High Hydrophilicity Research Articles

Solvation of molecules from the family of "domain of unknown function" 3494 and their ability to bind to ice.

In 2012, the molecular structure of a new, broad class of ice-binding proteins, classified as "domain of unknown function" (DUF) 3494, was described for the first time. These proteins have a common tertiary structure and are characterized by a very wide spectrum of antifreeze activity (from weakly active to hyperactive). The ice-binding surface (IBS) region of these molecules differs significantly in its structure from the IBS of previously known antifreeze proteins (AFPs), showing a complete lack of regularity and high hydrophilicity. The presence of a regular, repeating structural motif in the IBS region of hitherto known AFP molecules, combined with the hydrophobic nature of this surface, promotes the formation of an ice-like ordering of the solvation water layer and, as a result, facilitates the process of transformation of this water layer into ice. It is, therefore, surprising that the newly discovered DUF3494 class of proteins clearly breaks out of this characteristic. In this paper, using molecular dynamics simulations, we analyze the solvation water structure of the IBS region of both DUF3494 family molecules and AFPs. As we show, although the IBS of DUF3494 molecules does not form an ice-like water structure in the solvation layer, this is compensated by the formation of the equivalent of "anchored clathrate water," in the form of a relatively large number of water molecules bound to the surface of the protein molecule and providing potential binding sites for it to the ice surface.

Optimization of a Solvent Exchange Method Enabling the Use of Dehydrated Cellulose Nanofibers as the Thickener in Lubricating Oleogels

A method that enabled the formulation of lubricating oleogels using dried cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as an eco-friendly thickener in castor oil was studied. In their dehydrated state, strong hydrogen bonding between nanofibers and high hydrophilicity are the main obstacles to their dispersion in oil. Hence, clusters of dried CNFs had to be previously detached by their dispersion in water. The resulting hydrogels were then subjected to methanol washes to displace the water from the nanofibers. After centrifugation, the methanol-wetted precipitate was readily dispersed in castor oil, forming an oleogel once the methanol was removed. Optimization was conducted in terms of the following variables: (a) hydrogel processing method; (b) hydrogel pH; (c) methanol/hydrogel ratio; (d) number of washes; and (e) oleogel CNF concentration. Their effect on the oleogel linear viscoelastic behavior was analyzed. In general, they demonstrated a prevailing elastic behavior denoted by a well-developed plateau region. The CNF concentration was found to have a more remarkable impact on the oleogels’ rheological behavior than any other variable studied. Hence, substantial differences were observed between 1 and 2 wt.%. The CNFs exhibited a very remarkable thickening capacity in castor oil, achieving a plateau modulus of ca. 700 Pa with just 2 wt.%. Moreover, the resulting oleogels maintained a uniform texture even after one year of storage. This indicates that the oleogels were both homogeneous and storage stable, effectively overcoming the stability issues associated with direct dispersion of dried CNFs in castor oil.

68Ga-Labeled TRAP-Based Glycoside Trimers for Imaging of the Functional Liver Reserve.

The exclusive asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) expression on hepatocytes makes it an attractive target for imaging of the functional liver reserve. Here, we present a set of TRAP-based glycoside trimers and evaluate their imaging properties compared to the gold standard [99mTc]Tc-GSA. The click-chemistry-based synthesis approach provided easy access to trimeric low-molecular-weight compounds. Labeling with 68Ga was carried out in high radiochemical yields (>99%). Complexes showed high stability and hydrophilicity. Protein binding ranged between 10 and 25%. Highest binding affinity (IC50) and best liver accumulation were found for [68Ga]Ga-T3N3, followed by [68Ga]Ga-T3G3 and [68Ga]Ga-T0G3. Rapid elimination from the rest of the body resulted in excellent target-to-background ratios. Our studies confirmed that high ASGR uptake depends on the correct spacer design and that N-acetylgalactosamine improves targeting properties in vivo. Thus, [68Ga]Ga-T3N3 represents a new low-molecular-weight radiopharmaceutical with pharmacokinetics similar to those of [99mTc]Tc-GSA.

Fabrication of Uniform Melatonin Microparticles Potentially for Nasal Delivery: A Comparison of Spray Drying and Spray Freeze Drying.

