Low Stability Research Articles

Structural Insights and Catalytic Mechanism of 3-Hydroxybutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase from Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii A2-165.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by a T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) inflammatory response leading to skin damage with erythema and edema. Comparative fecal sample analysis has uncovered a strong correlation between AD and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strain A2-165, specifically associated with butyrate production. Therefore, understanding the functional mechanisms of crucial enzymes in the butyrate pathway, such as 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase of A2-165 (A2HBD), is imperative. Here, we have successfully elucidated the three-dimensional structure of A2HBD in complex with acetoacetyl-CoA and NAD+ at a resolution of 2.2Å using the PAL-11C beamline (third generation). Additionally, X-ray data of A2HBD in complex with acetoacetyl-CoA at a resolution of 1.9 Å were collected at PAL-XFEL (fourth generation) utilizing Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX). The monomeric structure of A2HBD consists of two domains, N-terminal and C-terminal, with cofactor binding occurring at the N-terminal domain, while the C-terminal domain facilitates dimerization. Our findings elucidate the binding mode of NAD+ to A2HBD. Upon acetoacetyl-CoA binding, the crystal structure revealed a significant conformational change in the Clamp-roof domain (root-mean-square deviation of 2.202 Å). Notably, residue R143 plays a critical role in capturing the adenine phosphate ring, underlining its significance in substrate recognition and catalytic activity. The binding mode of acetoacetyl-CoA was also clarified, indicating its lower stability compared to NAD+. Furthermore, the conformational change of hydrophobic residues near the catalytic cavity upon substrate binding resulted in cavity shrinkage from an open to closed conformation. This study confirms the conformational changes of catalytic triads involved in the catalytic reaction and presents a proposed mechanism for substrate reduction based on structural observations.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Activated Dandelion-Like Hierarchical WO3 for Highly Sensitive and Selective MEMS Sensors in Diabetes Detection.

High sensitivity, low concentration, and excellent selectivity are pronounced primary challenges for semiconductor gas sensors to monitor acetone from exhaled breath. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) with high reactivity were used to activate dandelion-like hierarchical tungsten oxide (WO3) microspheres to construct an efficient and stable acetone gas sensor. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of both the abundant active sites provided by the unique dandelion-like hierarchical structure and the high reaction potential generated by the sensitization of the N-CQDs, the resulting 16 wt % N-CQDs/WO3 sensor shows an ultrahigh response value (Ra/Rg = 74@1 ppm acetone), low detection limit (0.05 ppm), outstanding selectivity, and reliable stability to acetone at the optimum working temperature of 210 °C. Noteworthy that the N-CQDs facilitate the carrier migration and intensify the reaction between acetone and WO3 during the sensing process. Considering the above advantages, N-CQDs as a sensitizer to achieve excellent gas-sensitive properties of WO3 are a promising new strategy for achieving accurate acetone detection in real time and facilitating the development of portable human-exhaled gas sensors.

Impact of environmental storage conditions on properties and stability of a smart bilayer film

This study aimed to investigate the behavior of smart bilayer films under various temperature and relative humidity (RH). Smart bilayer films were fabricated using sodium alginate with incorporated butterfly pea anthocyanin and agar containing catechin–lysozyme. Cellulose nanospheres were added at concentrations of 0% and 10% w/w of the film and subjected to test at 4 °C and 25 °C, considering different RHs (0%, 50%, and 80%). The results showed that RH had a greater impact on the mechanical properties than temperature, leading to a decrease in tensile strength and an increase in elongation at break with higher RH. The films displayed increased strength but reduced flexibility at low temperatures. Oxygen permeability was negatively affected by increasing RH, while water vapor barrier properties were better at 25 °C than at 4 °C. In terms of color stability, the temperature played a more important role, with both types of smart bilayer films retaining their color stability throughout 14-day storage at 4 °C, even maintaining their ability to change color with pH. However, the films stored at 25 °C exhibited lower color stability and showed potential for color change with varying pH levels, but with lower intensity. The findings of this study demonstrate the significant impact of temperature and RH on the functional properties of smart bilayer films, with and without the addition of cellulose nanospheres. Such smart bilayer films have great potential for various applications, particularly in food packaging, where maintaining color, mechanical, and barrier properties under varying environmental conditions is crucial.

