Insoluble State Research Articles

Daytime and nighttime aerosol soluble iron formation in clean and slightly polluted moist air in a coastal city in eastern China

Abstract. Photocatalytic reactions during the daytime, alongside aqueous-phase reactions occurring during both daytime and nighttime, are identified as the two primary processes facilitating the conversion of aerosol iron (Fe) from the insoluble state to the soluble state within the atmospheric environment. This study investigated the levels of total Fe (FeT) and soluble Fe (FeS) in PM2.5 samples collected during daytime and nighttime in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China, evaluating the distinctive roles of these two pathways in enhancing aerosol Fe solubility (%FeS, defined as the ratio of FeS to FeT). Under clean and humid conditions, characterized by prevailing sea breezes and a relative humidity (RH) typically above 80 %, an average daytime %FeS of 8.7 % was observed, which systematically exceeded the nighttime %FeS (6.3 %). Photochemical conversions involving oxalate contributed to the higher %FeS observed during daytime. Conversely, in scenarios where air masses originated from inland areas and exhibited slightly polluted, daytime %FeS (3.7 %) was noted to be lower than the nighttime %FeS (5.8 %). This discrepancy was attributable to the variations in RH, with nighttime RH averaging around 77 %, conducive to the more efficient generation of acidic compounds, thereby accelerating FeS production compared to the daytime, when RH was only about 62 %. Furthermore, the oxidation rates of sulfur (SOR) displayed a strong correlation with RH, particularly when RH fell below 75 %. A 10 % increase in RH corresponded to a 7.6 % rise in SOR, which served as the primary driver of the higher aerosol acidity and %FeS at night. These findings highlight the RH-dependent activation of aqueous-phase reactions and the augmentation of daytime photocatalysis in the formation of FeS in the coastal moist atmosphere.

Occurrence of Differences between Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals (AAEMs), Including Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, in the Maceral Groups of the Xiheishan Coal, Zhundong Coalfield, Xinjiang, China

This study investigated the differences and correlation between the occurrence characteristics of alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) among different maceral groups in high-alkali, high-inertinite coal, and provides scientific guidance for the co-separation of AAEMs and inertinite groups in Xinjiang coal. The total AAEMs of inertinite-enriched samples were significantly higher than those in raw coals and vitrinite-enriched samples. Five-step sequential extraction showed that Na mainly occurs as water-soluble sodium (Na-Water) in raw coal and inertinite-enriched samples, accounting for about 53% of the total content, while it exists as organic sodium (Na-NH4Cl and Na-EDTA) in vitrinite-enriched samples, accounting for about 52% of the total content. Ca and Mg are both mainly present in organic form (Ca/Mg-NH4Cl and Ca/Mg-EDTA) in all the samples, with slightly higher proportions present in vitrinite-enriched samples. The contents of K are low in all the samples, which exist in an insoluble state (K-I). Combined microscopy and SEM-EDS analyses have revealed that the localized enrichment of Na in raw coal and inertinite-enriched samples occurs in the inertinite cell cavity, which primarily exists as NaHCO3 combined with quartz crystals, with a maximum content of up to 5.85 wt%. In this study, although EDS spectra could not directly characterize organic Ca and Mg, dolomite and calcite minerals were repeatedly found in the inertinite cell cavity. Moreover, the contents of Ca and Mg in the vitrinite-enriched samples were significantly lower than those in the other samples, which suggests that Ca and Mg are enriched with the inertinite groups. The localized enrichment of AAEMs could not be detected in any of the vitrinite-enriched samples. In summary, though there are significant differences between the occurrence modes of AAEMs in different maceral groups of high-alkali coal, AAEMs have a strong affinity with inertinite, which may be due to the inertinite’s abundant pore structures.

Effects of carbonization temperature and time on the characteristics of carbonized sludge.

