Hybrid Particles Research Articles

Optical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Si/PVP Hybrid Material Combined with Antibiotics

Silica–poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid material was prepared using the sol–gel method. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. XRD analysis established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The morphological structure of the final product was determined by the incorporated PVP. The UV–Vis analysis showed that the obtained hybrid exhibited absorption in the ultraviolet range. The antimicrobial activity of the SiO2/15PVP hybrid material was tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC BAA-2162, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in combination with the following antibiotics: Vancomycin for Gram-positive bacteria, Ciprofloxacin for Gram-negative bacteria, and Nystatin for yeast. The results confirmed a concentration-dependent synergistic effect of the antibiotic in combination with the TM15/PVP hybrid particles, especially at their highest concentration of 100 mg/mL on Gram-positive bacteria and for the Gram-negative Salmonella. On Candida albicans ATCC 18804 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCY 21-6-3, the effect was synergistic again, and a fungicidal effect was observed at 6.25 and 1.50 mg/mL for the antibiotic concentration and concentrations of hybrid material at 100 mg/mL. The toxicity on Daphnia magna was also tested. The registered prooxidant activity of SiO2/15PVP shows possible applications at very low concentrations. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of clinical implementations of the newly synthesized hybrid material.

Interfacial metallization in segregated structured PEEK composite for enhanced thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding1

The increasing integration of electronic devices has created an urgent demand for multi-functional composites with efficient thermal management and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) continuous metal–carbon hybrid thermally/electrically conductive network structure is fabricated by in-situ nickel plating of core–shell structured polyetheretherketone (PEEK) hybrid particles. The hybrid particles realise phonon and electron dual heat-transfer pathways and reduce the interfacial thermal resistance by using metallic Ni nanoparticles to bridge the gap. Furthermore, the interfacial metallization and segregated structure significantly enrich the multiple electromagnetic wave reflection and attenuation mechanisms. The PEEK composites with metallized-segregated structure and filler content of 28.26 vol% exhibit an excellent through-plane thermal conductivity of 6.52 W·m–1·K–1 and an efficient EMI shielding of 91 dB, thus demonstrating their significant potential as multi-functional thermal management materials. The heat-transfer and EMI shielding process of the composites can be visualised using the finite element model, which further proves the effectiveness of the segregated structure and metallization. This simple and efficient strategy is expected to facilitate the manufacture of multi-functional thermal management composites with high thermal conductivity and excellent EMI shielding.

Improved interfacial compatibility between unsaturated polyester resin and rice straw fibers after non-washing treatment with Ca(OH)2

The agricultural industry produces a substantial volume of rice straw (RS) annually, highlighting the importance of recycling RS for sustainable materials. However, the poor interfacial compatibility between RS and polymers often leads to drawbacks in their composites, such as water-swelling and limited tensile strength. Here, we propose a novel approach using Ca(OH)2 that offers several distinct advantages: enhancement of interfacial compatibility, elimination of the need for water washing, and formation of calcified hybrid particles on fiber surfaces by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. The non-washing calcified rice straw (NCRS) fibers were used to fabricate composites with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), resulting in NCRS/UPR composites exhibiting significant enhancements in water resistance and mechanical properties compared to RS/UPR composites. The NCRS/UPR composites achieved a water absorption rate below 25 %, thickness swelling rate below 10 %, and tensile strength of 19.9 MPa. This work comprehensively explored the mechanism underlying these achievements through experimental studies. Findings suggest that CaCO3 particles involving with released lignin act as an interfacial bridge between RS fiber surface and UPR, resulting in significantly improved properties. This approach demonstrates promising prospects as a simple and eco-friendly methodology for manufacturing RS-based composite materials.