The effect of squats on muscle activity in standing, kneeling, and half-kneeling positions: A cross-sectional study.

Kneeling and half-kneeling training are common positions used in physical therapy. however, research on lower extremity muscle activity is lacking compared to the ergonomic aspects and trunk muscle activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects on lower extremity muscle activity during squats in kneeling and half-kneeling positions. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study with a single group of healthy adults. Participants were instructed to perform squats while assuming 3 positions (standing, kneeling, and half-kneeling). Surface electromyography data were recorded 3 times from the rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed), and biceps femoris (BF) on the participant's dominant side, and the mean values were analyzed. The participants performed squats for 9 seconds, with 4 seconds of the descent phase, 1 second of the maintenance phase, and 4 seconds of the ascent phase. A metronome was used to ensure precise timing. The study included 30 participants (19 males and 11 females). The muscle activities of the RF, GMed, and BF showed statistically significant differences among the 3 positions, being highest in the half-kneeling position (HKP), followed by the standing position (SP) and kneeling position (KP). The muscle activity of the GMax was significantly higher in the HKP than in the SP and KP (P < .05). The co-contraction ratio was significantly higher with KP than with the SP and HKP (P < .05). In the SP and KP, there were statistically significant differences between the ascent and descent phases of the RF, GMax, GMed, and BF (P < .05). In the HKP, there were statistically significant differences between the ascent and descent phases of the RF, GMax, and GMed (P < .05). The results of this study indicate that squats in the HKP (especially during the ascent phase) require the highest muscle activity, whereas squats in the KP (especially during the descent phase) can be performed with the lowest muscle activity. It can be concluded that these findings could serve as selective indicators for squat exercises and in enhancing postural control, muscle strength, and lower extremity stabilization.

Yeast cell biocarrier for the encapsulation of ascorbic acid: effect of plasmolysis process, suspension media and ascorbic acid levels on the physicochemical, morphological and bioactive properties of microcapsules.

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and shows weak stability against external factors such as heat, oxygen, light etc. Due to its lower stability, encapsulation is an effective process for the preservation of its activity. Although there are a wide variety of encapsulation methods, the technique of encapsulation with yeast cells has been followed with increasing interest in recent years. In this study, encapsulation possibilities of ascorbic acid by yeast cells were investigated. In this context, Saccharomycess cerevisiae yeast cells in plasmolyzed and non-plasmolyzed forms were used in two different suspension media (water and ethanol) and effect of ascorbic acid concentrations (10, 20 and 50 g per 10 g yeast) were studied. A total of 12 different yeast microcapsule samples were produced and some physicochemical, bioactive and structural characterizations were performed. The ascorbic acid level of yeast microcapsule samples was determined as 206.4-713.9 and 202.8-726.1 mg g-1 for plasmolyzed and non-plasmolyzed yeast cell types, respectively. ABTS radical scavenging activity increased from 27.23 to 233.04 μg TE g-1 by increased ascorbic acid levels. Ascorbic acid capsules were used in soft candy processing against free ascorbic acid and it was found that 47.9% ascorbic acid loss was detected for control sample at the 24-day storage while the ascorbic acid loss was approximately 25% for yeast microcapsules. It was concluded that yeast cells are capable of preserving ascorbic acid stability during storage and yeast cells can be used effectively and safely for the manufacturing of the ascorbic acid microcapsules. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Melt-Processed Polybutylene-Succinate Biocomposites with Chitosan: Development and Characterization of Rheological, Thermal, Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties.

The current research is devoted to the development and characterization of green antimicrobial polymer biocomposites for food packaging applications. The biocomposites were developed by melt compounding on the basis of two different succinate polymer matrices with varying chain stiffness-polybutylene succinate (PBS) or its copolymer with 20 mol.% of polybutylene adipate (PBSA). Fungi chitosan oligosaccharide (C98) and crustacean chitosan (C95) were used as antimicrobial additives. The rheological properties of the developed biocomposites were determined to clear out the most suitable temperature for melt processing. In addition, mechanical, thermal, barrier and antimicrobial properties of the developed biocomposites were determined. The results of the investigation revealed that PBSA composites with 7 wt% and 10 wt% of the C98 additive were more suitable for the development of green packaging films because of their higher ultimate elongation values, better damping properties as well as their superior anti-microbial behavior. However, due to the lower thermal stability of the C98 additive as well as PBSA, the melt processing temperatures of the composites desirably should not exceed 120 °C. Additionally, by considering decreased moisture vapor barrier properties, it is recommended to perform further modifications of the PBSA-C98 composites through an addition of a nanoclay additive due to its excellent barrier properties and thermal stability.

