Effective Carrier Research Articles

π-Conjugation-Induced In Situ Nanoscale Ordering of Spiro-OMeTAD Boosts the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells.

Spiro-OMeTAD hole transport materials typically exhibit an amorphous state in perovskite solar cells. However, the lack of structural ordering leads to weak intermolecular interaction, inferior carrier transfer, and poor stability in devices. Herein, we developed a π-conjugation-induced short-range ordering strategy to modulate the stacking order of spiro-OMeTAD during film formation. A clear molecular ordering at the nanoscale is observed, which enhances intermolecular π-π stacking in spiro-OMeTAD and enables effective carrier extraction and favorable energy level alignment. The nanoscale-ordered spiro-OMeTAD allows the achievement of perovskite solar cells with a champion efficiency of 25.37%, surpassing devices utilizing amorphous spiro-OMeTAD (23.52%). The unencapsulated device demonstrates enhanced operational stability by retaining 98% of its initial efficiency under continuous 1 sun equivalent illumination at 60 °C for 840 h. This work establishes a significant and valid modulation concept for the stacking order of organic transport materials, paving the way for the development of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

Improving the ON/OFF Current Ratio and Ambipolarity of Doping-Less Tunneling Carbon-Nanotube FET Using Drain Engineering Technique

This paper presents a novel structure utilizing a doping-less (DL) tunneling carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (T-CNTFET) with dual drain work functionality aimed at enhancing the ON/OFF current ratio. The proposed design features a zigzag carbon nanotube (CNT) of type (13, 0) with a diameter of 1 nm. It employs HfO2 as the gate oxide, which is 2 nm thick and has a dielectric constant of 16. The CNT serves as an intrinsic semiconductor for the source and drain regions, which are composed of metals with appropriate work functions. By selecting appropriate metals for the source and drain regions, the necessity for doping as a fabrication step is avoided, simplifying construction and reducing costs for the nanoscale device. This design includes two drain electrodes, each measuring 15 nm in length and having different work functions (DWFs). The work function of the drain positioned closest to the channel (DWFAC) is set at 3.9 eV, which is 0.5 eV lower than that of the CNT, while the other drain section has a work function of 3.4 eV, 1 eV lower than the CNT. The electrical properties of the device were examined through quantum numerical simulations using the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method. The results indicate that the proposed structure significantly decreases the OFF-state current and improves the ON/OFF current ratio. Additionally, the leakage current is substantially lowered, resulting in favorable changes to the device's ambipolarity, along with a reduction in hot carrier effects and subthreshold swing (SS).

Interface properties study of black silicon solar cells with front surface a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction

Abstract The exceptionally low reflectance of black silicon across a broad wavelength range makes it an intriguing surface texture for solar cell applications. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells fabricated on black silicon (Si) formed by dry reactive ion etching (RIE) using inductive coupled plasma (ICP) on n-type Si are explored. The study is focused on the properties of the a-Si:H/c-Si interface, being a key issue for the photovoltaic performance of SHJ. Deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) detected no radiation defect in Si after the etching. The surface of black Si was passivated with an intrinsic a-Si:H layer, followed by the deposition of p-type and n-type a-Si:H on the front and back sides, respectively. The SHJ solar cell photovoltaic performance based on black Si is strongly influenced by defect density at the a-Si:H/Si interface. Admittance spectroscopy and effective charge carrier lifetime measurements demonstrate that interface defect density decreases with the increase of (i)a-Si:H thickness. The value of 0.75 ms effective charge carrier lifetime was reached for single (i) a-Si:H layer passivation and 0.25 ms when (p)a-Si:H was deposited over the intrinsic a-Si:H layer. The measured open circuit voltage (VOC) values for the SHJ solar cells increase with the (i)a-Si:H layer thickness reaching 658 mV. However, the fill factor decreases with increasing (i) a-Si:H layer thickness, limiting the efficiency at the maximum value below 14% due to the thickness uniformity of the a-Si:H layer. The development of conformal growth of a-Si:H is a key issue for further improvement of black Si heterojunction solar cell photovoltaic performance. 