Microstructure-mechanical property relationships of polymer nanocomposite reinforced with lyophilized montmorillonite/carbon nanotubes hybrid particles

Abstract Introducing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and montmorillonite (MMT) simultaneously into a polymer can significantly enhance its properties. Meanwhile, choosing the best technique to homogeneously disperse these nanohybrid particles in polymers, without agglomerates, is still a challenge. In this study, a hybrid MMT/MWCNT, prepared by lyophilization process, is introduced in polylactide (PLA). Morphology of the resulting nanocomposites displays synergistic relationships of the MMT/MWCNT, facilitating dispersion in PLA. The analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specific particle densities of PLA0.5hyb, PLA1.0hyb, and PLA2.0hyb shows values of 77, 64, and 35 µm⁻2, respectively. This suggests that MMT platelets are significantly more exfoliated in PLA0.5hyb compared to the other nanocomposites. It also indicates that filler aggregation increases as the MMT/MWCNT concentration increases. Compared to neat PLA, elastic modulus of nanocomposites increased by up to 46 %, demonstrating the reinforcing effect of MMT/MWCNT hybrid nanofillers. The nanocomposites exhibit viscosity, plasticity and damage phenomena, which are significantly decreased because of the MMT/MWCNT incorporation, compared to neat PLA. Furthermore, the viscoelastic properties, analyzed by dynamic thermal-mechanical analysis, record about 27 % increase in the storage modulus of the nanocomposites compared to PLA, indicating the effectiveness of the hybrid MMT/MWCNT in increasing the resistance of PLA/MMT/MWCNT nanocomposite against thermomechanical aggression.

Supramolecular Reconstruction of Self-Assembling Photosensitizers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Natural photosynthetic systems require spatiotemporal organization to optimize photosensitized reactions and maintain overall efficiency, involving the hierarchical self-assembly of photosynthetic components and their stabilization through synergistic interactions. However, replicating this level of organization is challenging due to the difficulty in efficiently communicating supramolecular nano-assemblies with nanoparticles or biological architectures, owing to their dynamic instability. Herein, we demonstrate that the supramolecular reconstruction of self-assembled amphiphilic rhodamine B nanospheres (RN) through treatment with metal-phenolic coordination complexes results in the formation of a stable hybrid structure. This reconstructed structure enhances electron transfer efficiency, leading to improved photocatalytic performance. Due to the photoluminescence quenching property of RN and its electronic synergy with tannic acid (T) and zirconium (Z), the supramolecular complexes of hybrid nanospheres (RNTxZy) with Pt nanoparticles or a biological workhorse, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, showed marked improvement in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The supramolecular hybrid particles with a metal-phenolic coordination layer showed 5.6- and 4.0-fold increases, respectively, in the productivities of hydrogen evolution catalyzed by Pt (Pt/RNTxZy) and MR-1 (M/RNTxZy), respectively. These results highlight the potential for further advancements in the structural and photochemical control of supramolecular nanomaterials for energy harvesting and bio-hybrid systems.

Supramolecular Reconstruction of Self‐Assembling Photosensitizers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Natural photosynthetic systems require spatiotemporal organization to optimize photosensitized reactions and maintain overall efficiency, involving the hierarchical self‐assembly of photosynthetic components and their stabilization through synergistic interactions. However, replicating this level of organization is challenging due to the difficulty in efficiently communicating supramolecular nano‐assemblies with nanoparticles or biological architectures, owing to their dynamic instability. Herein, we demonstrate that the supramolecular reconstruction of self‐assembled amphiphilic rhodamine B nanospheres (RN) through treatment with metal‐phenolic coordination complexes results in the formation of a stable hybrid structure. This reconstructed structure enhances electron transfer efficiency, leading to improved photocatalytic performance. Due to the photoluminescence quenching property of RN and its electronic synergy with tannic acid (T) and zirconium (Z), the supramolecular complexes of hybrid nanospheres (RNTxZy) with Pt nanoparticles or a biological workhorse, Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, showed marked improvement in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The supramolecular hybrid particles with a metal‐phenolic coordination layer showed 5.6‐ and 4.0‐fold increases, respectively, in the productivities of hydrogen evolution catalyzed by Pt (Pt/RNTxZy) and MR‐1 (M/RNTxZy), respectively. These results highlight the potential for further advancements in the structural and photochemical control of supramolecular nanomaterials for energy harvesting and bio‐hybrid systems.

PVA-Stabilized and Coassembled Nano/Microparticles with High Payload of Dual Phytochemicals for Enhanced Antibacterial and Targeting Effect.