Truncated NPY-based NPY(Y1)R-specific radiopeptides: Improved in vivo PET tumor imaging by application of peptidase inhibitors

The neuropeptide Y receptor subtype 1 (NPY(Y1)R) exhibits high expression rates on human breast cancer and is therefore an important target structure for the sensitive and specific visualization and characterization of the disease by Positron Emission Tomography (PET). However, imaging of this receptor type has been of limited success so far due to the low stability of peptide-based NPY-derived NPY(Y1)R-specific radiotracer candidates due to in vivo degradation. Given the challenges in stabilizing these agents, our study sought to explore whether the stability of NPY(Y1)R-specific radiopeptides could be enhanced. We aimed to achieve this by either modifying the peptide structure with various molecular scaffolds or by applying peptidase inhibitors. This evaluation aimed to identify the optimal approach for achieving effective NPY(Y1)R-specific imaging in the following. To validate our approach, we systematically investigated four new truncated 68Ga-labeled analogs of NPY and the reference compound [68Ga]Ga-[Lys4(Nε-DOTA)]BVD15, bearing different molecular scaffolds such as a DOTA or NODA-GA chelator, a 4-APipAc linker, a Bip unit, and an N-terminal Lys(lauryl) group. The four new radiotracers as well as the reference compound were obtained in high chemical and radiochemical yields with molar activities of 33–39 GBq/μmol. The radiopeptides exhibited varying logD7.4 values, ranging from −3.37 ± 0.09 to +0.35 ± 0.11, and showed different levels of stability in human serum and liver microsomes, depending on their molecular structure. Subsequently, the influence of the peptidase inhibitors actinonin, phosphoramidon, captopril and E−64 on the in vitro stability of the radiotracers was investigated. In these studies, only actinonin demonstrated a positive effect on the stability of all radiopeptides. In contrast, phosphoramidon yielded variable results, and neither captopril nor E−64 showed a significant stabilizing effect.Consequently, the effect of actinonin administration on the in vivo PET/CT imaging results of the most promising ligand [68Ga]Ga-[Lys4(Nε-NODA-GA)]BVD15 ([68Ga]Ga-2) was investigated in a T47D tumor-bearing xenograft mouse model, followed by ex vivo biodistribution studies. In these experiments, the administration of 250 μg actinonin resulted in a significantly increased uptake of [68Ga]Ga-2 in the T47D tumor (5.9 ± 1.0 % ID/g (with actinonin) instead of 3.1 ± 0.9 % ID/g (without actinonin) at 2h p.i.), and an increase in tumor-to-muscle ratios from 1.8 to 4.0 upon co-administration of the inhibitor.The results impressively demonstrate the positive influence of actinonin on the in vivo stability of the NPY(Y1)R-specific radiopeptide [68Ga]Ga-2, resulting in an increased tumor accumulation and improved tumor-to-background ratios. These findings thus provide important incentive for further advancement of NPY(Y1)R-specific tumor imaging using PET.

Constructing Molecular Networks on Metal Surfaces through Tellurium-Based Chalcogen-Organic Interaction.

On-surface molecular self-assembly presents an important approach to the development of low-dimensional functional nanostructures and nanomaterials. Traditional strategies primarily exploit hydrogen bonding or metal coordination, yet the potential of chalcogen bonding (ChB) for on-surface self-assemblies remains underexplored. Here, we explore fabricating molecular networks via tellurium (Te)-directed chalcogen-organic interactions. Employing carbonitrile molecules as molecular building blocks, we have achieved extended 2D networks exhibiting a 4-fold binding motif on Au(111), marking a notable difference from the conventional coordinative interaction involving transition metals. Our findings, supported by density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), show that the Te-carbonitrile interaction exhibits lower stability compared to the metal-organic coordination, and the construction of the Te-directed molecular networks does not alter the electronic properties of the involved molecules. Introducing chalcogen-directed interactions may expand the spectrum of strategies in supramolecular assembly, contributing to the design of advanced molecular architectures for nanotechnological applications.