To investigate the influence of carbonization process parameters on the characteristics of municipal sludge carbonization products, this study selected carbonization temperatures of 300-700 °C and carbonization times of 0.5-1.5 h to carbonize municipal sludge. The results showed that with an increase in temperature and carbonization time, the sludge was carbonized more completely, and the structure and performance characteristics of the sludge changed significantly. Organic matter was continuously cracked, the amorphous nature of the material was reduced, its morphology was transformed into an increasing number of regular crystalline structures, and the content of carbon continued to decrease, from the initial 52.85 to 38.77%, while the content of inorganic species consisting continued to increase. The conductivity was reduced by 87.8%, and the degree of conversion of salt ions into their residual and insoluble states was significant. Natural water absorption in the sludge decreased from 8.13 to 1.29%, and hydrophobicity increased. The dry-basis higher calorific value decreased from 8,703 to 3,574 kJ/kg. Heavy metals were concentrated by a factor of 2-3, but the content of the available state was very low. The results of this study provide important technological support for the selection of suitable carbonization process conditions and for resource utilization.

Synthesis of thermo-responsive polymer gels composed of star-shaped block copolymers by copper-catalyzed living radical polymerization and click reaction

ABSTRACT In recent times, there has been a significant surge in research interest surrounding thermo-responsive water-soluble polyacrylamides, primarily due to their intriguing capability to undergo significant solubility changes in water. These polymers exhibit the remarkable ability to shift from a soluble to an insoluble state in response to temperature variations. The capacity of these polymers to dynamically respond to temperature changes opens up exciting avenues for designing smart materials with tunable properties, amplifying their utility across a spectrum of scientific and technological applications. Researchers have been particularly captivated by the potential applications of thermo-responsive water-soluble polyacrylamides in diverse fields such as drug delivery, gene carriers, tissue engineering, sensors, catalysis, and chromatography separation. This study reports the construction and functionalization of polymer gels consisting of a polymer network of polyacrylamide derivatives with nano-sized structural units. Specifically, thermo-responsive polymer gels were synthesized by combining well-defined star-shaped polymers composed of polyacrylamide derivatives with a multifunctional initiator and linking method through a self-accelerating click reaction. The polymerization system employed a highly living approach, resulting in polymer chains characterized by narrow molecular weight distributions. The method’s high functionality facilitated the synthesis of a temperature-responsive block copolymer gel composed of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPA) and N-ethyl acrylamide (NEAA). The resulting polymer gel, comprising star-shaped block copolymers of NIPA and NEAA, showcases smooth volume changes with temperature jumps.

Biochar application can enhance phosphorus solubilization by strengthening redox properties of humic reducing microorganisms during composting

Phosphorus (P) in nature mostly exists in an insoluble state, and humic reducing microorganisms (HRMs) can dissolve insoluble substances through redox properties. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between insoluble P and dominant HRMs amenable to individual culture during biochar composting. These analyses revealed that, in comparison to the control, biochar addition increased the relative abundance of dominant HRMs by 20.3% and decreased redox potential (Eh) levels by 15.4% hence, enhancing the moderately-labile-P and non-labile-P dissolution. The pathways underlying the observed effects were additionally assessed through structural equation modeling, revealing that biochar addition promoted insoluble P dissolution through both the direct effects of bacterial community structure as well as the direct effects of HRMs community structure and indirect effects based on Eh of HRMs community structure. This research offers a better understanding of the effect of HRMs on insoluble P during the composting process.

Water extractability of the zinc protoporphyrin IX–myoglobin complex from Parma ham is pH-dependent

The bright red color of Parma ham is mainly derived from zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), which exists in both water-soluble and insoluble states. Water-soluble ZnPP mainly binds to hemoglobin, however, the presence of water-insoluble ZnPP remains unexplained. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate how ZnPP exists in a water-insoluble state by focusing on its binding substance. Depending on the skeletal muscle, water-insoluble ZnPP comprised 30–50% of total ZnPP. The ZnPP water extractability was positively correlated with muscle pH. Water-insoluble ZnPP was extractable with a high-pH solution and existed as a complex with myoglobin or hemoglobin; nevertheless, myoglobin-binding ZnPP was more abundant. Furthermore, the water solubility of the myoglobin globin moiety at pH 5.5–6.0 was reduced by ZnPP binding. These results suggest that water-insoluble ZnPP mainly exists as a ZnPP–Mb complex, with low solubility attributed to the low pH of the ham.

Controlling Leakage of Potential Juxtacrine Self-Assembled Monolayer-BMP-2 Surfaces

Abstract A question which has been intriguing researchers since 1969 is whether covalently linked hormones or growth factors on surfaces are still biologically active i.e. still bind and activate cell surface receptors in the insoluble state. There is evidence of release or leakage of rhBMP-2 covalently linked to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces. After detergent wash (SDS), juxtacrine surfaces with rhBMP-2 appear functionally feasible at fM release.

