Smart single hollow magnetothermal nanorings with phase change materials for controlled drug release and negative MRI guided cancer therapy.

Direct electrochemical reduction of iron oxide for metal energy storage - a microfluidic study on the impact of cell design for slurry electrolysis

• Ligand structure and purity control magnetic properties of iron oxide NPs. • Transfer yield correlates with anchor affinity and terminal polarity. • Impurity adsorption unexpectedly increases transverse relaxivity r 2 . • Specific Absorption Rate increases with ligand-core affinity and H-bonding to water. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are one of the most developed magnetic nanomaterials due to their potential applications as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and in magnetic hyperthermia. Most studies have focused on developing synthetic methods to control particle size and morphology to enhance their magnetic performance. In this work, the influence of surface chemistry on the magnetic properties of IONPs by employing a series of purified PEGylated ligands with systematic variations in their anchoring and terminal groups is reported. The ligands were synthesized and used to functionalize IONPs via a ligand exchange approach. These functionalized IONPs exhibited marked differences in their physicochemical and magnetic properties depending on the nature of the ligand. Specifically, the efficiency as MRI T 2 contrast agents and the heating capacity under alternating magnetic fields were found to correlate with the anchor group-Fe binding constant, the absolute value of the ξ-potential, and the presence of surface impurities. These findings reveal that subtle chemical changes in the surface coating exert a crucial and quantifiable influence on the overall magnetic performance. This work highlights surface engineering as a rational strategy for developing IONPs with enhanced magnetic properties.

Decoupling the role of pad materials in brake wear particulate emissions using the UN GTR-24 test method toward non-exhaust PM management.

Pseudo-сolloidal species of actinides in contaminated aquifers. Insights from experimental and modeling approaches.

Visible light (VL, 400-700 nm) and long wavelength UVA1 (VL + UVA1, 370-700 nm) have been reported to cause erythema in light skin phototypes, Fitzpatrick skin types I-III (FST I-III), and to exacerbate pigmentary dermatologic conditions (e.g., melasma, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) in individuals with dark skin phototypes (FST IV-VI). Until recently, limited options existed for photoprotection against VL + UVA1, including tinted formulations containing iron oxides (Fe2O3) or pigmentary titanium dioxide (TiO2), as well as antioxidant-enriched sunscreen systems. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and TiO2 are often utilized in the development of mineral-based (inorganic) sunscreens as the active ingredients to protect against broad spectrum Ultraviolet (UV) radiation via their absorption properties. However, some of these products often leave a white cast, particularly on dark skin, making these products unfavorable, altering skin tone appearance leading to concerns for sunscreen compliance. Tinted sunscreens (Fe2O3) are designed to enhance cosmetic elegance and improve compliance across diverse skin tones. This study aims to evaluate the photoprotection properties of a novel Zn-based inorganic tinted sunscreen enriched with five antioxidants (5 AOX) against VL + UVA1 induced biologic effects (hyperpigmentation and erythema). Twelve healthy adult subjects with FST IV-VI were enrolled and the effectiveness of the new Zn/Fe2O3/5 AOX sunscreen, compared to several commercially available tinted and non-tinted mineral sunscreens, was evaluated. The erythema and pigmentation assessments were performed by diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), polarized photography, and investigator global scoring immediately, 24 h, and 7 days after irradiation (320 J/cm2). DRS results demonstrated that the novel Zn/Fe2O3/5 AOX effectively reduced immediate erythema and pigmentation as well as delayed pigmentation when compared with formulas containing ZnO only (p < 0.05). Not all inorganic/Fe2O3 formulas significantly reduced erythema and pigmentation induced by VL + UVA1 when compared with the ZnO only formula. These results highlight the enhanced effects of 5 AOX-enriched tinted mineral sunscreen to be photoprotective against VL + UVA1, with a blendable tint designed for use on skin of all colors aimed at improving patient compliance and overall sunscreen use.

A systematic study on the occurrence and distribution characteristics of As in multi-media in a typical semi-enclosed bay and its inflow river estuaries in China.

Hydrogen-based fluidized bed reduction of limonitic laterite nickel ore: towards co-recovery of iron and nickel and metallization enhancement

The pH dependent surface charging and points of zero charge. XI. Update.