Сравнительная оценка кормовой продуктивности чины посевной в различных эколого-географических условиях

Abstract. The article presents the results of studying the yield and quality of green mass of four varieties of domestic sowing varieties: Racheyka, Zhemchuzhina, Mramornaya and Elena. The purpose of the study is to assess the phenotypic variability of chinese varieties in terms of the duration of the growing season, yield and quality of green mass, to select genotypes that are resistant to limiting environmental factors and capable of forming consistently high feed productivity in different agroclimatic conditions. Methods. Laboratory and field research was carried out in 2022–2023 on the educational and experimental field of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Omsk State Agrarian University” (Omsk) and on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Russian Research and Design Technological Institute of Sorghum and Corn (Saratov). The conditions of the growing season are close to arid ones, HTC = 0.64…1.02. In the Omsk experimental plot, the soil is meadow-chernozem medium-thick (45 cm), low-humus (3.95 % humus), semi-loam (35 % physical clay), in Saratov – southern chernozem low-humus (3.80 % humus), medium-thick (42 cm), clayed loam (43 % physical clay). The predecessor is grain crops. When conducting research, we followed the same methodology – sowing in the first ten days of May, seeding rate – 700 thousand pieces grains per hectare, plot area – 5 m2, seed placement depth – 5 cm. Results. Growing conditions have a significant impact on the variability of the duration of the growing season – 65.8 % and the level of green mass yield – 54.2 %. The variation in the parameters of the biochemical composition is largely due to the genotype of the variety – 62.1 %. Evaluation of varieties according to adaptability indicators made it possible to distribute them into groups: 1 – extensive form with very low phenotypic stability (Mramornaya); 2 – form with high phenotypic stability (Zhemchuzhina); 3 – intensive form with reduced phenotypic stability (Elena); 4 – intensive phenotypically highly stable form (Racheyka). Scientific novelty. Varieties with high phenotypic stability of feed productivity, weakly responsive to fluctuations in climatic conditions and showing low rates of yield decline under unfavorable weather factors in various regions of the country were selected.

KINETIC STUDY OF ESTERIFICATION CATALYZED WITH ALUMINUM SULFATE AIMED AT CONVERTING LEVULINIC ACID INTO METHYL LEVULINATE

Recycling lignocellulosic biomass is a sustainable alternative to the petrochemical industry since it allows the production of valuable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly chemical products, such as levulinic acid (LVA) and levulinate esters. Methyl levulinate (MLV), for example, has been assessed as a fuel additive with low toxicity, high lubricity, and flash point stability. In this respect, the present investigation details a kinetic study of methyl esterification catalyzed with aluminum sulfate aimed at converting levulinic acid into methyl levulinate. The reactions were carried out in a Parr Instruments stainless steel reactor to assess the effect of temperature (120, 140 and 160 °C) and reaction time (30, 60, 120 and 180 min) on LVA conversion into MLV, maintaining a constant LVA:methanol ratio of 1:8 and aluminum sulfate catalyst concentration of 0.04 mol.L-1. The maximum LVA-MLV conversion of 93.04 % was obtained at a temperature of 160 °C and reaction time of 60 minutes. The pseudo first-order kinetic model exhibited the best fit to the experimental data, with correlation coefficients (R²) greater than 0.96, and it was used to calculate activation energy, obtaining a value of 10.19 kcal.mol-1.

Removing Homocoupling Defects in Alkoxy/Alkyl‐PBTTT Enhances Polymer:Fullerene Co‐Crystal Formation and Stability

