Hydrophilic Materials Research Articles

Enhancing stability and immobilization techniques for graphitic carbon nitride in photocatalytic applications

Emerging contaminants from urban and industrial sources require effective water treatment and photocatalysis using graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is emerging as a promising solution. This graphitic polymer, devoid of metals in its structure, exhibits properties similar to titanium oxide, the quintessential traditional photocatalyst. This work aims to optimize the application of GCN as photocatalysts, emphasizing its role in photocatalytic processes by improving its properties for the visible light-assisted photodegradation process and assessing the removal of a selected pollutant, Rhodamine B. Initially, the role of the catalyst precursor (urea, melamine and a ratio 1:1 of them) in the synthesis was evaluated. GCN obtained from urea as precursor yielded to better properties and higher purity of the catalyst. In addition, through acid treatment, slight improvements in the material properties were verified, such as an increase of the crystallinity and active sites. This acid modified catalyst enhanced the photocatalytic process, achieving complete removal of Rhodamine B in 30 min. A significant improvement in the chemical stability of the material was also observed, maintaining nearly its entire removal efficacy after 10 cycles. However, several operational problems were observed due to the powder form of the GCN, and, thus, requesting the development of efficient immobilized catalysts. Therefore, three techniques (encapsulation, electrospinning, and composite) were evaluated and the variations in GCN distribution and their influence on the photocatalysis process ascertained. From this evaluation, it can be concluded that the electrospinning technique, using polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN) to form fibres, generated a highly porous, hydrophilic material with excellent floatability. This allowed maximizing radiation exposure during the process, achieving an 85 % reduction of Rhodamine B concentration in 90 min. Among other remarkable properties, GCN exhibits high reusability when incorporated into PAN fibres, as it remained chemically and physically stable, retaining more than 85 % of its dye removal efficiency after 4 cycles.

A Novel 3D High Resolution Imaging Method Using Correlative X-Ray and Electron Microscopy to Study Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser-Induced Defects in Intraocular Lenses.

Cataract extraction is the most frequently performed ophthalmological procedure worldwide. Posterior capsule opacification remains the most common consequence after cataract surgery and can lead to deterioration of the visual performance with cloudy, blurred vision and halo, glare effects. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy is the gold standard treatment and a very effective, safe and fast procedure in removing the cloudy posterior capsule. Damaging the intraocular lens (IOL) during the treatment may occur due to wrong focus of the laser beam. These YAG-pits may lead to a permanent impairment of the visual quality. In an experimental study, we intentionally induced YAG pits in hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic IOLs using a photodisruption laser with 2.6 mJ. This experimental study established a novel 3D imaging method using correlative X-ray and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize these damages. By integrating the information obtained from both X-ray microscopy and SEM, a comprehensive picture of the materials structure and performance could be established. It could be revealed that although the exact same energies were used to all samples, the observed defects in the tested lenses showed severe differences in shape and depth. While YAG pits in hydrophilic samples range from 100 to 180 µm depth with a round shape tip, very sharp tipped defects up to 250 µm in depth were found in hydrophobic samples. In all samples, particles/fragments of the IOL material were found on the surface that were blasted out as a result of the laser shelling. Defects in hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic materials differ. Material particles can detach from the IOL and were found on the surface of the samples. The results of the laboratory study illustrate the importance of a precise and careful approach to Nd:YAG capsulotomy in order to avoid permanent damage to the IOL. The use of an appropriate contact glass and posterior offset setting to increase safety should be carried out routinely.

Effect of humidification on antimony-based flexible phase change memory

Ambient humidity has an important impact on the performance of flexible electronic devices, and wearable electronic devices will inevitably involve a high humidity environment. To investigate the impact of humidification on flexible phase-change memory, we prepared Sb phase-change film and memory device unit with polyether ether ketone as substrate, and studied the effect of humidification on the properties of the film and device. The results show that the effective transition from an amorphous to a crystalline state can still be achieved by the film after soaking in water for 55 min, and the phase transition temperature increases with the increase of soaking time. Water molecules refine the film grains, resulting in increased crystalline resistance. Sb is a hydrophilic material, and its hydrophilicity decreases after crystallization. The reversible conversion of SET-RESET can be realized under different pulse widths even after the phase change memory device is soaked in water and bent many times. This study shows that antimony-based flexible phase change memory has certain deformation self-healing ability and moisture resistance, which provides a way to expand its application environment.