Protective Effects of Carotenoid-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Against Ochratoxin-A-Induced Cytotoxicity.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus ochraceous and various Penicillium species, which are known for contaminating agricultural products and posing significant health risks, which include immunotoxicity. This study aims to evaluate the potential of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with a carotenoid-enriched extract from pumpkin peel (Cucurbita maxima L.) in mitigating the toxic effects of OTA. To address the poor bioavailability and instability of carotenoids, nanoencapsulation techniques were employed to enhance their delivery and efficacy. NLCs were formulated using hydrogenated sunflower oil, pumpkin oil, and soy lecithin using hot high-pressure homogenization. The in vitro study involved co-digesting OTA-contaminated bread with an NLC formulation and assessing the impact of the encapsulated carotenoid on OTA bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and cellular toxicity using Caco-2 and Jurkat T cells. Even though no significant influence was observed on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of OTA, carotenoid-loaded NLCs exhibited cytoprotective effects by improving cell viability and mitigating OTA-induced toxicity in both Caco-2 and Jurkat T cells. Particularly, the flow cytometry analysis highlighted the ability of carotenoids to mitigate OTA-induced cellular damage by decreasing ROS production and limiting mitochondrial mass changes. The study suggests that the encapsulation of carotenoids in NLCs represents a promising strategy to enhance their protective effects against OTA toxicity, potentially offering a novel approach to food safety and public health protection. The study underscores the potential of nanotechnology in improving the bioavailability and efficacy of natural antioxidants to mitigate mycotoxin-induced damage.

Optical and electrical degradation behavior of GaN-based UV-A laser diodes

The degradation mechanism of GaN-based ultraviolet (UV-A) laser diodes (LDs) is analyzed by studying the changes of their electrical and optical properties after aging process with the operation current below the threshold current (Ith). After aging treatment, Ith increases, the slope efficiency decreases, and the leakage current increases. In particular, the emission spectra of aged LD show significant broadening, with additional peaks on the shorter wavelength side. Both cathodoluminescence and deep level transient spectrum results indicate defects can develop around the active region of the LD, even when the operation current is below Ith. This leads to an increase in trap-assisted tunneling current and non-radiative recombination. The observed defects may result from the diffusion of water molecule in the environment from the cavity facet into the active region and formation of ON–CN and VGaON complex defects. These defects not only reduce the effective carrier concentration injected into the quantum well but also increase non-radiative recombination. These results will contribute to our understanding of the degradation mechanism of UV LDs and the preparation of long lifetime UV LDs.

Review of Lipid Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Management: Targeting Strategies and Clinical Perspective

Abstract: Chemotherapy, a conventional breast cancer treatment, has limitations due to its nonspecific mechanisms and undesirable side effects. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a versatile and superior platform for targeted breast cancer treatment, offering several distinct advantages over traditional therapies. This class of nanocarriers, which includes solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and liposomes, enhances the bioavailability and stability of therapeutic agents while minimizing systemic toxicity. LNPs can be engineered to precisely target breast cancer cells by exploiting tumor-specific markers, enabling selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and reducing off-target effects. SLNs provide controlled drug release and improved drug retention within the tumor, while NLCs offer higher drug-loading capacities and better stability. Liposomes, with their flexible design, allow for the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and can be modified for active targeting through surface functionalization. These lipid-based carriers also address the challenges of multi-drug resistance (MDR) by enhancing intracellular drug concentration and overcoming efflux mechanisms. In this review, we focus on lipid-based nanoparticles- a subtype of nanoparticles, and their potential advantages as drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. Results revealed that lipidbased nanoparticles have shown potential in breast cancer management, these include improved drug efficacy, enhanced ability to overcome cancer therapy resistance, and effective drug carrier for co-loaded drugs.

Bioinspired core-shell microparticle for dual-delivery of prebiotic and probiotic for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) is a well-known probiotic strain that has a beneficial effect in preventing ulcerative colitis. However, delivering a sufficient number of viable LP to the colon still face challenges due to its vulnerability to the highly complex intestinal flora ecosystem. Herein, we present a centrifuge-driven micronozzle system designed for double-layered core-shell alginate microcapsules (DAM), which can serve as an effective carrier for dual delivery of resistant starch nanoparticles (RSNP, prebiotic) and LP (probiotics) for the treatment of colitis. This system enables precise loading of LP and RSNP within the core and shell regions of DAM, respectively. The resulting LP/RS@DAM exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency of LP (108 CFU per bead), in which the dense distribution of RSNP in the shell effectively protected LP against acidic conditions (pH 2) and maintained the cell viability up to 52 % even after long-term storage for 30 days. Furthermore, LP/RS@DAM effectively enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids, leading to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and restoration of intestinal microbial diversity in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. We believe that this innovative approach would offer a potential solution for improving colitis management and paving the way for tailored therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal disorders.