AbstractC14‐alkoxy/alkyl PBTTT‐OR‐R, a derivative of the prototype PBTTT polymer, is relevant for optoelectronic applications because it combines PBTTT‐like intercalation behavior with enhanced charge‐transfer absorption at longer wavelengths. Additionally, fundamental insights are achieved by comparing this alternating conjugated polymer in the presence and absence of homocoupling defects. While the homocoupling‐free oxidative variant, PBTTT‐OR‐R(O), as well as the Stille polymer with 19% homocoupling defects, PBTTT‐OR‐R(S), can both form co‐crystals when stoichiometrically mixed with PC61BM, the co‐crystal of the latter shows properties which are highly dependent on the thermal processing conditions because of the presence of these defects. The PBTTT‐OR‐R(S):PC61BM co‐crystal shows a low thermal stability and PC61BM can progressively be expelled upon heating. In cooling from the melt and depending on the cooling rate, mixtures of PBTTT‐OR‐R(S) and PC61BM show a competition between co‐crystallization (fast cooling) and separate crystallization (slow cooling). The PBTTT‐OR‐R(O):PC61BM co‐crystal is much more stable up to at least 260 °C and is not influenced by the applied cooling rate. These findings also translate to the device level. The performance of PBTTT‐OR‐R:PC61BM photodiodes is severely deteriorated after isothermal annealing in case of PBTTT‐OR‐R(S), whereas the thermally robust co‐crystals of PBTTT‐OR‐R(O) allow a more flexible design of optimized devices.

A 1,3,5-triazine μ3-bridged neutral Cu(I) framework with enhanced stability and CO2 capture selectivity

Compounds with 1,3,5-triazine ring such as melamine derivatives, known for their low cost and high stability, offer potential for affordable, stable metal organic framework (MOF) synthesis. However, reported such frameworks are facing issues like low stability and reduced porosity. To overcome such problems, we explored organic ligands with protonated nitrogen atoms on the 1,3,5-triazine ring, facilitated by introducing hydroxyl groups on carbon atoms of the triazine ring to construct MOFs. By using 5-azacytosine, we have successfully synthesized SXU-121, a neutral ultramicroporous MOF with eta-topology and high density of open Cu(I) sites. SXU-121 features robust structural stability and significant CO2 adsorption capacity with high selectivity over N2 under ambient conditions. We believe SXU-121's development opens new avenues for creating a class of stable and low cost metal-triazine frameworks with potential diverse functionalities.

Cancer cell membrane-camouflaged curcumin nanoparticles trigger ferroptosis for accurate gastric cancer therapy

Curcumin (CUR) is a hydrophobic polyphenol with considerable antitumor efficiency, but its clinical application is limited because of its poor solubility and low stability in aqueous solution and lack of targeting in vivo. Herein, we fabricated a tumor-targeting drug delivery system by loading CUR and cloaking homologous cancer cell membrane (CM) onto mesoporous silica NPs (MSN-CUR@CM). Characterization analysis showed that MSN-CUR@CM with a size of approximately 70 nm showed high water solubility and biocompatibility. Besides, MSN-CUR@CM exhibited tumor-targeting and excellent anti-gastric cancer efficiency both in vitro and in vivo owing to the cellular self-recognition of CM. In the established xenograft tumor nude mouse model, it was still significantly drug accumulated at the tumor site 72 h post administration. In addition, the mean tumor volume and weight of the MSN-CUR@CM group were was 3.97 and 7.47 times smaller than those of the CUR group. Ferroptosis, a type of non-apoptotic regulated cell death accompanied by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, was triggered by MSN-CUR@CM. Further analysis demonstrated that MSN-CUR@CUR upregulated heme oxygenase (HO)-1 levels whereas it downregulated the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in SGC7901 cells in vitro, indicating that the canonical and noncanonical ferroptosis pathways were regulated by MSN-CUR@CM. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that MSN-CUR@CM with high water solubility, biocompatibility, and tumor-targeting properties inhibited gastric cancer both in vitro and in vivo by triggering ferroptosis and provided an admirable cancer therapy efficacy.

Improving Germanium Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Insights from SCAPS Simulation Analysis Compared to Experimental Data

AbstractPreviously, various approaches and methods have been developed for the construction of high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The lead (Pb)‐based PSCs demonstrated excellent performance but suffers from low stability and presence of toxic Pb. Thus, a rapid surge in the development of Pb free PSCs has been observed. Recently, various Pb free elements such as germanium (Ge), bismuth, tin and antimony based materials were adopted as absorber materials. Among these, Ge halide based absorber materials have received significant attention for the development of Pb free PSCs. Despite the exceptional optoelectronic properties of Ge‐based perovskite structures, the efficiency of resulting PSCs remains lower compared to their Pb‐based PSCs. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the simulation studies of PSCs using solar cell capacitance simulation‐one dimensional (SCAPS‐1D) method. Numerous reports have emerged from different research groups simulating various Ge‐based PSCs via SCAPS‐1D. These simulation studies have shown promise in aiding the development of Pb‐free PSCs. In this mini‐review, previously reported literature on Ge‐based PSCs for experimental studies and simulation studies via SCAPS‐1D had been amassed. We believe that present mini review article will attract scientific researchers engaged in experimental and theoretical investigations of Ge‐based PSCs.