The codelivery of multiple bioactive phytochemicals via nano/microparticles (NPs/MPs) represents a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This study presents the development of novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-stabilized hybrid particles designed for codelivery of palmatine hydrochloride (PAL) and glycyrrhizic acid (GL). Employing a straightforward coassembly method, we synthesized dual-drug particles achieving a high payload capacity of over 70%. The particles were characterized as uniform in size, within the nano/micron range, and exhibited a ζ-potential of -5.0 mV. The incorporation of PVA not only stabilized the particles but also refined the aggregation process, resulting in more uniform and finer particles approximately 1 μm in size. Spectral analysis and molecular dynamics simulations verified the presence of π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding between PAL and GL within the particles. In vitro antibacterial assays indicated that the hybrid particles had a lower minimum inhibitory concentration against Escherichia coli and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus than those of the pure drugs. In vivo biodistribution study in rats revealed that the PVA-stabilized particles revealed enhanced targeting to the liver, lung, and heart, demonstrating improved tissue selectivity compared with the solution group. In summary, the PVA-stabilized hybrid NPs/MPs represent an innovative and efficient platform for codelivery of multidrugs. These findings highlight the promise of coassembled particles for high loading, enhanced bioactivity, and targeted delivery, making them a strong candidate for future clinical applications.

Microfluidic-assisted synthesis of hybrid calcium carbonate/silver microparticles

The development of advanced methods for the synthesis of nano- and microparticles for biomedical applications is of considerable interest. A method for the synthesis of submicron silver-shelled calcium carbonate particles using a microfluidic chip designed to provide control over particle formation is proposed. Precise control of reaction parameters enables the formation of silver shell and calcium carbonate particles in a controlled manner. The distribution of pores in the hybrid particles was analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering, which provided insight into the complex structure of the pores. The results provide information on particle morphology and may facilitate the development of new calcium carbonate-based materials for various applications.

Novel Type of Non‐Toxic, Degradable, Luminescent Ratiometric Thermometers Based on Dyes Embedded in Disulfide‐Bridged Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Particles

AbstractDespite the excellent thermometric performance of many developed luminescent nanomaterials, their use has not gone beyond proof‐of‐concept in vivo experiments to date. An important issue that needs to be resolved before moving toward true biomedical applications of engineered nanothermometers is their potential toxicity and bioaccumulation in the human body considering the ultimate objective of clinical applications. Since most reported nanothermometers currently are not degradable materials and are mainly based on the incorporation of heavy metal ions, these aspects remain of genuine concern in the fields of nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, nanotoxicology, and nanopharmacology. This work explores the possibility of designing visible, as well as near‐infrared, emitting luminescent ratiometric nanothermometers based on appropriate organic dye mixtures embedded in hollow disulfide‐bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) particles. Such hybrid particles show excellent thermometric performance in the physiological temperature range (20–50 °C), favorable degradability in simulated physiological conditions, as well as no toxicity to healthy normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells in a wide concentration range. Considering the simplicity of the approach from the synthetic point of view, and the large available library of known fluorescent dyes emitting in various regions of the electromagnetic range, this motif renders a very promising approach to designing novel non‐toxic, decomposable, luminescent ratiometric thermometers.

Improving heat transfer efficiency via optimization and sensitivity assessment in hybrid nanofluid flow with variable magnetism using the Yamada–Ota model

Abstract The study aims to investigate the heat transfer efficiency in a hybrid nanofluid flow consisting of silver–molybdenum tetra sulphide (Ag–MoS4) with variable magnetism. The Yamada–Ota model is incorporated to account for viscous dissipation and heat source/sink effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the fluid flow characteristics. However, the dissipative heat along with thermal radiation combined with the hybrid particles enriches the flow properties. The proposed model is simplified to its corresponding non-dimensional form for using proper similarity rules, and the set of transformed problems is handled numerically by employing the in-house MATLAB function bvp5c. The research utilizes a new statistical approach based on response surface methodology (RSM) and sensitivity evaluation to enhance the overall heat transmission performance. The work is conducted to obtain the relevant data on heat transfer rate. The concentration of nanoparticles, thermal radiation, and heat source are selected as the key parameters affecting the heat transfer efficiency. RSM is employed to optimize these parameters and determine the optimal conditions for enhanced heat transfer rate. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the efficiency of individual parameters on heat transportation. The findings of this study demonstrate that the hybrid nanofluid flow of Ag–MoS4 exhibits improved heat transfer efficiency compared to conventional fluids. Further, the Yamada–Ota conductivity model is also influential in enhancing the heat transfer properties.