The use of calcium peroxide CaO2 for wastewater treatment from chromium (VI)

The at meant of waste water from hexavalent chromium ions with calcium per oxide CaO2 was investigated. This product is obtained from soda ash production waste. Clarified part of still waste suspension (distillation suspension) contains calcium chloride and sodium chloride. The process of producing calcium peroxide is based on the interaction of calcium chloride with solutions of calcium peroxide and sodium hydroxide. A two-step (reagent) method of purification from hexavalent chromium is proposed. The first stage of the reagent method consists in reducing (conversion) toxic hexavalent chromium to a less dangerous trivalent chromium, and the second - in converting trivalent chromium to an insoluble state (into a hydroxide). The conversion (reduction) of Cr6+ to Cr3+ is carried out using calcium peroxide as a reagent. Reductionis carried out in an acidic medium, and to precipitate trivalent chromium in the form of chromium hydroxide (Cr(OH)3) waste water is neutralized using neutralizer Ca(OH)2. This method of wastewater treatment from hexavalent chromium can be effective in small and medium production, especially in the absence of general treatment facilities.

SYMPTOM SEVERITY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS WITH NPAS3, DYSBINDIN-1 AND/OR TRIOBP PROTEIN PATHOLOGY IN THEIR BLOOD SERUM: A PANSS-BASED FOLLOW UP STUDY.

It has been proposed that aggregation of specific proteins in the brain may be a pathological element in schizophrenia and other chronic disorders. Multiple such aggregating proteins have now been implicated through post mortem investigation, including NPAS3 (Neuronal PAS domain protein 3), dysbindin-1 (encoded by the DTNBP1, Dystrobrevin Binding Protein 1, gene) and TRIOBP (Trio-Binding Protein, multiple isoforms). While the presence of protein aggregates in the brain is interesting in terms of understanding pathology, it is impractical as a biomarker. These proteins were therefore investigated recently in blood serum of schizophrenia patients and controls, showing patients to have higher levels of NPAS3 in their serum generally. TRIOBP-1 and dysbindin-1 were also found in an insoluble state, implying aggregation, but did not clearly corresponding to disease state. We revisit 47 of the originally recruited 50 patients with schizophrenia, all of whom are Croatian and aged between 18 and 72. We assessed their symptom specificity and severity using PANSS (the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale), comparing those with NPAS3, insoluble dysbindin-1 and/or insoluble TRIOBP-1 in their blood serum to those lacking any such protein dysregulation. The frequency of each individual potential protein pathology among these patients was too low for meaningful statistical analysis, however the 11 patients that displayed one or more of these pathologies (NPAS3, dysbindin-1, TRIOBP-1 and/or TRIOBP-5/6) showed a subtle but significant increase in total PANSS scores compared to the 36 patients displaying none of the pathologies (p = 0.031), seemingly driven principally by increased scores on the general psychopathology scale. While the numbers of patients involved do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn at this time, this provides the first indication that disturbed proteostasis in blood serum, of proteins that aggregate in the brains of schizophrenia patients, may correlate with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms.

Mechanisms of the Redistribution of Carbon Contamination in Films Formed by Atomic Layer Deposition

The depth distribution of carbon impurities in hafnium oxide films obtained by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition is studied experimentally and theoretically. An analytical model is proposed that describes the dependence of the carbon impurity concentration profile in the film. The model takes into account the fact that the formation of a carbon impurity in the growing film may be caused by the incomplete oxidation of the organometallic precursor. The diffusion redistribution of impurities is determined by mech-anisms that take into account the presence of carbon in different kinds of states: an insoluble state (carbides, carbonates), a highly mobile state (CO, CO2), and an unstable state whose lifetime is longer than the film’s growth time. The possibility of controlling the carbon impurity both in deep and near-surface layers is shown. The predictions of the model are confirmed experimentally using the mass spectrometry of the secondary ions in the films obtained by atomic layer deposition. To test the theory, special structures of hafnium oxide are developed, consisting of several layers, in which the time of the plasma exposure to the sample is varied at the same dosage of the organometallic precursor. The layer with the shortest exposure time to the plasma is deposited on the substrate, then the same number of cycles on the next layer take place, provided that the exposure time is increased by a factor of n. This makes it possible to deepen the transition zones and thus pro-tect them from the effects of the atmosphere.