A Hydrophobic Core Stabilizes the Residual Structure in the RRM2 Intermediate State of the ALS-linked Protein TDP-43

Folding intermediates mediate both protein folding and the misfolding and aggregation observed in human diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and are prime targets for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we identified the core nucleus of structure for a folding intermediate in the second RNA recognition motif (RRM2) of the ALS-linked RNA-binding protein, TDP-43, using a combination of experimental and computational approaches. Urea equilibrium unfolding studies revealed that the RRM2 intermediate state consists of collapsed residual secondary structure localized to the N-terminal half of RRM2, while the C-terminus is largely disordered. Steered molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis studies yielded key stabilizing hydrophobic contacts that, when mutated to alanine, severely disrupt the overall fold of RRM2. In combination, these findings suggest a role for this RRM intermediate in normal TDP-43 function as well as serving as a template for misfolding and aggregation through the low stability and non-native secondary structure.

Crocin nano-chitosan-coated compound mitigates hippocampal blood-brain barrier disruption, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in chronic immobilization stress-induced rats

Stressful conditions can disrupt the central nervous system's normal homeostasis and physiological functions, resulting in blood-brain barrier malfunction, memory and learning impairment, anxiety, etc. Crocin is a long-investigated natural compound that has been documented to have anti-inflammation and neuroprotective effects, albeit it comes with some limitations such as low stability and bioavailability. Therefore, we aimed to overcome crocin's limitations by coating crocin with a nano-carrier (chitosan) in the chronic immobilization stress-induced rat model. Crocin was encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles by a modified method. A total of 35 male Wistar rats were selected as our study subjects (220–250 g) which were randomly divided into 5 groups (control, stress, nanoparticle, crocin, and chitosan). Chronic immobilization stress was induced by placing rats for 2 h into a plastic bottle with specific measurements (for 14 consecutive days) to prevent animals from moving. To evaluate the memory and learning changes, we used the Barnes maze test and the Passive avoidance test followed by the evaluation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate |(NMDA) receptor subunits genes (GRIN1 and GRIN2A) expression. Anxiety levels were evaluated by elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, the changes in the expression of genes responsible for encoding the tight junction proteins of BBB including ZO1, CLDN5, and OCLN were assessed by RT-PCR. Compared to intact crocin, the administration of crocin nano-chitosan-coated compound resulted in significant improvement of specific memory and learning indicators as well as a significant reduction of anxiety levels in chronic immobilization stress-induced rats. Finally, we observed that treatment with the crocin nano-chitosan-coated compound can elevate the expression levels of the genes responsible for encoding NMDA receptor subunits, and the genes responsible for encoding the tight junction proteins of blood-brain barriers in the hippocampus.

Nano-platform Strategies of Herbal Components for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review on the Battle for Next-Generation Formulations.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that initially affects small joints and then spreads to the bigger joints. It also affects other organs of the body such as lungs, eyes, kidneys, heart, and skin. In RA, there is destruction of cartilage and joints, and ligaments and tendons become brittle. Damage to the joints leads to abnormalities and bone degradation, which may be quite painful for the patient. The nano-carriers such as liposomes, phytosomes, nanoparticles, microcapsules, and niosomes are developed to deliver the encapsulated phytoconstituents to targeted sites for the better management of RA. The phytoconstituents loaded nano-carriers have been used in order to increase bioavailability, stability and reduce the dose of an active compound. In one study, the curcumin-loaded phytosomes increase the bioavailability of curcumin and also provides relief from RA symptoms. The drug-loaded nano-carriers are the better option for the management of RA. In conclusion, there are many anti-arthritic herbal and synthetic medicine available in the market that are currently used in the treatment of RA. However, chronic use of these medications may result in a variety of side effects. Because therapy for RA is frequently necessary for the rest of ones life. The use of natural products may be a better option for RA management. These phytoconstituents, however, have several disadvantages, including limited bioavailability, low stability, and the need for a greater dosage. These problems can be rectified by using nano-technology.