Evaporation-Driven Energy Generation Using an Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Mat with Different Support Substrates.

Water evaporation-driven energy harvesting is an emerging mechanism for contributing to green energy production with low cost. Herein, we developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber-based evaporation-driven electricity generators (PEEGs) to confirm the feasibility of utilizing electrospun PAN nanofiber mats in an evaporation-driven energy harvesting system. However, PAN nanofiber mats require a support substrate to enhance its durability and stability when it is applied to an evaporation-driven energy generator, which could have additional effects on generation performance. Accordingly, various support substrates, including fiberglass, copper, stainless mesh, and fabric screen, were applied to PEEGs and examined to understand their potential impacts on electrical generation outputs. As a result, the PAN nanofiber mats were successfully converted to a hydrophilic material for an evaporation-driven generator by dip-coating them in nanocarbon black (NCB) solution. Furthermore, specific electrokinetic performance trends were investigated and the peak electricity outputs of Voc were recorded to be 150.8, 6.5, 2.4, and 215.9 mV, and Isc outputs were recorded to be 143.8, 60.5, 103.8, and 121.4 μA, from PEEGs with fiberglass, copper, stainless mesh, and fabric screen substrates, respectively. Therefore, the implications of this study would provide further perspectives on the developing evaporation-induced electricity devices based on nanofiber materials.

The driving force of water absorption in cementitious materials: An analysis of surface-free energies and pore structure

Upon the initial contact of hydrophilic cementitious materials with water, capillary absorption becomes the dominant phenomenon leading to durability deterioration of structures. The water absorption characteristics of such materials are governed by the interplay between pore structure and surface-free energies, with the latter being a factor often overlooked. In this study, advanced inverse gas chromatography (IGC) measurement techniques were employed to investigate the one-dimensional capillary water absorption of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and alkali-activated slag (AAS). Results revealed water sorptivity values for OPC, AAS(NaOH), and AAS(Waterglass) as 0.0112, 0.0137, and 0.0187 mm/s0.5, respectively. This phenomenon can be attributed to the higher total surface-free energies observed at the liquid-solid interface in AAS materials, measuring 100.10 and 119.56 mJ/m2, compared with 74.25 mJ/m2 for OPC, consequently increasing capillary pressures. Moreover, it is observed that OPC exhibited a more complex pore tortuosity in comparison to AAS. This study underscores the dual role played by both capillary pressures and pore tortuosity in determining the water absorption characteristics of cementitious materials.

A channel-homogenized micro gas chromatography column for light alkane separation with uniform HKUST-1 stationary phase

BackgroundThe micro gas chromatography column (μGCC) is one of the key components of the miniaturized gas chromatography system. However, light alkanes are difficult to be separated by a micro gas chromatography column, especially for methane and ethane, because the length of μGCC is limited by the area of a silicon substrate. More importantly, the heterogeneous microchannel surface formed by silicon glass bonding causes uneven stationary phase coating and the forces between the untreated microchannel surfaces and the stationary phase materials are weak, which will prevent the improvement of separation performance. ResultsIn this paper, a micro gas chromatography column (μGCC) with uniform HKUST-1 stationary phase is reported. Significantly, an alumina film prepared by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique is used to homogenize the heterogeneous microchannels. The alumina is a hydrophilic material and the alumina made by the ALD technique is uniform. The forces between hydrophilic alumina film and HKUST-1 are strong, which can greatly improve the coating uniformity of the hydrophilic stationary phase HKUST-1. The test results show that the μGCC could baseline separate the light alkane mixtures (CH4, C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10) at the high testing temperature of 120 °C. The maximum resolution of the difficult-separated methane and ethane reached 19.2, which is 108 % higher than the μGCC using the same stationary phase without homogenizing the microchannel inner surface. SignificanceThe μGCC uses ALD alumina film to homogenize the microchannel inner surface; meanwhile, hydrophilic ALD alumina has a strong electrostatic attraction with the hydrophilic stationary phase HKUST-1. Homogeneous microchannel surface and strong electrostatic attraction are favorable to obtain uniform stationary phase which greatly improves the separation performance, resulting in a large resolution for methane and ethane. The μGCC has broad application prospects in light alkane separation.

