized. For the first time, highly reversible Zn2+ ions and Na+ ions co-insertion/extraction are achieved for the HC-NiHCF microcubes in mixed aqueous electrolyte, as evidenced by various observations including two separated discharge plateaus and sequential changes of Na 1s and Zn 2p signals in ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As a result, a high specific capacity of 73.9 mAh g−1 is obtained for the HC-NiHCF microcubes at 0.1 A g−1, combined with enhanced cycle stability (75% vs. 16.4%) over 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1. The reversible Zn2+ ions and Na+ ions co-insertion in HC-NiHCF microcubes reveals a new ion storage mechanism of Ni-based PBAs in aqueous electrolytes.

Zn2 SiO4 Bioceramic Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction.

In the pursuit of therapeutic strategies for myocardial infarction (MI), a pivotal objective lies in the concurrent restoration of blood perfusion and reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, achieving these dual goals simultaneously presents a considerable challenge. In this study, a Zn2 SiO4 bioceramic capable of concurrently sustaining the release of bioactive SiO3 2- and Zn2+ ions, which exhibit a synergistic impact on endothelial cell angiogenesis promotion, cardiomyocyte apoptosis inhibition, and myocardial mitochondrial protection against oxygen-free radical (reactive oxygen species) induced injury is developed. Furthermore, in vivo outcomes from a murine MI model demonstrate that either systemic administration via tail vein injection of Zn2 SiO4 extract or local application through intramyocardial injection of a Zn2 SiO4 composite hydrogel promotes cardiac function and reduces cardiac fibrosis, thus aiding myocardial repair. This research is the first to elucidate the advantageous effects of dual bioactive ions in myocardial protection and may offer a novel therapeutic avenue for ischemic heart disease based on meticulously engineered bioceramics.

Simple synthesis of water-soluble ruthenium carry CDs as admirable probe for improved environment and biological applications

Metal-doped carbon dots (M-CDs) are brand-new 0-D nanomaterial that affords multiple guaranteed properties because of metals in between tiny carbon matrices. However, preparing M-CDs without aggregation of metals is very challenging. Here, we proposed a new tactic method to prepare highly water-soluble ruthenium Ru(Ⅱ)-holding CDs (Ru@CDs) through a one-step microwave-assisted approach with quantum yield of 19.21% using ruthenium chloride and ethylene diamine without any solvents. The optical, surface, structural, and morphological features were deeply evaluated with the support of UV–vis, photoluminescence, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The excellent photoluminescent and water-soluble properties of Ru@CDs were employed to individually detection of dual carcinogenic environmental toxic metal ions through the photoluminescence technique. They detected the lower limit of 0.128 μM as Cr6+ and 0.328 μM as Hg2+ in the aqueous environment, which was very low compared to CDs. Followed by Ru@CDs, embedded cost-efficient filter paper was fabricated for real-time visual recognition of Cr6+ and Hg2+ ions in water. Significantly, Ru@CDs show good cytotoxicity and effective growth inhibition against cancer cells compared to CDs. So, the Ru@CDs were employed as an effective bioimaging agent selectively. To conclude, facile synthesized Ru@CDs explore its multifunctional quality as a better environmental pollutant detector and bioimaging agent.

Usnea Acid-Incorporated Ca2+ /Mn2+ Ions Reservoirs for Elevated Ion-Interference Therapy through Synergetic Biocatalysis and Osmolarity Imbalance.

Ion-interference therapy (IIT) utilizes ions to disturb intracellular biological processes and has been received increasing attention in tumor treatments recently. However, the low therapeutic efficiency still hinders its further biological applications. Herein, via a simple and one-pot gas diffusion process, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified Mn2+ ions and usnic acid (UA)-incorporated CaCO3 nanomaterials (PEG CaMnUA) as Ca2+ /Mn2+ ions reservoirs are prepared for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided UA-elevated IIT. Among PEG CaMnUA, UA not only increases cytoplasmic Ca2+ ions to amplify Ca2+ overload caused by CaCO3 decomposition, but also enhances Mn2+ ions-participated Fenton-like biocatalysis by intracellular H2 O2 generation and glutathione consumption. Then increasing the intracellular oxidative stress and decreasing the triphosadenine supply induce apoptosis together, resulting in UA-boosted IIT. The simple and efficient design of the dual ions reservoirs will contribute to improve the antitumor activity of IIT and further development of calcium-based nanomaterials in the future.