Insomnia is a major health concern, and melatonin (MLT) is key for initiating sleep. Delivering MLT nasally can enhance brain bioavailability by targeting the olfactory region. This study aimed to fabricate MLT embedded microparticles for nasal delivery. MLT-cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives complex microparticles (MCCMPs) were fabricated by spray drying and spray freeze drying MLT and CD derivative solutions. Phase solubility and 1H-1H ROSEY NMR analysis assessed MLT-CD assembly. The effects of formulation compositions and process parameters on microparticle structural attributes were investigated. The in vitro nasal release and deposition performances were evaluated by a modified paddle-over-disk apparatus and 3D-printed nasal cavity cast, respectively. Sodium sulphobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) exhibited the best complexation ability with MLT, with the indole structure of MLT included in its cavity. Spray dried MCCMPs showed dense structure with high density, while the spray freeze dried counterpart showed the brittle and porous structure with low density. Despite the porous structure may promote the release rate of spray freeze dried samples, the high hydrophilicity of the CD derivative overshadows this advantage. Samples prepared by spray drying not only exhibited rapid release rates but also could deposit more effectively in the olfactory region, as they avoid breakage due to their higher mechanical strength. The optimal sample showed ~ 86.70% of the MLT released at 20min and ~ 10.57% of the deposition fraction in the olfactory region. This work compares MCCMPs fabricated by spray drying and spray freeze drying, providing the optimal formulation and process combinations.

Preparation and properties of bio-based PA56/SiO2–NH2 composite nanofiber membranes for high efficiency oil-water separation

With the continuous development of environmental protection and resource recycling demands, the development of bio-based separation membrane materials has increasingly attracted attention. Bio-based polyamide 56 (PA56), exhibiting excellent hydrophilicity, spinnability, and mechanical properties, is expected to complement and replace traditional separation membrane materials. In this study, the electrospinning preparation and structural control of PA56 nanofiber membranes were achieved through the optimization of PA56 content and mixed solvent ratios. The study found that when the PA56 content was 16 wt% and the formic acid to acetone ratio in the mixed solvent was 8:2, the nanofiber diameter distribution was the most uniform. Building on this, amino-functionalized modified silica (SiO2–NH2) nanoparticles were introduced to prepare PA56/SiO2–NH2 composite nanofiber membranes featuring a cobweb-like nanofiber network and micro-nodule structure. The effects of the addition of SiO2–NH2 nanoparticles on the morphology, structure, and properties of the fiber membranes were studied. The results indicate that the control of the mixed solvent ratio and the addition of SiO2–NH2 nanoparticles led to the formation of a cobweb-like nanofiber network and micro-nano nodular structure on the nanofiber surface, enhancing the hydrophilicity of PA56 nanofiber membranes. The M − 3 membrane with a nanoparticle addition amount of 0.8 wt% exhibited high hydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobic properties, achieving efficient separation of stable oil-in-water emulsions with a separation efficiency of 99.8 %. This work provides a new bio-based membrane material and its preparation method for treating oily wastewater using the membrane separation method.

Amine-functionalized soy protein/graphene oxide aerogel for efficient removal of multiple sugar-derived contaminants (SDCs): Full life cycle exploration and interaction simulation

Sugar-derived contaminants (SDCs) pose significant environmental hazards and safety concerns, emerging as urgent issue. Using amine-modified soy protein (SPI) and graphene oxide (GO), an environment-friendly aerogel (PSPI/PGO) was synthesized to efficiently remove multiple SDCs. The equilibrium adsorption capacities of PSPI/PGO for melanoidins, caramels, and saccharin were 1124.2, 291.1, and 399.3 mg/g, respectively, surpassing those of previously proposed materials. A series of characterizations and experiments demonstrated that the porous PSPI/PGO exhibited high hydrophilicity, nontoxicity, excellent thermal stability, and sustainable capture properties. Emerging dynamic models (i.e., AOAS, EXT-INT, and LF-PC-AS) and multiple quantum chemical theory calculations (ESPL, ALIE, FMO, IGMH, and HSA) further revealed the capture of each SDC onto PSPI/PGO was driven predominantly by charge interactions, followed by H-bonding and intermolecular interactions. PSPI/PGO acts as an H-bonding acceptor in a diverse range of uptake processes for each SDC. The applicability of PSPI/PGO for treating real wastewater has been validated. The full lifecycle exploration of PSPI/PGO (including soil burial degradation tests, wastewater treatment, and garlic hydroponic experiments using depleted PSPI/PGO) underscores its considerable biocompatibility and potential for industrial applications.