Preparation and properties of self‐humidifying anodic gas diffusion layer with hydrophilic polymer material

AbstractIn this paper, an anodic gas diffusion layer (GDL) with a gradient hydrophobic structured microporous layer (MPL) was prepared using a spraying method. The hydrophobicity of the MPL was changed by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone to the MPL close to the catalyst layer side to obtain a bilayer MPL with a gradient hydrophobic structure. By performing the above operation, we designed a double‐layer MPL structure with different hydrophobic gradients. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the gradient hydrophobic structure of bilayer MPL on the electrochemical performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell by characterizing the physical properties, such as water contact angle, of anode self‐humidified GDL prepared in the laboratory. The study compared the limiting power density of the laboratory‐prepared GDL sample 10% with that of the commercial GDL29BC. The limiting power density of the sample 10% is 1.59, 1.5, and 1.49 W/cm2 under three humidity conditions of 40%, 60%, and 100%, respectively, which improve the performance by 19.5%, 17.2%, and 23.1% over that of the commercial GDL29BC. The anode GDL samples prepared in the laboratory showed good self‐wetting effect, which play a positive role in the improvement of fuel cell performance.

Effective solar-driven evaporators with urchin-like CuO particles and directional polyvinylidene fluoride scaffolds via directional dimethyl sulfoxide crystallization and non-solvent induced phase separation

Solar-driven evaporators with vertical channels usually exhibit excellent desalination due to the fast water transportation and excellent salt tolerance, which are often fabricated via a directional liquid nitrogen-assisted ice templating method and freeze-drying process. However, they are reliant on a very limited number of water-soluble polymers and hydrophilic inorganic materials, and the freeze-drying process costs a long time and much energy. A highly efficient and straightforward process for the fabrication of solar-driven evaporators with directional channels from water-insoluble materials is urgent. Here, water-insoluble polyvinylidene fluoride was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and then the solution was engineered to PVDF scaffolds by the combination of directional DMSO crystallization with the commonly porous membrane formation method of non-solvent (water) induced phase separation. The result is the creation of oriented perpendicular pores to the surfaces and framberry-like microparticles on the pore walls. After the in situ deposition of urchin-like CuO particles with high solar adsorption on PVDF scaffolds, PVDF/CuO solar-driven evaporators have been successfully constructed. The evaporate rate depends on the PVDF content and CuO loading. Briefly, PVDF/CuO evaporators fabricated from high PVDF content of more than 3 wt% have low porosity, slow water supply, and poor hydrophilicity, resulting in a low evaporate rate and high evaporation enthalpy. The optimized 3D PVDF/CuO evaporator (V3-9 h) with a PVDF content of 3 wt% and CuO loading of 31.3 ± 1.6 wt% has a high pure water evaporation rate of 3.2 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.3 kg m-2h−1 under sun illumination at 1 and 2 kW m−2, respectively. And the evaporation enthalpy is as low as 1083.8 ± 25.5 J/g, 55 % lower than pure water. Moreover, the sample exhibits a similar evaporation rate in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution because the verticle channels endow the evaporator with excellent salt tolerance. The facile and scalable fabrication process of solar-driven evaporators with directional channels will greatly boost the development of cost-effective desalination.

Exploring Microemulsion Systems for the Incorporation of Glucocorticoids into Bacterial Cellulose: A Novel Approach for Anti-Inflammatory Wound Dressings.