Electronic structure and oxygen vacancy tuning of Co & Ni co-doped W18O49 nanourchins for efficient TEA gas sensing

Inducing oxygen vacancies in metal oxides by dual doping metal ions is the key to modulating their electronic structure and designing highly sensitive noble metal-free materials for detecting hazardous toxic gases. This study reports nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) co-doping in W18O49 crystal lattices leads to electronic structure modulation and generates oxygen vacancies to highly activate the redox capability and catalytic efficacy of the urchin-like W18O49 sensor toward triethylamine (TEA) gas species. The electronic structure modulations and physisorption interactions between TEA molecules and W18O49 and/or Co&Ni co-doped W18O49 nanourchins were calculated by density functional theory (DFT). The experimental results and DFT calculations confirmed more significant charge transfers due to bandgap excitation and reactivity of TEA with Co&Ni co-doped W18O49 verifying their strong binding interactions. Electrons move from lattice oxygen to surface O2 molecules through co-doped cations-induced oxygen vacancies, which provide active sites and form surface superoxide and peroxide species incorporated into the sensing materials surface. Benefiting from the high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and faster electron/charge transport capability, the optimized 2 %Ni-doped W18O49, and 1 %Co&2%Ni co-doped W18O49 nanourchins exhibited excellent sensitivity towards TEA gas molecules. The sensing response of Co&Ni-W18O49 (Ra/Rg = 156) is higher than Ni-W18O49 (Ra/Rg = 114) and W18O49 (Ra/Rg = 76) at 250 °C, fast response/recovery (16/13), and superior selectivity. The XRD and XPS results combining the DFT calculations verify the improved sensitivity due to the synergistic modulation of electronic structure, which paws a friendly strategy for enriching the free electronics to design cost-effective gas sensors.

Microwave-assisted sequential Pt/Al attachment on FeOOH for fabrication of highly efficient hematite photoanodes: Synergistic effect of Pt/Al co-doping and Al2O3 passivation layer

This article presents the fabrication and systematic analyses of Pt and Al co-doped hematite photoanodes utilizing a simple microwave process to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of hematite. The Pt/Al dual ions doping synergistically elevated the photocurrent of hematite by 48% at 1.23 V versus (vs.) the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) (1.55 mA/cm2), and resulted in an obvious decrease in the onset potential (compared to that of the solely Pt-doped hematite), demonstrating that Al contributes as both a bulk dopant and a surface passivation layer for water oxidation. The enhanced photoelectrochemical response is a result of the synergy of Pt/Al co-doping, which increases the donor density and decreases the electron transport time while the unintended formation of Al2O3 improves the surface charge transfer kinetics. The optimized Pt(1.2%)/Al(2.5 mM) co-doped hematite (Pt/Al-HT) photoanode achieved the highest incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) of 33% at 350 nm at 1.23 Vvs. RHE. Further, we explored in detail the mechanism of microwave-assisted attachment of each dopant to FeOOH and charge transfer in Pt/Al-HT photoanodes. This highlights the potential of microwave-assisted dual ions doping to advance hematite PEC performance for solar water splitting.

Integrating zinc/silicon dual ions with 3D-printed GelMA hydrogel promotes in situ hair follicle regeneration.

The regeneration of hair follicles lost from injury or disease represents a major challenge in cutaneous regenerative medicine. In this study, we investigated the synergetic effects between zinc and silicon ions on dermal cells and screened the optimal concentration of ions for medical applications. We integrated zinc/silicon dual ions into gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) to bioprint a scaffold and determined that its mechanical properties are suitable for biological treatment. Then, the scaffold was employed to treat mouse excisional model in order to promote in situ hair follicle regeneration. Our findings showed that GelMA-zinc/silicon-printed hydrogel can significantly activate hair follicle stem cells and enhance neovascularization. The beneficial effects of the scaffold were further confirmed by the growth of hairs in the center of wounds and the improvement in perfusion recovery. Taken together, the present study is the first to combine GelMA with zinc/silicon dual ions to bioprint in situ for treating excisional wound, and this approach may regulate hair follicle regeneration not only directly by impacting stem cells but also indirectly through promoting angiogenesis.