Investigating Fundamental Principles of Nonequilibrium Assembly Using Temperature-Sensitive Copolymers.

Both natural biomaterials and synthetic materials benefit from complex energy landscapes that provide the foundation for structure-function relationships and environmental sensitivity. Understanding these nonequilibrium dynamics is important for the development of design principles to harness this behavior. Using a model system of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-based thermoresponsive lower critical solution temperature (LCST) copolymers, we explored the impact of composition and stimulus path on nonequilibrium thermal hysteretic behavior. Through turbidimetry analysis of nonsuperimposable heat-cool cycles, we observe that LCST copolymers show clear hysteresis that varies as a function of pendent side chain length and hydrophobicity. Hysteresis is further impacted by the temperature ramp rate, as insoluble states can be kinetically trapped under optimized temperature protocols. This systematic study brings to light fundamental principles that can enable the harnessing of out-of-equilibrium effects in synthetic soft materials.

Optically Controlled Recovery and Recycling of Homogeneous Organocatalysts Enabled by Photoswitches

AbstractWe address a critical challenge of recovering and recycling homogeneous organocatalysts by designing photoswitchable catalyst structures that display a reversible solubility change in response to light. Initially insoluble catalysts are UV‐switched to a soluble isomeric state, which catalyzes the reaction, then back‐isomerizes to the insoluble state upon completion of the reaction to be filtered and recycled. The molecular design principles that allow for the drastic solubility change over 10 times between the isomeric states, 87 % recovery by the light‐induced precipitation, and multiple rounds of catalyst recycling are revealed. This proof of concept will open up opportunities to develop highly recyclable homogeneous catalysts that are important for the synthesis of critical compounds in various industries, which is anticipated to significantly reduce environmental impact and costs.

Optically Controlled Recovery and Recycling of Homogeneous Organocatalysts Enabled by Photoswitches.

We address a critical challenge of recovering and recycling homogeneous organocatalysts by designing photoswitchable catalyst structures that display a reversible solubility change in response to light. Initially insoluble catalysts are UV-switched to a soluble isomeric state, which catalyzes the reaction, then back-isomerizes to the insoluble state upon completion of the reaction to be filtered and recycled. The molecular design principles that allow for the drastic solubility change over 10 times between the isomeric states, 87 % recovery by the light-induced precipitation, and multiple rounds of catalyst recycling are revealed. This proof of concept will open up opportunities to develop highly recyclable homogeneous catalysts that are important for the synthesis of critical compounds in various industries, which is anticipated to significantly reduce environmental impact and costs.

Impact of Self-Fabricated Graphene–Metal Oxide Composite Anodes on Metal Degradation and Energy Generation via a Microbial Fuel Cell

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are thought to be ecologically friendly, despite electron transport and generation challenges. In order to address this, the efficiency of MFCs was investigated using two different anode electrodes made from biomass: graphene oxide (GO) and graphene oxide-metal oxide (GO-MO) (GO-ZnO). After 18 days of operation, the maximum power density for GO was 0.69 mW/m2, whereas the maximum power density for GO-ZnO was 1.05 mW/m2. Furthermore, the ability of MFCs to transform the soluble metal ions (Cd2+, Cr3+, Pb2+, and Ni2+) into an insoluble state was investigated, which is a secondary use of MFCs with significant benefits. In the soluble state of metal ion transformation into an insoluble state, the rate of GO-ZnO was higher (92.71%) than that of GO (81.20%). The outcomes of material, analytical, and biological tests undertaken to validate the efficiency of anodes are presented. It has been shown that using innovative materials as electrodes in MFCs is a potential method for improving electron transport. Furthermore, as an organic substrate, food waste seems to be a viable alternative to more traditional options. In light of these discoveries, we investigate various unanswered issues and possibilities for MFCs. Organic substrate evaluation trials were also included in the present results to demonstrate that organic waste may be a reliable source of MFC performance. This article also has a thorough discussion of food waste oxidation, as well as challenges and future recommendations.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SORBENTS-CATALYSTS FOR THE PURIFICATION OF WATER FROM MANGANESE COMPOUNDS