Chrysin Nano Formulation Using Cellulose of Rumex vesicarius Herb Leaf Waste: Isolation, Characterization and in-Vitro Evaluation

In this work, for the first time to our knowledge, cellulose was isolated from the Rumex vesicarius herb leaf waste, and cellulose nanospheres (CNS) were developed from this cellulose. Alkali, bleaching, acid hydrolysis, and ultrasonication treatments were used for fabrication of the CNS. The resulting CNS were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CNS is considered as an effective nanocarrier to alleviate the problems of some drugs like instability, low water solubility and bioavailability. We used the CNS as an effective nanocarrier for the entrapment of chrysin (CHR), a flavonoid secondary metabolite of the flavone class. By adjusting the solvent composition ratio and processing method, the CHR was entrapped in the CNS and a CNS-CHR nano-formulation was developed. An entrapment efficiency of 88.11% was achieved. FTIR, TGA, XRD and TEM confirmed the entrapment of the CHR in the CNS. The in-vitro dissolution investigation demonstrated an 86.53% release of CHR from the CNS-CHR complex when subjected to a release study and 47.14% of CHR release after 24 h, as the pure CHR is poorly soluble in its pure form. These findings indicate that CNS is a highly effective natural carrier at the nanoscale for CHR owing to easy availability and cost-effectiveness.

Selective removal of organic dyes via polymer inclusion membrane containing a perbenzylated β-cyclodextrin derivative

Organic dyes threaten aquatic ecosystems due to carcino/mutagenic properties, and their removal from wastewater is a crucial issue. The novel PIM (Polymer Inclusion Membrane) containing perbenzylated β-cyclodextrin (CD) derivative was designed as an effective material for the selective removal of organic dyes because the CD characterizes strong affinity to these compounds via inclusion complex formation. The PIM was obtained through standard solvent casting from CTA as a matrix, o-NPOE as a plasticizer, and perbenzylated β-CD as the carrier. The membrane transport was evaluated towards two different types of dyes, cationic (Methylene Blue) and anionic (Acid Orange 7), where the optimal concentration for dye removal was 50 and 75 mg/L, respectively. The efficiency of this process was around 83–90 % after 8 h, when the pH of the source/receiving phase induced the formation of non−/ionic forms of dyes, respectively. The optimal membrane composition based on mass ratio was 11.1:72.2:16.7 for CD:o-NPOE:CTA with a membrane thickness of 0.053 mm. The PIM was characterized by high selectivity dependent on both the pH of each phase used in the transport and the chemical character of the dyes. The molecular mechanism of the removal process was mostly based on the complex inclusion of dyes inside the CD cavity. The activation energies were 8.73 and 13.93 kJ/mol for MB and AO7, respectively. The dyes transport was limited by diffusion. This study provides information about novel PIM with an effective and selective carrier, the perbenzylated β-CD derivative, towards organic dyes.

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.

Effects of heavy alkali metals (Rb, Cs) post-deposition treatments on CuInGaSe2 using a spin-coating technique

Abstract This study used a controlled environment to explore the post-deposition treatment (PDT) effects on CuInGaSe2 (CIGSe2) semiconducting thin films using a non-vacuum spin-coating technique for doping the CIGSe layers with Cs and Rb. The structural characterization confirmed the successful deposition of chalcopyrite structures with no phases belonging to any alkali metals after the PDT, with crystallite sizes in the range between 40-67 nm, and with a slight change in the X Ray Diffraction (XRD) peak positions indicating a change from copper-rich to copper-poor phases. The morphological studies confirmed the increase in grain sizes after the PDT. The EDS chemical studies showed that there is a reduction in the copper content after PDT. The topographical studies showed a change in the surface morphology with modifications of the grain parameters. In addition, the electrical characterization showed a significant increase of the effective carrier mobility after the treatments, consistent with the grain size increase observed by both microscopic (SEM and AFM) studies. Raman characterization of the CIGSe2 films showed the A1 optical phonon mode of CIGS chalcopyrite structures and peaks at lower frequencies belonging to ordered vacancy compounds (OVCs). The deconvolution of the Raman spectroscopy broad peaks for the CIGSe2 films after their PDT confirmed the formation of alk-InSe2 OVC phases on top of the absorber layer.