Multilayer patch functionalized microfibrillated cellulosic paper sensor for sweat glucose monitoring.

Electrochemical analysis of glucose monitoring without painful blood collection provides a new noninvasive route for monitoring glucose levels. Thus, in this study, biobased cellulosic papers (methylated and phosphorylated one) based glucose monitoring sensor is developed. To achieve high hydrophilicity, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were functionalized using hexokinase mediated phosphorylation (-OH to -[Formula: see text]). The instinctive increased surface charge density from 36.2 ± 3.4 to 118.4 ± 1.2 µmol/g and decrease contact angle (45°-22°) confirms the increased hydrophilicity of paper. Furthermore, functionalized phos-MFC paper increase the capillary flow of sweat, required low quantity (1µl) of sweat for accurate analysis of glucose level. Additionally, chemically induced methyl groups (-CH3) make the sensor more barrier to other chemicals. In addition, a multilayer patch design combined with sensor miniaturization was used to lead to an increase in the efficiency of the sweat collection and sensing processes. Besides, this paper sensor integrated with artificial transdermal drug delivery unit (agarose gel as skin) for monitoring glucose levels in sweat. The patch monitoring system increase the accuracy of sensing with fluctuation in sweat vol. (1-4µl), temperature (20-70 °C), and pH (4.0-7.0). In addition, temperature dependency artificial transdermal delivery (within agarose gel) of drug metformin agrees the measurement accuracy of sensor, called "switch system" without any error. As a result, the reported MFC paper based multi-patch disposable sensing system provides a novel closed-loop solution for the noninvasive sweat-based management of diabetes mellitus.

Contribution of specific extracellular organic matter on membrane fouling in ultrafiltration and coagulation-ultrafiltration of algae-laden water

This study explores the specific impact of bound and dissolved extracellular organic matter (bEOM and dEOM), and their collective influence with algal cells on membrane fouling during ultrafiltration (UF) and coagulation-UF of algae-laden water. By characterizing the organic properties and adsorptive behaviors of bEOM and dEOM, and analyzing their subsequent impacts, we clarify their roles and contributions to membrane fouling. Our analyses revealed that bEOM, characterized by its higher molecular weight (MW) and hydrophobic nature, contains more protein-like substances compared to dEOM. Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) analysis highlights significant differences in their adsorption behaviors, with bEOM demonstrating greater adhesion and higher adsorptive fouling potential. Despite bEOM's lower concentration relative to dEOM, at a ratio of 0.12–1, their contributions to irreversible membrane resistance are nearly identical, at 30.7% and 30.9% respectively, in the UF of algae-laden water. Coagulation pretreatment effectively reduces bEOM's fouling potential by forming larger flocs, thus minimizing its contact with the membrane. In terms of irreversible membrane resistance, the contributions are 6.5% from cells, 24.8% from bEOM, and 68.6% from dEOM. The presence of dEOM complicates coagulation efficiency due to its low MW components and high hydrophilicity. Using the Hermia model, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we demonstrated how bEOM and dEOM modify membrane fouling mechanisms, particularly by influencing cake layer formation. These insights emphasize the distinct and significant contributions of bEOM and dEOM to membrane fouling, necessitating targeted strategies for their management to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of UF systems in water treatment facilities.