Physicochemical characterization and potential cancer therapy applications of hydrogel beads loaded with doxorubicin and GaOOH nanoparticles

A new type of hybrid polymer particles capable of carrying the cytostatic drug doxorubicin and labeled with a gallium compound was prepared. These microparticles consist of a core and a hydrogel shell, which serves as the structural matrix. The shell can be employed to immobilize gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH) nanoparticles and the drug, resulting in hybrid beads with sizes of approximately 3.81 ± 0.09 μm. The microparticles exhibit the ability to incorporate a remarkably large amount of doxorubicin, approximately 0.96 mg per 1 mg of the polymeric carrier. Additionally, GaOOH nanoparticles can be deposited within the hydrogel layer at an amount of 0.64 mg per 1 mg of the carrier. These nanoparticles, resembling rice grains with an average size of 593 nm by 155 nm, are located on the surface of the polymer carrier. In vitro studies on breast and colon cancer cell lines revealed a pronounced cytotoxic effect of the hybrid polymer particles loaded with doxorubicin, indicating their potential for cancer therapies. Furthermore, investigations on doping the hybrid particles with the Ga-68 radioisotope demonstrated their potential application in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The proposed structures present a promising theranostic platform, where particles could be employed in anticancer therapies while monitoring their accumulation in the body using PET.

Preparation of Poly(Styrene-co-Acrylonitrile)-Grafted Attapulgite via Simultaneous Reverse and Normal Initiation Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SR&NI ATRP) and Its Effect on Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Terpolymer Ternary Composites

To further improve the comprehensive properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer blends (PC/ABS), in this work, styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer [P(St-co-An)] was grafted on the surface of attapulgite particles (ATP) by simultaneous reverse and normal initiation ATRP (SR&NI ATRP) to yield ATP@P(St-co-An) hybrid particles. Then a series of PC/ABS/ATP@P(St-co-An) composites were prepared via the melt blending method. The effects of ATP@P(St-co-An) content on the morphological, mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites were investigated in detail. The core-shell ATP@P(St-co-An) hybrid particles with the polymer layer thickness of 20-40 nm were synthesized successfully according to the results of X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The improvement in mechanical properties, reduced glass transition temperature (T g) difference between PC and ABS and micromorphology changes of the composites proved the compatibilization, strengthening, and toughening effect of the ATP@P(St-co-An). Compared with the PC/ABS blend, with strength and toughness of 50.8 MPa and 56.3 kJ/m2, when the ATP@P(St-co-An) content was 4 wt%, a reasonable balance (85.8 MPa and 86.2 kJ/m2) between strength and toughness was achieved with substantially enhanced thermal stability. Moreover, the composite showed more remarkable non-Newtonian behavior, and its processability was also improved. We believe this work provides an effective approach to optimize the compatibility and comprehensive properties of PC/ABS blends.

Electroactive self-standing polyester membranes prepared using magnetite/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) core-shell particles

In this work hybrid magnetite (Fe3O4)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) core-shell particles are used to produce electro-responsive self-standing polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with many potential applications. For this purpose, Fe3O4/PEDOT core-shell particles with different magnetite contents are prepared by combining chemical precipitation and emulsion polymerization. After chemical, morphological and physical characterization, the electrochemical response of the hybrid particles is analyzed and compared with that of PEDOT nanoparticles. In all cases, Fe3O4/PEDOT core-shell particles are more electroactive than PEDOT particles, with the electrochemical response of the former increasing with the content of magnetite. Composite membranes were prepared by spin-coating a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL) and Fe3O4/PEDOT particles. The resulting Fe3O4/PEDOT-PCL membranes, which maintained the magnetic behavior, were transformed into electro-responsive by incorporating a PEDOT surface layer through anodic polymerization, which was possible thanks to the role of Fe3O4/PEDOT particles as polymerization nuclei. One of the potential applications of self-supported electro-responsive Fe3O4/PEDOT-PCL/PEDOT membranes was illustrated through a proof-of-concept. Specifically, a wide-spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol, was loaded into the membranes during the anodic polymerization step promoted by the hybrid Fe3O4/PEDOT particles and, subsequently, completely released by electrical stimulation. Overall, Fe3O4/PEDOT core-shell particles allowed us to obtain self-standing membranes with electric and magnetic properties, as promising candidates for many technological applications.