The condition of sources and central water supply systems does not guarantee the required quality of drinking water. A large part of the population of Ukraine uses drinking water that does not meet hygienic requirements according to various indicators. Manganese compounds are quite often present in natural waters. Their quantitative content can vary in a wide range, depending on the region, it can be 5-6 mg/dm3. Manganese in underground waters is presented as ion Mn2+, salts of which are soluble. To remove manganese from water one should transfer it to insoluble state by oxidation. Today, there are a number of typical technologies of demagnetization of water. Many works have also been published which describe the purification of water from manganese ion. It is worth noting that with a high content of manganese compounds in water, their removal is a rather difficult task. Removal of manganese compounds from water can be implemented using the ion exchange method, which consists of filtering water through loading in salt or acidic form. At the same time, softening and desalination of water can occur simultaneously. Therefore, the ion exchange method should be used for comprehensive water purification, softening, and removal of manganese compounds. In order to study the oxidizing capacity of catalytic loading with respect to manganese compounds in water were used as a catalytic load KU-2-8 cationite modified with magnetite and manganese oxide in H+, Na+, and Ca2+ forms. To modify cationite with magnetite under static conditions, it was treated with a solution containing a mixture of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in a ratio of 1:2. The research was also carried out on the preparation of catalysts based on cationites by modifying them with manganese compounds. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficiency of manganese removal from water when using a catalyst sorbent. The article presents the results of research on water purification from manganese compounds using sorbents-catalysts modified with iron and manganese compounds. It was established that in static and dynamic conditions, complete extraction of manganese ions can be achieved using sorbents based on polymer resin and magnetite. When using cation exchange resin modified with magnetite, the removal of Mn2+ ions from aqueous solutions occurs both due to ion exchange, regardless of the form of the ion exchanger, and due to oxidation on the catalyst (magnetite) in the presence of dissolved oxygen. Modified cation exchange resin in Na+ form leads to the extraction of manganese due to sorption and oxidation of Mn2+. In this case, sorption of calcium and magnesium ions, which is known to be accompanied by an increase in pH. The pH of the medium increased, which increased the efficiency of oxidation of manganese ions on magnetite. Under these conditions, the sorbent catalyst provides complete removal of manganese ions due to catalytic oxidation and sorption of manganese ions on magnetite.

SPECIATION OF CESIUM ISOTOPES IN RIVER WATER: A CASE STUDY IN THE UKEDO RIVER.

137Cs in river systems can be taken up by aquatic animals. In this paper, total 137Cs concentration in the Ukedo River system and 137Cs presence in dissolved, acid-soluble and -insoluble fractions in river water samples were determined. Total 137Cs concentration had the maximum value of 2.08Bqkg-1 below the Ogaki Dam in May 2012. In the base flow condition, > 87% of 137Cs existed in the dissolved state, and the acid-soluble state and the insoluble state were<13% and the undetectable level, respectively. After the heavy rain event, the particulate fraction (acid-soluble state + insoluble state) was elevated to 65%, which corresponds to twice as much as that in the base flow condition. Particulate 137Cs, especially the acid-soluble Cs, can play a role when taken into the food chain in aquatic ecosystems.

Thermoresponsiveness of Carboxylated Polyallylamines Induced by Divalent Counterions as Ionic Effectors

We describe novel ionic effector-induced lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type thermoresponsive polymers in an aqueous system. Carboxylated polyallylamines (carboxylated PAAs) are conjugates between polyallylamine and various carboxylic anhydrides possessing six-membered rings such as phthalic anhydride and 1-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride. These polymers showed LCST-type thermoresponsiveness in the presence of divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, or Sr2+) in aqueous media, where a reversible phase transition between soluble and insoluble states was observed with a change in the temperature, although these polymers did not show thermoresponsiveness without divalent ions or with monovalent ions (Li+, Na+, or K+). The cloud points of the carboxylated PAAs could be precisely controlled by not only salt concentration, pH, salt species, and side-chain structures but also the mixing ratio of different salt species.