The effective pharmacological treatment of inflamed wounds such as pyoderma gangraenosum remains challenging, as the systemic application of suitable drugs such as glucocorticoids is compromised by severe side effects and the inherent difficulties of wounds as drug targets. Furthermore, conventional semi-solid formulations are not suitable for direct application to open wounds. Thus, the treatment of inflamed wounds could considerably benefit from the development of active wound dressings for the topical administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although bacterial cellulose appears to be an ideal candidate for this purpose due to its known suitability for advanced wound care and as a drug delivery system, the incorporation of poorly water-soluble compounds into the hydrophilic material still poses a problem. The use of microemulsions could solve that open issue. The present study therefore explores their use as a novel approach to incorporate poorly water-soluble glucocorticoids into bacterial cellulose. Five microemulsion formulations were loaded with hydrocortisone or dexamethasone and characterized in detail, demonstrating their regular microstructure, biocompatibility and shelf-life stability. Bacterial cellulose was successfully loaded with the formulations as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and surprisingly showed homogenous incorporation, even of w/o type microemulsions. High and controllable drug permeation through Strat-M® membranes was observed, and the anti-inflammatory activity for permeated glucocorticoids was confirmed in vitro. This study presents a novel approach for the development of anti-inflammatory wound dressings using bacterial cellulose in combination with microemulsions.

Investigation of the Influence of Machining Parameters and Surface Roughness on the Wettability of the Al6082 Surfaces Produced with WEDM.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a non-conventional machining technique, capable of processing any kind of conductive material. Recently, it has been successfully utilized for producing hydrophobic characteristics in inherently hydrophilic metallic materials. In this work, Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) was utilized for producing hydrophobic characteristics on the surface of the aluminum alloy 6082, and various parameters that can affect wettability were investigated. Adopting an orthogonal Taguchi approach, the effects of the process parameter values of peak current, pulse-on time, and gap voltage on the contact angles of the machined surfaces were investigated. After machining, all samples were observed to have obtained hydrophobic properties, reaching contact angles up to 132°. The peak current was identified as the most influential parameter regarding the contact angle, while the gap voltage was the less influential parameter. A contact angle variation of 30° was observed throughout different combinations of machining parameters. Each combination of the machining parameters resulted in a distinct surface morphology. The samples with moderate roughness values (3.4 μm > Sa > 5.7 μm) were found to be more hydrophobic than the samples with high or low values, where the contact angle was measured under 115°. In addition, the finite element modeling of the experimental setup, with parametric surfaces of uniform random and Perlin noise types of roughness, was implemented. Time dependent simulations coupling phase field and laminar flow for the modelingof the wetting of surfaces with different surface roughness characteristics showed that an increase in the Sa roughness and total wetted area can lead to an increase in the contact angle. The combination of experimental and computational results suggests that the complexity of the wettability outcomes of aluminum alloy surfaces processed with WEDM lies in the interplay between variations of the surface chemical composition, roughness, micro/nano morphology, and the surface capability of forming a composite air/water interface.

Comparative Study on the Lubrication Mechanism and Performance of Two Representative Ionic and Nonionic Self-Adhesive Polymer Coatings.

Surface modification of lubricating coatings on biomedical devices is a pivotal strategy to improve the overall performance and clinical efficacy, significantly reducing friction between devices and human tissues and mitigating tissue damage during intervention and long-term implantation. Recently, various hydrophilic polymeric materials have been used for achieving surface functionalization, endowing the biomedical device with excellent superlubrication performance. N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) are two typical representatives of nonionic and zwitterionic materials. However, there is still a research gap in a comparative study of the lubrication mechanisms and properties between them. In this study, a bioinspired and dopamine-assisted codeposition technique was used to fabricate biomimetic hydrophilic coatings, including P(DMA-NVP) and P(DMA-MPC), on polyurethane. To achieve a thorough comparative analysis of the self-adhesive coating performance, 3 M ratios of the copolymers were synthesized and comprehensive material evaluations were conducted. Additionally, surface morphology, hydrophilicity, and lubrication at both the microscale and macroscale were performed. It was found that both hydrophilic coatings exhibited good stability. The P(DMA-MPC) coating, due to the ability to attract and bind a large number of water molecules, demonstrated superior lubrication effects compared to the P(DMA-NVP) coating. The study provides an in-depth understanding of the lubrication behavior of the self-adhesive coatings to enhance the functionality and application in biomedical engineering.