Coaxial Electrospun wound dressing integrated with Ag-doped hydroxyapatite for wound healing: Tetracycline delivery

The human body's natural defense against inflammation in wounds can sometimes be insufficient. Introducing a wound dressing with this capability could significantly enhance the healing process. This study aimed to create a PVP/PVA-based coaxial electrospun wound dressing integrated with tetracycline-loaded Ag-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag@iHA) in three concentrations [G1, G2, and G3]) with a focus on drug release and antibacterial activity. Nanoparticles were analyzed using DLS, Zeta potential, SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. The final wound dressing was studied from the viewpoint of physicochemical properties biologically, and finally, it was assessed under an in vivo study (9 Wistar rats, six days). Drug release was measured at three pH (5.4, 7, and 9). The results showed a remarkable success in the integration of silver ion in the hydroxyapatite structure, with a 90–600 nm size. Increasing the content of hydroxyapatite improved the quality of nanofibers that were produced. The nanofibers had high hydrophilicity (<5˚) and swelling rates (70–118 %), which were wholly degraded after 14 days. The amount of the released drug was completely different at each pH and was higher in an alkaline environment, as seen in wounds. The survival percentage (>90 %) of L929 cells showed the biocompatibility of nanofibers. In the animal study, all groups reduced the growth of microorganisms, but the most efficacy belonged to the G3 group. In conclusion, this novel wound dressing has the potential to significantly accelerate the body's natural healing process by controlling the growth of microorganisms.

Hydrophilic Magnetic COFs: The Answer to Photocatalytic Degradation and Removal of Imidacloprid Insecticide

The widespread use of imidacloprid (IMI) in pest control presents significant environmental challenges due to its persistence and low removal efficiency. This study introduces magnetic Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) functionalized with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@HMN-COF, Fe₃O₄@MAN-COF, and Fe₃O₄@SIN-COF) as efficient adsorbents for IMI removal from water. These COFs, engineered with nitrogen-rich structures and extensive π-electron systems, achieve superior adsorption through π-π interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Characterization via FT-IR, XRD, and nitrogen sorption isotherms confirmed their high hydrophilicity, stability, and large surface areas. The magnetic properties of the COFs facilitated easy separation from water, enhancing practicality. Kinetic studies for all COFs indicated a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption, with adsorption capacities of 600 mg/g for Fe₃O₄@HMN-COF, 480 mg/g for Fe₃O₄@MAN-COF, and 375 mg/g for Fe₃O₄@SIN-COF. Thermodynamic analyses revealed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption processes. Reusability tests showed minimal capacity loss over multiple cycles, underscoring their practical applicability. Practical tests in honey and fruit samples confirmed high efficacy, demonstrating the COFs' versatility. The study also optimized the photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid using these COFs, with Fe₃O₄@HMN-COF achieving 98.5% efficiency under optimal conditions (10 mg/L IMI, 0.01 g catalyst dose, pH 11, 30°C, UV light). These findings highlight the potential of magnetic COFs for sustainable environmental remediation of pesticide-contaminated water.

Construction of glycosylated zein-based colloids to simultaneously improve fucoxanthin’s thermal processing adaptability, digestive stability, and oral bioavailability

Fucoxanthin (FX) is a carotenoid found in marine environments with a range of nutritional functions. However, its application in the food industry has been restricted by its vulnerability to deterioration and absorption challenges. This study employed zein to develop hydrophilic colloids to enhance the thermal processing adaptability, gastrointestinal digestive stability, and oral bioavailability of FX. The findings demonstrated that the using glucose for the grafting modification of zein caused a deviation in its isoelectric point, reduced its water contact angle, and altered its secondary structure, resulting in higher hydrophilicity. Using glycosylated zein (GZ) for FX loading yielded homogenous, stable aqueous GZ-FX complex dispersion solutions with an encapsulation efficiency (EE) > 85.00%, a particle size < 210.00nm, a zeta-potential > -30.00mV, and a polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.30. GZ-based encapsulation notably enhanced the thermal stability of FX, retaining approximately 90.00% and 80.00% of the FX at 65 ℃ and 100 ℃, respectively. During in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, GZ-encapsulation of FX demonstrated a retention increase of 30.63% and a 2.31-fold higher micellization rate. The in vivo absorption results showed that GZ-based encapsulation dramatically increased FX oral bioavailability, while its serum, liver, and kidney response levels were 51.49-fold, 5.13-fold and 6.73-fold higher. This study suggests that glycosylated alcohol-soluble proteins are highly effective carriers for delivering carotenoids, with significant application potential in the food industry.