Morphology-Mediated Tumor Deep Penetration for Enhanced Near Infrared II Photothermal and Chemotherapy of Colorectal Cancer.

The low permeability and heterogeneous distribution of drugs (including nanomedicines) have limited their deep penetration into solid tumors. Herein we report the design of gold nanoparticles with virus-like spikes (AuNVs) to mimic viral shapes and facilitate tumor penetration. Mechanistic studies revealed that AuNVs mainly entered cells through macropinocytosis, then transported to the Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum system via Rab11-regulated pathway, and finally exocytosed through recycling endosomes, leading to high cellular uptake, effective transcytosis, and deep tumor penetration compared to gold nanospheres (AuNPs) and gold nanostars (AuNSs). The high tumor accumulation and deep tumor penetration of mitoxantrone (MTO) facilitated by AuNVs endowed effective chemophotothermal therapy when exposed to a near-infrared II laser, significantly reducing tumor sizes in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. This study reveals a potent mechanism of viral-like structures in tissue penetration and highlights their potential as effective drug delivery carriers.

Interfacial capacitance in lithium disilicate glass: Experimental factors and charge carrier density

AbstractThe formation of an electric double‐layer (EDL) is an important phenomenon for many research areas, including energy storage technology. Although EDL is well‐known in electrochemistry, most of the studies involve the characterization of liquid electrolyte/electrode interfaces, and only a limited number of studies in solid‐solid contacts, such as solid electrolyte/electrode interface are available. This paper employed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to systematically investigate the influence of experimental factors in the interfacial capacitance arising from the electrode polarization in a lithium disilicate glass/gold electrode interface. It analyzed the influence of a.c. input voltage amplitude, samples' roughness (mechanical and chemomechanical polishing) and thickness, range of applied frequency and temperature, and the number of impedance cycles. In short, it was found that an input voltage range of 15–60 mV is indicated to minimize potential electrochemical processes during electrode polarization, where the data is reproducible from the second measurement cycle onward. Smoother surfaces closely approximated ideal electrode spike behavior, with surface treatment exhibiting influence on interfacial capacitance values. Moreover, as expected, we observed an increase in relative permittivity values with increasing thickness, accompanied by decreased capacitance values. Finally, by employing optimal experimental conditions and analyzing the inflection frequency () of the versus log() curve, we determined that the ratio between effective charge carriers () and the total number of charge carriers () falls within the range of 5–12% between 130°C and 280°C.

Eco-friendly formulation preparation of fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae and its impact on the viability, insecticidal activity and pesticidal compatibility

Aim: The present investigation evaluated the effect of various formulations on the viability, pesticide compatibility and biocontrol potential of fungal biopesticidal agent Metarhizium anisopliae under laboratory conditions. Methodology: Soil isolate of M. anisopliae biomass was formulated with different oils like sunflower, groundnut, neem oil, water and diesel using green principles. Results: Sunflower oil recorded maximum viability among the formulations, revealing 91.4% formulation efficacy, followed by groundnut oil, which showed 87.2% efficacy. The viability of the fungal isolate was found to be low in diesel formulation, which showed 69.2% formulation efficacy. A compatibility study revealed that sunflower oil formulation showed high tolerance to all the tested pesticides. Sunflower oil formulation also showed a high rate of mortality against S. litura. Interpretation: The present study suggests using oil formulation as an effective carrier for the fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae with high compatibility and viability. Key words: Biopesticide, Fungal strains, Metarhizium anisopliae, Sunflower oil

Demonstration of high-frequency self-pulsing oscillations in an active silicon micro-ring cavity

We experimentally investigated the self-pulsing (SP) oscillations induced by the thermo-optic, free carrier, and Kerr nonlinear effects in integrated active silicon microring resonators. We demonstrate high frequency self-pulsing oscillations (up to 30 MHz) by applying a few millivolts of reverse bias voltage to the PIN junction of the active cavity. We illustrate that the shape of those oscillations (i.e., frequency and duty cycle) can be controlled by adjusting the CW input power and applying a reverse bias voltage to the PIN junction for carrier removal. This controlling is important for synchronizing the cavity which is crucial for neural network applications. Furthermore, we utilize a mathematical model for visualizing the stability regions by numerically studying coupled mode theory in silicon microcavity under different conditions.

Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes: progress on pivotal role and its application in diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Lung cancer is frequently detected in an advanced stage and has an unfavourable prognosis. Conventional therapies are ineffective for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. While certain molecular targets have been identified as having a positive response, the absence of appropriate drug carriers prevents their effective utilization. Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes (LCCDEs) have gained attention for their involvement in the development of cancer, as well as their potential for use in diagnosing, treating, and predicting the outcome of lung cancer. This is due to their biological roles and their inherent ability to transport biomolecules from the donor cells. Lung cancer-associated cell-derived extracellular vesicles (LCCDEVs) have the ability to enhance cell proliferation and metastasis, influence angiogenesis, regulate immune responses against tumours during the development of lung cancer, control drug resistance in lung cancer treatment, and are increasingly recognised as a crucial element in liquid biopsy evaluations for the detection of lung cancer. Therapeutic exosomes, which possess inherent intercellular communication capabilities, are increasingly recognised as effective vehicles for targeted drug delivery in precision medicine for tumours. This is due to their exceptional biocompatibility, minimal immunogenicity, low toxicity, prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, biodegradability, and ability to traverse different biological barriers. Currently, multiple studies are being conducted to create new means of diagnosing and predicting outcomes using LCCDEs, as well as to develop techniques for utilizing exosomes as effective carriers for medication delivery. This paper provides an overview of the current state of lung cancer and the wide range of applications of LCCDEs. The encouraging findings and technologies suggest that the utilization of LCCDEs holds promise for the clinical treatment of lung cancer patients.

Effects of Carrier’s sex on the outcome of embryos and pregnancies in 412 couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements

Study designTo ascertain whether the carrier’s sex affects the outcome of embryos and pregnancies in couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR). MethodsThis retrospective study comprised 412 couples with reciprocal translocations (RecT), Robertsonian translocations (RobT), or inversions (INV) between January 2017 and October 2022. We applied next-generation sequencing (NGS) on 2588 embryos after trophectoderm (TE) biopsy. ResultsGenetically transferable blastocyst rate was higher in the male carrier group (34.0 % vs 31.7 %, P = 0.013) relative to the female carrier group whereas other embryo and pregnancy outcomes remained similar. Further analysis revealed that this result was primarily due to the alteration of segregation patterns in the RobT subgroup, in which the proportion of alternate segregation was higher (84.3 % vs 66.4 %, P < 0.001) in male carriers compared with female carriers. In the RecT subgroup, the genetically transferable blastocyst rate between male and female carriers was similar although the segregation models also changed, such that the frequency of the adjacent-1 segregation pattern was higher in male carriers than in female carriers (42.5 % vs 34.7 %, P = 0.002). In addition, interchromosomal effect (ICE) did not differ between male and female carriers although ICE was lower in male carriers of the RobT subgroup (pure ICE: 35.50 % vs 44.30 %, P = 0.14; total ICE: 35.50 % vs 40.30 %, P = 0.32) and higher in male carriers of the INV subgroup (pure ICE: 42.3 % vs 37.20 %, P = 0.33; total ICE: 40.90 % vs 36.00 %, P = 0.36). ConclusionsThe carrier’s sex was closely associated with the genetically transferable embryo rate in couples undergoing PGT-SR, principally resulted from the change in segregation pattern in the RobT subgroup but not in the RecT and INV subgroups.

Recycling of flotation residual carbon from coal gasification fine slag through thermal combustion reaction: Insight into the spatial and temporal multi-scale evolution of typical heavy metals