Boronic acid-functionalized magnetic covalent organic frameworks based solid-phase extraction coupled with hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of trace gentamicin residues in milk

Boric acid-functionalized magnetic covalent organic frameworks (Fe3O4-TpBD-B) with large surface area and high porosity were prepared and applied for magnetic solid-phase extraction adsorbent of gentamicin from milk before UPLC-MS/MS detection. By utilizing a new HILIC chromatographic column with zwitterionic sulfoalkyl betaine stationary phase based on ethyl bridged hybrid particles (BEH), isomers of gentamicin (C1, C1a, and C2+C2a components). The developed methods demonstrated good linearity (R2 > 0.99), acceptable accuracy and good precision (<10 %), and low limit of quantitation (1.59 ng mL⁻1 for C1, 1.52 ng mL⁻1 for C1a and 2.72 ng mL⁻1 for C2+C2a). In addition, this method has been effectively applied to the analysis of real milk samples.

Effect of aluminum particles on the insulating properties of C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas

The C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas is most expected to replace SF6 in high-voltage power equipment, and the generation of free metal particles in gas-insulated equipment is unavoidable and highly susceptible to inducing insulation failures. In this paper, the effects of flaky, spherical, and mixed shape aluminum particle defects on the breakdown characteristics of C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas are investigated and compared to those of SF6 under the same conditions. The experimental results show that the effect of particle defects on the insulating properties of C4F7N/CO2 gas mixtures is visualized by the fact that particle defects reduce the breakdown voltage of C4F7N/CO2 gas mixtures, increase their stochasticity, and reduce the enhancement of the insulating properties of C4F7N/CO2 gas mixtures by increasing the air pressure. The greater the number of particles, the greater is the degree of influence. Comparison of the SF6 and C4F7N/CO2 gas mixtures reveals that, in the case of flake defects, increasing the air pressure improves the insulation performance of the SF6 gas better than that of the C4F7N/CO2 gas mixture. Under the condition of the same number of particles, the larger the proportion of spherical particles in the hybrid particles, the smaller is the influence of metal particles on the C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas and on SF6 gas.

Constructing multi-layer heterogeneous interfaces in liquid metal graphite hybrid powder: Towards microwave absorption enhancement

Carbon based materials are widely used in the preparation of microwave absorption materials due to their low density, high attenuation loss and large specific surface area. However, their high conductivity usually leads to high reflection loss. In this study, multi-layer heterogeneous interfaces were constructed in liquid metal graphite hybrid powder to reduce reflection loss and enhance microwave absorption performance. Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) layer was formed in Ga coated graphite powder to improve impedance matching and attenuation constant via an annealing treatment. Specifically, the hybrid particles with 50 wt% Ga and being annealed at 120 °C for 2 h have a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of −42.68 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.11 GHz at a thickness of 3.3 mm. The hybrid particles not only have multi-layer structures with different electrical conductivity, but also form heterojunctions between different interfaces, which can further enhance dipole and interfacial polarization.

Formulation and Evaluation of Meloxicam Hybrid nano Particles.

The goal of the present study was to prepare meloxicam (MX) entrapped hybrid particles (HPs) to enhance intestinal permeation and anti-inflammatory activity. MX-HPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using lipid, chitosan, poloxamer, and TPGS. The formulations (MX-HPs1, MX-HPs2, MX-HPs3) were evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release to select the optimized composition and further evaluated for permeation study, stability study, morphology, interaction study, and anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. The prepared MX-HPs showed nano sized particles (198.5 ± 3.7 to 223.8 ± 2.1nm) and PDI (<0.3), zeta potential (16.5 ± 2.7 to 29.1 ± 3.6 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (75.1 ± 4.7 to 88.5 ± 3.9%). The surface morphology was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and showed non-aggregated particles. Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy of pure MX as well as formulation revealed no drug-polymer interaction and X-ray diffraction confirmed the conversion of crystalline MX into amorphous form. The release study data revealed prolonged MX release for 24h. The selected optimized hybrid particles (MX-HPs2) revealed a 2.3-fold improved enhancement ratio than free MX. The storage stability and gastrointestinal stability data demonstrated a stable formulation in SIF as well as SGF. The anti-inflammatory activity showed better therapeutic action than pure MX dispersion. From the study, it can be concluded that the prepared MX-HPs may be a promising delivery system for MX in treating inflammatory disorders.