Waste cigarette filters-based polymer blends membrane for filtration of high loaded natural organic matter river water

Waste cigarette filter (WCF) is one of the most common wastes found in the environment. Cigarette filters contain up to 96% cellulose acetate (CA), which can be used as a material for membrane fabrication. However, the CA-based membrane from WCF posed a weak mechanical property (brittle). Therefore, the objective of this work is to improve mechanical property of CA-based membrane from WCF by preparing blend membranes with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer and evaluate their performance for filtration of real river water containing high natural organic matter (NOM) concentrations. The variations of WCF and PVDF used were 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. The membranes were then characterized to determine the morphology, pore size and pore size distribution, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and filtration performance of the membrane using clean water and river water. The SEM test results showed the presence of spherulites on the surface of the blend membrane, indicating that crystallization occurred during membrane formation. The spherulites resulted in smaller pore size, narrower pore size distribution, higher hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the filtration test results showed that blend membranes produced higher permeability compared to pristine WCF, PVDF, and commercial-based CA membranes, where the result of river water permeability was in the range of 875–1062.5 L/m2.h.bar. The membrane fouling formation was aligned well with the result of permeability and is dominated by irreversible fouling formation from the dynamic cake layer built on the membrane surface, with NOM rejections of 26.6–33.8%, suggesting the need for further developments.

Cross-linked proton exchange membrane covalently bonded with silicotungstic acid for enhanced proton conductivity

Proton exchange membranes with cross-linked structures often showed excellent mechanical and chemical stability, but their water absorption and proton conductivity were restricted. This study reported a convenient and efficient thermal cross-linking reaction of sulfonic acid groups and benzene rings using dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane mixed solvents to prepare the membrane. To further illustrate, phenoxyphenyl-attached silicotungstic acid (POP-SiWA) was incorporated in the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membrane and covalently bonded with the polymer by thermal cross-linking reaction. The immobilization ratio for the membranes prepared with 10∼30 wt% POP-SiWA addition was 88.0–63.7%. The modified membranes exhibited high hydrophilicity and improved proton conductivity under hydrated or low relative humidity conditions due to the strong acidity and water-retaining properties of silicotungstic acid. Specifically, the proton conductivity of the modified membrane with 30 wt% POP-SiWA reached 212 mS/cm. It exhibited a fuel cell power density of 629 mW/cm2 at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity, which were 1.90 and 2.67 times higher than the pristine membrane.

Chromatographic Comparison of Commercially Available Columns for Liquid Chromatography in Polar Pesticide Detection and Quantification Using a Score-Based Methodology.

The detection and quantification of polar pesticides in liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry present significant analytical challenges. This study compares the performance of three LC columns (Hypercarb™, Raptor Polar X™, and Anionic Polar Pesticide™) in separating and quantifying eleven polar pesticides in chicken eggs using a score-based methodology. Analytes include glyphosate, its metabolites, and other high-polarity pesticides like Ethephon, Glufosinate, and Fosetyl aluminum, included in the EU's official control plan. Polar pesticides, characterized by high polarity and hydrophilicity, lead to analytical issues such as poor retention and unconventional peak shapes with traditional reversed-phase methods. Their weak interaction with hydrophobic stationary phases complicates separation, necessitating specific stationary phases to enhance retention and selectivity. This study evaluates these columns' efficacy in complex matrices like chicken eggs and other food samples. Chromatographic separation was performed using a UPLC system coupled with a Q-TOF mass spectrometer; extraction and purification involved freeze-out, centrifugation, and filtration steps. The study highlights the critical role of column selection in achieving accurate and reliable separation and quantification of highly polar analytes in matrices of animal origin, offering in the meantime an easy-to-apply methodology of selection for the right determination of the best chromatographic column for different purposes.

Porous polylactide membranes with high piezo-catalytic efficiency for organic wastewater treatment