The central inflammasome adaptor protein ASC activates the inflammasome after transition from a soluble to an insoluble state

Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC) is a 22 kDa protein that functions as the central adaptor for inflammasome assembly. ASC forms insoluble specks in monocytes undergoing pyroptosis, and the polymerization of ASC provides a template of CARDs that leads to proximity-mediated autoactivation of caspase-1 in canonical inflammasomes. However, specks are insoluble protein complexes, and solubility is typically important for protein function. Therefore, we sought to define whether ASC specks comprise active inflammasome complexes or are simply the end stage of exhausted ASC polymers. Using a THP-1 cell–lysing model of caspase-1 activation that is ASC dependent, we compared caspase-1 activation induced by preassembled insoluble ASC specks and soluble monomeric forms of ASC. Unexpectedly, after controlling for the concentration dependence of ASC oligomerization, we found that only insoluble forms of ASC promoted caspase-1 autocatalysis. This link to insolubility was recapitulated with recombinant ASC. We show that purified recombinant ASC spontaneously precipitated and was functional, whereas the maltose-binding protein–ASC fusion to ASC (promoting enhanced solubility) was inactive until induced to insolubility by binding to amylose beads. This functional link to insolubility also held true for the Y146A mutation of the CARD of ASC, which avoids insolubility and caspase-1 activation. Thus, we conclude that the role of ASC insolubility in inflammasome function is inextricably linked to its pyrin domain–mediated and CARD-mediated polymerizations. These findings will support future studies into the molecular mechanisms controlling ASC solubility.

Development of a technology for producing organic fertilizers based on catalytic processes

The article is devoted to the development of a technology for obtaining organic fertilizers from poultry waste based on biocatalytic processes. Currently, many poultry farms have become sources of environmental pollution, thereby causing serious environmental problems and economic and social damage. The problem of reliable protection of the natural environment from pollution by bird droppings is currently relevant. In the area of operation of large poultry farms, air pollution by microorganisms, dust, foul-smelling organic compounds, which are decomposition products of organic waste, as well as nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon oxides, is possible. Bird droppings contain acids, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, heavy metals. The content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium changes dramatically depending on the quantity and quality of the feed. Humic substances isolated from brown coal have a sufficiently high sorption activity and are used as cheap sorbents for solving a number of environmental problems in industry. These studies are aimed at minimizing the main disadvantage of the anaerobic digestion process, the low reaction rate, which leads to the need to create large-volume bioreactors. On the basis of the research carried out, a technology has been developed for obtaining organic fertilizers from poultry waste by the method of anaerobic fermentation of chicken manure with humidity at a temperature of 27 °C - 50 °C with the addition of sodium humate. The resulting fertilizer is intended for use in agricultural production, horticulture, floriculture, forestry, municipalities, in household plots in order to increase the yield and quality of crop production. For the developed technology, an application has been submitted for obtaining a Patent for the invention of the Republic of Kazakhstan «Method for producing organic fertilizers» (priority No. 2021-22818, dated July 13, 2021). The invention allows to significantly reduce the time of fermentation, to enrich the product with organic and mineral products contained in sodium humate, to convert the salts of heavy metals into an insoluble state, to improve the environmental friendliness of the method.

Copper arsenite-complexed Fenton-like nanoparticles as oxidative stress-amplifying anticancer agents

We report copper(II) arsenite (CuAS)-integrated polymer micelles (CuAS-PMs) as a new class of Fenton-like catalytic nanosystem that can display reactive oxygen species (ROS)-manipulating anticancer therapeutic activity. CuAS-PMs were fabricated through metal-catechol chelation-based formation of the CuAS complex on the core domain of poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) (PEG-PDOPA) copolymer micelles. CuAS-PMs maintained structural robustness under serum conditions. The insoluble state of the CuAS complex was effectively retained at physiological pH, whereas, at endosomal pH, the CuAS complex was ionized to release arsenite and cuprous Fenton catalysts (Cu+ ions). Upon endocytosis, CuAS-PMs simultaneously released hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-generating arsenite and Fenton-like reaction-catalyzing Cu+ ions in cancer cells, which synergistically elevated the level of highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH), thereby preferentially killing cancer cells. Animal experiments demonstrated that CuAS-PMs could effectively suppress the growth of solid tumors without systemic in vivo toxicity. The design rationale of CuAS-PMs may provide a promising strategy to develop diverse oxidative stress-amplifying agents with great potential in cancer-specific therapy.