Trophic transfer induced gut inflammation, dysbiosis, and inflammatory pathways in zebrafish via Artemia franciscana: A differential analysis of nanoplastic toxicity

Rising glbal population and plastic consumption have caused a dramatic increase in plastic waste, leading to micro- and nanoplastic ingestion by aquatic organisms and subsequent bioaccumulation in their tissues. This transfer to higher trophic levels raises nanoplastic concentrations and bioavailability, potentially harming organisms' health and development. This poses a risk to human health via seafood. To address these issues, this study assesses the toxicological impacts of nanoplastics (NPs) on brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and their trophic transfer to zebrafish. The research unveiled concentration-dependent bioaccumulation of NPs in zebrafish and Artemia franciscana (A. franciscana). Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) exhibited higher accumulation in A. franciscana whereas PP-NPs showed greater accumulation in zebrafish gut. Histopathological analysis under PS-NPs exposure revealed significant tissue alterations, indicative of inflammatory responses and impaired mucosal barrier integrity. Gene expression analyses confirmed these findings, showing activation of the P38-MAPK pathway by PS-NPs, which correlated with increased inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, PE-NPs activated the JNK-MAPK pathway, while PP-NPs exposure triggered the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, the composition of gut microbiota shifted to a dysbiotic state, characterized by an increase in pathogenic bacteria in the PS-NPs and PP-NPs groups, elevating the risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). PS-NPs were regarded as the most toxic due to their lower stability and higher aggregation tendencies, followed by PP-NPs and PE-NPs. Taken together, the overall study highlighted the complex interactions between NPs, gut microbiota, and host health, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly assessing the ecological and physiological impacts of nanoplastic pollution.

Exploring 32 % efficiency of eco-friendly kusachiite-based solar cells: A numerical study

Recently, solar cells have appeared as a promising solution to meet the increasing energy demand. However, their large-scale commercial use is limited by issues such as toxicity (Cd, Pb, etc), high manufacturing costs, lower stability, and low efficiency. In this perspective, kusachiite solar cells (KSCs) are environmentally friendly, long-term stable, and easy to manufacture. Thus, in this work, kusachiite (CuBi2O4) is used as an absorber layer, with NiO and SrTiO3 serving as the hole transport material (HTM) and an electron transport layer (ETL), respectively. The KSCs, with a structure of FTO/SrTiO3/CuBi2O4/NiO/Au, are numerically simulated. Maximum power conversion efficiency is achieved by optimizing several photovoltaic parameters, such as the thickness and doping density of the ETL, absorber, and HTM. The optimized thicknesses for the HTL, absorber layer, and ETL are 1.5 μm, 2.28 μm, and 0.02 μm, respectively. The designed KSCs exhibit an efficiency eta (η) of 31.89 %, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.31 V, a short-circuit current (Jsc) of 28.58 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 84.99 %.

Constructing electrochemically stable single crystal Ni-rich cathode material via modification with high valence metal oxides

Single crystal Ni-rich cathode materials (SCNCM) are a good supplement in the market of nickel-based materials due to their safety and excellent electrochemical performance. However, the challenges of cation mixing, phase change during charge/discharge, and low thermal stability remain unresolved in single crystal particles. To address these issues, SCNCM are rationally modified by incorporating transition metal (TM) oxides, and the influence of metal ions with different valence states on the electrochemical properties of SCNCM is methodically explored through experimental results and theoretical calculations. Enhanced structural stability is demonstrated in SCNCM after the modifications, and the degree of improvement in the matrix materials varies depending on the valence state of doped TM ions. The highest structural stability is found in WO3-modified SCNCM, due to the smaller effective ion radii, higher electro-negativity, stronger W–O bond, and efficient suppression of oxygen vacancy generation. As a result, WO3-modified SCNCM have outstanding cycle performance, with a capacity retention rate of 90.2% after 200 cycles. This study provides an insight into the design of advanced SCNCM with enhanced reversibility and cyclability.