Piezo-catalysis has been emerged as a green and promising wastewater treatment technology for efficient removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). However, it remains challenging to achieve advanced materials with combined advantages of high piezo-catalytic efficiency, good hydrophilicity, and environmental friendliness. In this work, highly crystalline porous polylactide (PLA) membranes possessing such exceptional advantages have been successfully prepared from biodegradable poly(L-lactide)/poly(D-lactide)/polyethylene glycol/polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer (PLLA/PDLA/PEG/PEO-PPO-PEO) blends by melt processing and subsequent water etching. During the melt-processing, the two PLA enantiomers co-crystallize into stereocomplex (SC) crystals and simultaneously the PEG used as a porogen is expelled from the crystalline regions. The results show that the prepared PLA membranes have not only abundant micro-porous structures but also good hydrophilicity due to the preferential localization of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymer on the pore walls, thus giving rise to an extremely high water flux of 2400 L/m2h. More interestingly, the PLA membranes exhibit remarkable piezoelectric activity and the piezo-catalytic degradation efficiency of 4-NP can reach as high as 96 % under the triggering of water flow involved in vacuum filtration. In addition, the membranes show excellent reusability and the high catalytic efficiency can be well-maintained after five repeated uses. These findings suggest broad application prospects of our porous SC-PLA membranes in organic wastewater treatment.

2D MXene Nanosheets with ROS Scavenging Ability Effectively Delay Osteoarthritis Progression.

MXenes nanosheets with high conductivity, hydrophilicity, and excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability have shown promise in treating various degenerative diseases correlated with abnormal ROS accumulation. Herein, the therapeutic potential of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, which is the most widely investigated MXene material, in delaying osteoarthritis (OA) progression is demonstrated. In vitro experiments indicate the strong ROS scavenging capacity of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and their acceptable biocompatibility. Ti3C2Tx nanosheets effectively protect chondrocytes from cell death induced by oxidative stress. In addition, Ti3C2Tx nanosheets demonstrate a prominent anti-inflammatory effect and the ability to restore homeostasis between anabolic activities and catabolic activities in chondrocytes. Furthermore, RNA sequencing reveals the potential mechanism underlying the Ti3C2Tx nanosheet-mediated therapeutic effect. Finally, the in vivo curative effect of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets is verified using a rat OA model. Histological staining and immunohistochemical analyses indicate that Ti3C2Tx nanosheets effectively ameliorate OA progression. Conclusively, the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that Ti3C2Tx nanosheets could be a promising and effective option for OA treatment.

Cu-doped Fe3O4 supported on porous NC-coated carbon cloth for robust flexible nickel–iron batteries

The pursuit of safe, cost-efficient, environment-friendly and portable energy storage devices has greatly stimulated the exploitation of aqueous flexible batteries that are green and stable. Ni-Fe aqueous batteries have become an ideal choice for flexible energy storage devices due to the advantages such as large theoretical capacity, good safety and low cost. In this work, Fe3O4 is chosen as the active material for the anode of Ni-Fe batteries, which is grown on a modified carbon cloth of PNC/CC with a coating layer of porous nitrogen-carbon. The PNC/CC, as a flexible current collector, has higher hydrophilicity, porosity and conductivity. To further improve the electronic conductivity, ionic adsorption ability, morphology and capacity of the Fe3O4 anode, Cu2+ is added during Fe3O4 growth, which not only brings more homogeneous and full coverage of spherical Cu/Fe3O4 particles on PNC/CC, but also greatly lowers its electrode–electrolyte charge transfer resistivity, increases its ionic diffusion and accelerates its redox reaction activity. With optimized electrochemical reactions, the Cu/Fe3O4@PNC/CC anode shows a much higher capacity of 170.7 mAh/g than bare Fe3O4/CC anode (1 A/g). Solid-state aqueous Ni-Fe batteries are assembled using the Cu/Fe3O4@PNC/CC anode and a NiCoLDH cathode, exhibiting a capacity of 88.56 mAh/g at 1 A/g, capacity retention of 88.19 % during 2000 cycles, as well as the energy density reaching 96.6 Wh kg−1 and the power density reaching 9.7 kW kg−1. Moreover, flexible Ni-Fe battery devices are also fabricated, which can maintain relatively stable electrochemical performance at various bending angles and low temperatures. This works brings some insights for the synthesis and modification of Fe3O4-based anodes for flexible and solid-state Ni-Fe batteries.