MoS2-poly(sodium4-styrenesulfonate) nanocomposite-based humidity sensor for monitoring wound healing

In this paper, a humidity sensor with high response, high stability and fast response recovery based on MoS2-PSS hybridized sensitive materials was designed, and preliminarily explored for application in noninvasive monitoring of human wound healing. The modification of PSS promoted the increase of S vacancy defects in the MoS2-PSS hybrid materials, which facilitated the rapid adsorption of water molecules and charge transfer. The edge dangling bonds and PSS in MoS2-PSS hybrid materials jointly enhanced the water molecule adsorption capacity and promoted the rapid formation of chemisorbed water layer on materials surface. The formation of chemical bond between MoS2 and PSS makes the hybrid material more stable in structure. The prevents the loss of hydrophilic material caused by the sensor working in high humidity environment for a long time and improves the stability of the sensor. MoS2-PSS humidity sensor exhibites high response (11097), short response/recovery time (5/6 s), low humidity hysteresis (1.6%), and high stability in the 11%-95% RH range. This study not only promotes the development of high-performance sensors, but may also provide a viable option for noninvasive monitoring of wound healing.

An eco-friendly and low-cost superhydrophobic alkali-activated Portland slag cement mortar

Alkali-activated slag cement (AASC) has shown immense potential for application as a low-carbon and eco-friendly cementitious material. It’s crucial to modify the AASC with superhydrophobic property to obtain excellent durability performance. In this paper, low-cost and non-toxic stearic acid (SA) is selected as a hydrophobic agent to impart integral hydrophobic property to the alkali-activated Portland slag cement mortar (AAPSCM). The SA-modified AAPSCM (M-AAPSCM) shows superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 150.6° and a sliding angle of 9.5°, even when hammered to reveal its broken inner structure. The characterization analysis indicates that stearic acid not only successfully grafts onto the mortar surface but also forms calcium stearate, which successfully reduces the surface energy of the material. Combined with the porous rough structure constructed by medium sand and ethanol volatilization, the originally hydrophilic material achieves hydrophobic modification under the dual synergistic effect. The M-AAPSCM reached a compressive strength of 20.8 MPa after 28 days of curing, satisfying the requirements for hydraulic engineering applications. And the M-AAPSCM not only exhibits an excellent self-cleaning ability against contaminants like sand particles and chalk powder, but also demonstrates remarkable mechanical robustness, even after being subjected to blade scratching or mechanical fracture. Concurrently, the initial and final setting times of M-AAPSCM were determined to be 32 minutes and 41 minutes respectively, demonstrating its rapid-setting characteristic. Additionally, following the hydrophobic modification, AAPSCM effectively overcomes its inherent issues of severe autogenous shrinkage and poor carbonation resistance. Furthermore, when compared with the ordinary AAPSCM (O-AAPSCM), the durability of the M-AAPSCM against dry-wet cycles, icing, and freeze-thaw cycles is significantly enhanced.

Synthesis of carbon quantum dots/porous aromatic frameworks (CQDs/PAF-45) composites and their enhanced photocatalytic performance

Modification and functionalization of porous aromatic framework (PAF) materials have emerged as crucial research directions in various fields. In this study, we employed a hydrothermal method to synthesize a carbon quantum dots (CQDs) solution. By loading different amounts of CQDs onto the surface of PAF-45 material through ultrasonic and hydrothermal treatments, we successfully formed CQDs/PAF-45 composite materials. The introduction of CQDs effectively transformed the hydrophobic nature of PAF-45 into a hydrophilic material, thereby overcoming the challenge of achieving efficient contact between PAF catalysts and reactants in aqueous solutions. In the photocatalytic degradation experiments of Rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline, CQDs/PAF-45 composite materials surpassed that of the pristine PAF-45 material. Notably, the 1 wt% CQDs/PAF-45 composite material exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, with degradation efficiencies for Rhodamine B, tetracycline, and phenol approximately 1.4 times, 1.5 times and 1.5 times higher than those of the PAF-45 material, respectively.