Simultaneous removal of nitrate, zinc, and bisphenol A by an iron-modified biochar composite mycelial pellet bioreactor: Optimization and microbial mechanisms

Engineering the flax/epoxy interface: Impact of iron oxide fibre functionalization revealed by microbond testing

• Magnetically guided sharkskin MRE yields a robust superhydrophobic surface. • Retains WCA > 150° after 500 cm abrasion via self-regenerating superhydrophobicity. • Stable to water-jet shear and 90-day open-air exposure. • Compressive strength increased 59% due to magnetically aligned microchains. • SHIP incorporation and magnetic curing enhanced shear storage modulus and loss factor of SHS. Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) promise multifunctional performance, but practical use is often limited by poor mechanical resilience. Many SHS rely on soft polymer matrices that are structurally vulnerable; water repellency and related functions degrade under stress. This study introduces a novel method to fabricate multifunctional SHS by combining anisotropic magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with bio-inspired sharkskin microstructures and hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticle (SHIP) coating. The SHS fabrication involved a two-step process: soft lithography to imprint a sharkskin pattern on a polyurethane (PU) matrix containing SHIP, followed by SHIP deposition during partial curing under a vertical magnetic field. This process promoted the formation of rebar-like chain microstructures and micro–nano hierarchical roughness, enabling durable superhydrophobicity. The resulting coating exhibited a water contact angle of 163° and contact angle hysteresis of 1°, and retained superhydrophobicity after 500 cm of 240-grit sandpaper abrasion (3.3 kPa), water-jet impact, and 90 days of open-air exposure. The new material showed enhanced compressive strength (59.4% improvement from the control), attributed to vertically aligned iron particle chains, and higher loss modulus and loss factor. Collectively, these results demonstrate a robust, multifunctional coating for applications demanding water repellency, toughness, and vibration damping—for example, marine protective surfaces.

This narrative review underscores the powerful role of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), also known as Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), in characterizing drug delivery systems (DDSs). Using drugs or probes tagged with spin labels, EPR provides detailed insights into structural and dynamic properties, as well as the molecular microenvironment (including micro-viscosity, micro-polarity, and micro-pH) and enables real-time monitoring of drug release and degradation processes both in vitro and in vivo. In nanomedicine research, EPR can also serve as a quantitative tool to track the fate of DDSs doped with iron oxide particles that are used in theranostics. Beyond DDS characterization, EPR has contributed substantially to elucidating radical mechanisms within material matrices, notably in bone cements and dental resins used for restorative applications. Moreover, incorporating paramagnetic compounds into DDSs or biomaterials has broadened the scope of EPR applications, enabling precise measurements of oxygen and nitric oxide levels in complex biological environments. The incorporation of oxygen sensors into biocompatible matrices has also enabled the development of implantable resonators for measuring oxygen at substantial tissue depths. Incorporating oxygen sensors into cell therapy implantable devices or grafted tissues can serve as an indicator of both oxygenation and vascularization.

Medical imaging relies on tracer materials to enable accurate visualization and diagnosis of diseases. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is an innovative tomographic modality that offers exceptional sensitivity and temporal resolution. These characteristics make MPI particularly promising for clinical applications such as real-time vascular and perfusion imaging, tumor detection, and intraoperative guidance. However, MPI performance has so far been limited by the quality of available tracers, as conventional chemical synthesis provides only restricted control over the size, shape, and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles. Biogenic magnetic nanoparticles, so-called magnetosomes, produced by magnetotactic bacteria, represent a compelling alternative. Magnetosome biosynthesis is fully genetically encoded, enabling the natural formation of magnetite nanoparticles with uniform size and morphology, which is difficult to achieve through chemical synthesis. Moreover, genetic engineering of the bacterial production host allows precise tuning of particle characteristics, including size, shape, and magnetic behavior, to meet specific application requirements. In this study, magnetosomes isolated from different Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense mutant strains, each biomineralizing particles with distinct core diameters, were systematically evaluated as potential MPI tracers. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) was used to identify the most promising candidates based on their signal properties. These tracers were subsequently subjected to detailed signal analyses and phantom experiments to directly compare their imaging performance. Our findings demonstrate that genetically tailored magnetosomes can substantially improve MPI signal quality, underscoring their potential as next-generation tracers. This work provides a foundation for the rational design of optimized biogenic nanoparticles to advance preclinical and future clinical MPI applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a novel imaging technology with high sensitivity and real-time capabilities, making it highly promising for clinical applications such as blood flow monitoring and tumor detection. The performance of MPI strongly depends on the properties of the tracer materials used. However, producing high-quality tracers through conventional chemical synthesis remains challenging. In this study, we introduce an innovative biological approach by using genetically engineered magnetotactic bacteria to produce uniform magnetic nanoparticles, so-called magnetosomes. This strategy allows precise control of particle size, shape, and magnetic properties, resulting in tracers with superior performance. Our findings pave the way for the development of next-generation MPI tracers, advancing both fundamental research and potential clinical translation.

Time-resolved neutron computed tomography of hydration kinetics in nanoprimed seeds using chitosan-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles.