The necessity for a fundamental comprehension of the migration and transformation patterns of heavy metals in the combustion reaction process is paramount to ensure the effective and targeted prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in the context of large-scale energy utilization of waste coal gasification fine slag. This study aims to reveal the fate of typical heavy metals during the combustion reaction of coal gasification fine slag to provide valuable insight for its clean secondary use. In this work, the thermal combustion reactivity of coal gasification fine slag was initially enhanced through froth flotation, and then the spatial and temporal multi-scale evolution of heavy metals in the flotation carbon-rich fraction was investigated by a series of analytical experiments. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the volatility of typical heavy metals and the combustion reaction process of the flotation carbon-rich fraction. The volatility of V, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb is consistently high, of which the volatility of Zn and Pb is consistently above 50%, while the volatility of Cr, Mn, and Ba exhibits greater temperature sensitivity. As the reaction proceeds, the specific surface area of the solid residue expands, and then the smooth and dense mineral particles dissolve into each other to form a cluster structure simultaneously with the collapse of the pore structure, resulting in the volatility of the heavy metals firstly increasing and then decreasing. Furthermore, alkali metals and alkaline earth metal compounds are effective carriers of Cr, Mn, and Ba in the bottom residual. Additionally, the type and number of crystalline minerals in the bottom residual gradually increase as the reaction progresses. This results in the gradual conversion of the heavy metals bound to unstable carbonate minerals and sulphones into more stable chemical forms. The findings provide novel theoretical support and technical guidance for the environmentally sound and efficient utilization of residual carbon in the waste coal gasification fine slag.

A DFT study on antimonene as a drug delivery vehicle for carmustine, lomustine and nitrosourea anticancer drugs

We used antimonene (Sb) as a delivery vehicle for transporting drugs like Carmustine (CMT), Lomustine (LOMU) and Nitrosourea (NU) in both gaseous and liquid states. The Sb nanosheet structure is stable, and its potential for drug adsorption has been investigated in both parallel and perpendicular directions. The parallel configuration is most stable with a higher adsorption energy of −1.18 eV, −0.63 eV and −1.14 eV for LOMU, CMT and NU respectively. We investigated structural parameters, electronic properties, work function and chemical reactivity. Only NU alters the Sb’s semiconductor behaviour to metallic and has the shortest recovery time in the parallel direction. Hirshfield charge analysis revealed that nanosheet displays electron accepting properties, whereas drugs act as electron donors. The decreased work function for CMT and LOMU enhances substrate activity, indicating stronger interactions that may improve drug delivery. We confirmed the drug’s effective interaction with amino acids without impairing proteins. Furthermore, calculated results predicted a minimal acidic environment of malignant growth, CM, NU and LOMU drugs could start to release from the Sb surface without significantly altering the structural properties. This study illustrates how Sb nanosheet holds promise as an effective carrier for drug delivery in biomedical applications.

RhBMP-2-loaded hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate microsphere/hydrogel composite promotes bone regeneration in a novel rat femoral nonunion model.

Nonunion following fracture treatment remains a significant clinical challenge, adversely affecting the patient's quality of life and imposing a substantial economic burden. The emergence of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) for bone regeneration represents a promising avenue, albeit limited by side effects such as inflammatory reactions primarily due to suboptimal drug delivery systems. This study focuses on NOVOSIS putty (NP), a novel biomaterial designed for the sustained release of BMP-2, aiming to mitigate these limitations and enhance bone healing. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of NP, a hydroxyapatite granules/β-tricalcium phosphate hydrogel composite (HA/β-TCP/hydrogel), as a BMP-2 carrier for promoting bone regeneration in a new rat nonunion model of long bone. Using Sprague Dawley rats, a 2-mm silicone disk was interposed at the femoral fracture site, and intramedullary fixation with K-wire was performed to create a nonunion with a 2-mm bone defect. After 3weeks, internal fixation with a plate, removal of the silicon disk, and refreshing the nonunion site were performed by implanting three different materials into the nonunion sites: allogenic iliac bone (IB), collagen sponge (CS) containing 10μg of BMP-2, or NP containing 10μg of BMP-2. Bone healing was evaluated weekly using micro-computed tomography (CT); ex vivo micro-Ct and histological evaluation were conducted at 6weeks. At 6weeks, NP demonstrated a significantly higher bone union rate (76.5%) compared with the CS group (35.3%, p = 0.037), and the IB group (6.3%, p < 0.0001). Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) were also significantly higher in the NP group compared with the CS group (BMD, p < 0.0001; BV/TV, p = 0.031). Histological analysis showed the fracture gap in the NP group was filled with more trabecular bone and less fibrous tissue compared with the CS group. The study confirms NP is a highly effective BMP-2 carrier, significantly improving bone union rates and new bone formation in nonunion fractures. The sustained release of BMP-2 from the hydrogel component reduced inflammatory responses and enhanced bone regeneration. NP can be a promising alternative to collagen-based BMP-2 delivery systems.