A Super Hydrophilic Material for Self-Cleaning by Cold Plasma of Zinc Selenite Nanostructure

This research is devoted to the fabrication of zinc selenide nanostructures using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique in a vacuum under a pressure of [Formula: see text] mbar. The structure and structural properties were studied, as it was observed that it had polycrystalline structures and showed peaks for zinc and selenium and peaks belonging to the compound zinc selenide. As for the morphological characteristics of the nanostructures, the structures showed the nature of the surface and the roughness to identify its surface properties. Photocatalysis was carried out using several techniques (visible light, ultraviolet radiation and cold plasma), where a plasma jet system produced under normal atmospheric pressure was used in the treatment, with an exposure time of 4[Formula: see text]min and an argon gas flow rate of 3[Formula: see text]l/min. The hydrophilic properties were studied to apply these compositions in the self-cleaning process and photocatalytic activity. The results show that the ZnSe nanostructures have high wettability under UV light which has been shown to have excellent catalysis in the UV region, making its application as a self-cleaning material an attractive option.

Comparison of Amine-Modified Polymeric Stationary Phases for Polar Metabolomic Analysis Based on Unified-Hydrophilic Interaction/Anion Exchange Liquid Chromatography/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (Unified-HILIC/AEX/HRMS).

In metabolomic analysis, one of the most commonly used techniques to support the detection sensitivity and quantitation of mass spectrometry is combining it with liquid chromatography. Recently, we developed a method that enables comprehensive single-run measurement of hydrophilic metabolites using unified-hydrophilic interaction/anion exchange liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (unified-HILIC/AEX/HRMS) with a polymer-based mixed amines column (Gelpack GL-HilicAex). However, the importance of stationary phase functional groups and mobile phase conditions for the separation mechanisms and sensitive detection in unified-HILIC/AEX/HRMS is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to understand the importance of the mobile and stationary phases in unified-HILIC/AEX/HRMS. Two different alkali-resistant polymer-based amines-modified columns (Gelpack GL-HilicAex, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary amine-modified polyglycerol dimethacrylate gel; Asahipak NH2P-50 2D, secondary amine-modified polyvinyl alcohol gel) and two eluents (acetonitrile and ammonium bicarbonate solution, pH 9.8) were used for comparative validation. A comparison of mobile phase conditions using both columns confirmed that the two-step separation from HILIC to AEX characteristic of unified-HILIC/AEX requires a linear gradient condition from acetonitrile to nearly 50% water and AEX with up to 40 mM bicarbonate ions. We found that when alkali-resistant hydrophilic polymer packing materials are modified with amines, unified-HILIC/AEX separation can be reproduced if at least one secondary amine associated with the amine series is present in the stationary phase. Furthermore, the difference in sensitivity in the HILIC and AEX modes owing to the different columns indicates the need for further improvements in the mobile phase composition and stationary phase.

Cholesterol-Modified DNA Nanostructures Serve as Effective Non-Viral Carriers for Delivering siRNA to the Kidneys to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury.

With the emergence of gene therapy utilizing viral vectors, the potential risks associated with these vectors have prompted increased attention toward non-viral alternatives. DNA nanotechnology enables the assembly of specific oligonucleotide chains into nanostructures possessing defined spatial configurations. Due to their inherent characteristics, DNA nanostructures possess natural advantages as carriers for regulating gene expression in a non-viral manner. Cholesterol modification can convert DNA nanostructures from hydrophilic materials to amphiphilic materials, thereby extending their systemic circulation time. In this study, the high-dimensional design and cholesterol modification are shown to prolong the systemic circulation half-life of DNA nanostructures in mice. Specifically, the tetrahedron structure modified with three cholesterol molecules (TDN-3Chol) exhibit excellent circulation time and demonstrate a preference for renal uptake. The unique characteristics of TDN-3Chol can effectively deliver p53 siRNA to the mouse renal tubular tissue, resulting in successful knockdown of p53 and demonstrating its potential for preventing acute kidney injury. Furthermore, TDN-3Chol is not exhibited significant toxicity in mice, highlighting its promising role as a non-viral vector for targeted gene expression regulation in the kidneys. The designed non-viral vector as a prophylactic medication shows potential in addressing the current clinical challenges associated with nephrotoxic drugs.