Synthesis of graphene oxide/layered double hydroxides hybrids via co-precipitation and their polypropylene composites

A series of hybrid particles consisting of graphene oxide and magnesium–aluminium-layered double hydroxides (GO/Mg–Al-LDHs) were prepared by the co-precipitation method and then modified by allyltrimethoxysilane (ATMS). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, Raman spectra and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) micrograph results showed the modified GO/Mg–Al-LDHs were synthesised with a smaller particle size and better dispersion. The polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared via the reactive extrusion method, and the effects of GO content in hybrids on the mechanical properties, processability, thermal stability, flame retardation, melting and crystallisation behaviour of composites were investigated in detail. The comprehensive properties of composites containing GO/Mg–Al-LDHs were excellent compared to those of Mg–Al-LDHs under the same filler concentration. Compared with pure PP, 20 wt-% of GO/Mg–Al-LDHs-2.5 increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of composites from 16.4% to 28.8% with a V-0 level of U-94 testing and decreased the heat release rate (HRR) and total heat release (THR) values from 1206.4 kW/m2 and 133.9 MJ/m2 to 146.9 kW/m2 and 69.6 MJ/m2. Meanwhile, the tensile, impact strength and elongation at break were 36.2 MPa, 3.0 kJ/m2 and 68.6%, respectively. This work provided an effective strategy for enhancing the dispersion and comprehensive properties of GO/LDHs-based composites.

Nb2Fe14B/MWCNTs hybrids with Rambutan-like structure for efficient microwave absorption

To avoid the potential danger of electromagnetic waves from electronic devices, there’s an urgent demand to develop high-performance microwave absorbers. In this work, we presented Nb2Fe14B and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid particles with a rambutan structure synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. Mixed the hybrid particles and paraffin with different contents, the composites could have an excellent absorption performance because of the synergistic effects of MWCNT and Nb2Fe14B. The best reflection loss (RL) of the composite with 20.wt% content and 4.5 mm thickness could reach − 47.4 dB at 4.7 GHz. The composite with 25.wt% content and 2 mm thickness also had a RL of –40.7 dB at 12.5 GHz.

Clinic-oriented injectable smart material for the treatment of diabetic wounds: Coordinating the release of GM-CSF and VEGF

Chronic wounds are often caused by diabetes and present a challenging clinical problem due to vascular problems leading to ischemia. This inhibits proper wound healing by delaying inflammatory responses and angiogenesis. To address this problem, we have developed injectable particle-loaded hydrogels which sequentially release Granulocyte-macrophage- colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) encapsulated in polycaprolactone-lecithin-geleol mono-diglyceride hybrid particles. GM-CSF promotes inflammation, while VEGF facilitates angiogenesis. The hybrid particles (200–1000 nm) designed within the scope of the study can encapsulate the model proteins Bovine Serum Albumin 65 ± 5 % and Lysozyme 77 ± 10 % and can release stably for 21 days. In vivo tests and histological findings revealed that in the hydrogels containing GM-CSF/VEGF-loaded hybrid particles, wound depth decreased, inflammation phase increased, and fibrotic scar tissue decreased, while mature granulation tissue was formed on day 10. These findings confirm that the hybrid particles first initiate the inflammation phase by delivering GM-CSF, followed by VEGF, increasing the number of vascularization and thus increasing the healing rate of wounds. We emphasize the importance of multi-component and sequential release in wound healing and propose a unifying therapeutic strategy to sequentially deliver ligands targeting wound healing stages, which is very important in the treatment of the diabetic wounds.