Heterogeneous inorganic nanomedicine delivery system loaded with anlotinib for enhanced treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Ferrocene-dichalcogenolate-bridged complexes, [Fe2(CO)6{μ-E(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)E}] (E = S, Se), are [FeFe]-hydrogenase biomimics, in which the two redox-active centres lie in close proximity. Here we report the syntheses and electrochemical studies of phosphine-substituted derivatives, which allows tuning of the oxidation chemistry of the Fe2 centre, while (effectively) leaving that of the ferrocene centre unchanged. Mono-substituted [Fe2(CO)5{μ-Se(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)Se}(Ph2P-p-tolyl)], chelated [Fe2(CO)4{μ-E(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)E}(κ2-dppv)] and bridged [Fe2(CO)4{μ-E(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)E}(μ-dppf)] complexes have been prepared under carefully controlled reaction conditions, the selenium derivative giving higher yields. Crystal structures of [Fe2(CO)4{μ-Se(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)Se}(κ2-dppv)] and [Fe2(CO)4{μ-Se(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)Se}(μ-dppf)] have been determined, which contain three closely located iron redox centres. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and IR spectroelectrochemistry (IR SEC) have been used to understand changes occurring upon oxidation. Upon successive replacement of carbonyl(s), the oxidation potential of the Fe2 centre is lowered and in the dppv and dppf complexes it occurs prior to oxidation of the remote Fe(II) centre in the ferrocene-dithiolate bridge, as confirmed by IR SEC experiments. Dppf complexes contain three different iron oxidation centres, and three separate oxidation waves are identified in the CV of [Fe2(CO)4{μ-Se(η5-C5H4)Fe(η5-C5H4)Se}(μ-dppf)]. DFT calculations have been used to better understand the likely structures of the oxidised species. They suggest that oxidation of the Fe2 centre results in a structural rearrangement to give a semi-bridging carbonyl, but no such species are observed by IR SEC, possibly due to the high rearrangement energies. IR SEC studies also suggest that for the dppf complexes, oxidation may be delocalised over several sites.

The treatment of metastatic bone cancer may benefit from multifunctional platforms that integrate emerging oncological strategies, such as localized brachytherapy and magnetic hyperthermia. Multimodal strategies integrating localized brachytherapy and magnetic hyperthermia within bone-targeted injectable systems remain poorly explored in the literature. The present study investigates the physicochemical and structural properties of non-activated injectable formulations based on PL-407 hydrogel containing holmium-doped bioactive glass (BG5Ho), zoledronic acid (ZA), and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). The aim of this work was to elucidate the intrinsic interactions among formulation components prior to the neutron activation strategy. Thermal experiments confirmed the thermosensitive behavior of the developed formulations, being liquid at low temperatures and a hard gel at physiological temperatures, ensuring injectable properties. Rheological analyses revealed that SPIONs play a critical role in structural organization: while neither ZA nor SPIONs alone affected viscosity, their combined presence substantially enhanced gel strength and rigidity, resulting in a more structured and mechanically stable hydrogel compared to formulations without these components. SAXS analysis elucidated the structural mechanism: SPIONs compact the poloxamer micellar structures, reducing micellar volume while preventing nanoparticle aggregation. Such features create an optimized microenvironment for ZA incorporation and retention within the polymeric matrix. Biological evaluation shows that all formulations reduced MG63 osteosarcoma cell viability, while SPION-containing formulations improved the viability of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The overall results provide new insight into how SPIONs act as structural regulators within poloxamer–bioactive glass formulations, clarifying the intrinsic supramolecular organization that governs structural stability and biological response in the non-activated state.

Multi-level evaluation of sedimentary phosphorus release risk in freshwater water bodies based on dilute-acid extracted phosphorus as indicator.

The contrasting crystal and magnetic structures of four related iron oxide chalcogenides are reported. Ae2FeO3CuCh (Ae = Ca, Sr; Ch = S, Se) all crystallize in the Sr2GaO3CuS structure with alkaline earth iron oxide layers containing double layers of linked FeO5 square pyramids containing Fe3+ ions separated by antifluorite-type [Cu2Ch2]2- layers. Structural distortions occur below room temperature when the small Ca2+ ions are present, and these involve cooperative tilting of the FeO5 square pyramids. Magnetic reflections present in the diffraction patterns can be indexed using either √2a × √2a × c or √2a × √2a × 2c expansions of the nuclear cell with nearest-neighbor Fe3+ moments coupling antiferromagnetically and with temperature-dependent orientations relative to the crystallographic directions. The magnetic structures of these compounds are subtly different in detail, partly on account of the low directional preference of the high-spin d5 Fe3+ moments.