Fabrication of gelatin coated polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffolds co-loaded with luliconazole and naringenin for treatment of Candida infected diabetic wounds

The current study focuses on the development of gelatin-coated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers co-loaded with luliconazole and naringenin for accelerated healing of infected diabetic wounds. Inherently, PCL nanofibers have excellent biocompatibility and biodegradation profiles but lack bioadhesion characteristics, which limits their use as dressing materials. So, coating them with a biocompatible and hydrophilic material like gelatin can improve bioadhesion. The preparation of nanofibers was done with the electrospinning technique. The solid state characterization and in-vitro performance assessment of nanofibers indicate the formation of uniformly interconnected nanofibers of 200–400 nm in diameter with smooth surface topography, excellent drug entrapment, and a surface pH of 5.6–6.8. The antifungal study showed that the nanofiber matrix exhibits excellent biofilm inhibition activity against several strains of Candida. Further, in-vivo assessment of nanofiber performance on C. albicans infected wounds in diabetic rats indicated accelerated wound healing efficacy in comparison to gauge-treated groups. Additionally, a higher blood flow and rapid re-epithelialization of wound tissue in the treatment group corroborated with the results obtained in the wound closure study. Overall, the developed dual-drug-loaded electrospun nanofiber mats have good compatibility, surface properties, and excellent wound healing potential, which can provide an extra edge in the management of complex diabetic wounds.

Hydrophilic Cocrystals with Water Switched Luminescence

AbstractUtilizing water molecules to regulate the luminescence properties of solid materials is highly challenging. Herein, we develop a strategy to produce water‐triggered luminescence‐switching cocrystals by coassembling hydrophilic donors with electron‐deficient acceptors, where 1,2,4,5‐Tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) was used as the electron acceptor and pyridyl benzimidazole derivatives were used as the electron donors enabling multiple hydrogen‐bonds. Two cocrystals, namely 2PYTC and 4PYTC were obtained and showed heat‐activated emission, and such emission could be quenched or weakened by adding water molecules. The cocrystal structure exhibited the donor molecule that can form multiple hydro bonds with water and acceptor molecules due to the many nitrogen atoms of them. The analyses of the photophysical data, powder X‐ray diffraction, and other data confirmed the reversible fluorescence “on‐off” effects were caused by eliminating and adding water molecules in the crystal lattice. The density functional theory calculations indicate that the vibration of the O‐H bond of water molecules in the cocrystal can absorb the excitation energy and suppress fluorescence. Furthermore, the obtained cocrystals also showed temperature, humidity, and H+/NH4+ responsive emission behavior, which allows their applications as thermal and humidity sensors, and multiple information encryptions. This research paves the way for preparing intelligent hydrophilic organic cocrystal luminescent materials.

Hydrophilic Cocrystals with Water Switched Luminescence.

Utilizing water molecules to regulate the luminescence properties of solid materials is highly challenging. Herein, we develop a strategy to produce water-triggered luminescence-switching cocrystals by coassembling hydrophilic donors with electron-deficient acceptors, where 1,2,4,5-Tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) was used as the electron acceptor and pyridyl benzimidazole derivatives were used as the electron donors enabling multiple hydrogen-bonds. Two cocrystals, namely 2PYTC and 4PYTC were obtained and showed heat-activated emission, and such emission could be quenched or weakened by adding water molecules. The cocrystal structure exhibited the donor molecule that can form multiple hydro bonds with water and acceptor molecules due to the many nitrogen atoms of them. The analyses of the photophysical data, powder X-ray diffraction, and other data confirmed the reversible fluorescence "on-off" effects were caused by eliminating and adding water molecules in the crystal lattice. The density functional theory calculations indicate that the vibration of the O-H bond of water molecules in the cocrystal can absorb the excitation energy and suppress fluorescence. Furthermore, the obtained cocrystals also showed temperature, humidity, and H+ /NH4 + responsive emission behavior, which allows their applications as thermal and humidity sensors, and multiple information encryptions. This research paves the way for preparing intelligent hydrophilic organic cocrystal luminescent materials.