Photoresponse of Ti3C2Tx MXene promotes its adsorptive-reductive removal of Cr(VI) from water

MXenes, such as Ti3C2Tx, demonstrate tremendous potential as heavy metal adsorbents due to their abundant reaction sites, high hydrophilicity, controllable interlayer spacing, and inherent reduction ability. However, their structural dependent pollutant removal performances and the related mechanisms are far less studied. Therefore, the removing abilities of Cr(VI) from water on Ti3C2Tx MXenes with different structures (multilayer (ML-) and delaminated (DL-) Ti3C2Tx) synthesized via several etching techniques were evaluated. Focusing on the most effective ML- and DL-Ti3C2Tx obtained by acid/fluoride salt etching, the impacts of structural variations on the Cr(VI) removal performances were explored. Both ML- and DL-Ti3C2Tx demonstrate outstanding Cr(VI) adsorption and reduction capabilities, achieving equilibrium within 500 min with capacities of 92.7 and 205 mg/g, respectively. The differences in removal mechanisms stemed from the varying adsorption and reduction capacities of two MXenes. ML-Ti3C2Tx, with lower surface area and porosity, had low adsorption capacity but superior reduction ability, efficiently converting most Cr(VI) to Cr(III) (66.8%). Conversely, DL-Ti3C2Tx exhibited better removal efficiency but a lower capacity for reduction (45.7%). Notably, although the partial reduction of DL-Ti3C2Tx to TiO2 results in its limited chemical reduction capacity, Ti3C2Tx might serve as a co-catalyst for TiO2, boosting the photoresponsiveness of DL-Ti3C2Tx or TiO2 through Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 heterojunctions, thereby facilitating photocatalysis to realize the reduction of Cr(VI). Both Ti3C2Tx exhibited both excellent Cr(VI) removal capacity and detoxification capacity, demonstrating their high potential in treating heavy metal pollutants in wastewater.

68Ga/177Lu-Labeled Theranostic Pair for Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein with Improved Tumor Uptake and Retention.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is specifically expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts in over 90% of tumors and is considered a promising target for cancer theranostics. Here, we developed a novel tracer, DOTA-FAPT, and labeled it with gallium-68 and lutetium-177 as a theranostic pair. [68Ga]Ga/[177Lu]Lu-FAPT exhibited high stability and hydrophilicity, as well as strong affinity to the FAP target. Micro-PET/CT imaging revealed that [68Ga]Ga-FAPT exhibited significantly increased uptake in tumors and extended retention in A549-FAP and U87MG tumor xenografts as compared to [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics in vivo. Therapeutic studies showed that [177Lu]Lu-FAPT had higher tumor accumulation compared to [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-04, leading to stronger tumor growth inhibition. The first-in-human evaluation also revealed that [68Ga]Ga-FAPT has good in vivo distribution and superior diagnostic efficacy on primary and lymph node metastases in a patient with lung cancer. Our encouraging results suggest that 68Ga/177Lu-labeled DOTA-FAPT is a theranostic pair with broad application prospect.

Mechanism underlying anion-sieving in poly(ionic liquid)-based membrane: Effective acid recovery from engineering waste

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are promising for recovering acid from different engineering effluent due to their lower energy consumption, positive environmental impact, and potential for providing clean water resources. Utilizing the diffusion dialysis (DD) process, AEMs effectively retain metal ions while selectively allowing fast proton permeation. Achieving high hydrophilicity, proton conductivity, and ion exchange capacity through exact control of polymeric structure and chemical composition is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of the acid recovery process. This study presents the findings on the impact of novel Poly(ionic liquid) on cellulose acetate-based AEMs for acid recovery through DD application. In this study, interconnected nanochannel AEMs with high acid permeability are engineered using a straightforward blending technique. Poly(3-butyl-1-vinylimidazolium bromide-co-methyl methacrylate-co-styrene) (poly([BVIM]-[Br]–co–MMA-co-Styrene, PIL) is blended with cellulose acetate to achieve ionic crosslinking, resulting in a mechanically stable membrane. The dosage of PIL within the membrane matrix plays a vital role in determining the prepared membranes' physicochemical properties and ion exchange capabilities, which exhibit excellent thermal stability. Remarkably, the optimal AEM (7.5 % PILM) exhibits a high acid dialysis coefficient (UH+) of 1.05 m/h and a separation factor (S) of 802, outperforming previously reported state-of-the-art AEMs and commercial membranes. These findings indicate that the prepared AEMs are highly effective for acid recovery through DD. Notably, our work stands out by introducing new AEMs with superior acid dialysis performance and selectivity.