Low Yield Research Articles

Embedding Pt in Ni-MOF/CdS organic-inorganic hybrid materials as electron channel to promote photogenerated carrier separation for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light

CdS exhibits a high photogenerated carrier yield, yet it is susceptible to photocorrosion due to the limited number of active sites. Ni-MOF boasts a considerable specific surface area and a plethora of active sites, yet it displays a low photogenerated carrier yield and suboptimal conductivity. In this study, the incorporation of Pt into a Ni-MOF/Pt/CdS hybrid material served as an electron transport channel, effectively addressing the limitations of CdS, Ni-MOF, and electrical conductivity. The results of electrochemical tests demonstrate that the electron transport and separation efficiency of the hybridised material is noteworthy. Following the performance test, the optimal visible photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of the Ni-MOF/Pt/CdS hybrid material was found to be 14.1 mmol h−1g−1, representing a significant enhancement of approximately 61.3 times compared to that of pure CdS. Furthermore, XPS analysis indicates the presence of Pt-S bonds, which effectively inhibit the oxidation of S2− to S on the CdS surface, thus alleviating the photocorrosion phenomenon and enhancing the cycling stability. This level of stability is maintained at 92.6 % after five cycles. This work offers a novel approach to addressing the limitations of inorganic catalysts, including the scarcity of active sites and the low photogenerated carrier yield, as well as the poor conductivity observed in organic catalysts.

Engineered biomimetic nanovesicles-laden multifunctional hydrogel enhances targeted therapy of diabetic wound

Angiogenesis is essential for diabetic wound healing. Endothelial progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EPC-EVs) are known to promote wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis, while the low yield and lack of effective targeting strategies limit their therapeutic efficacy. Here, the biomimetic nanovesicles (NVs) prepared from EPC (EPC-NV) through an extrusion approach were reported, which functioned as EV mimetics to deliver contents from EPC to the wound. Besides, the cRGD peptide was coupled to the surface of EPC-NV (mEPC-NV) to achieve active endothelial cells (ECs)-targeting. Furthermore, we developed a dual hydrogel network by combining Fe3+@ Protocatechualdehyde (PA) complex-modified Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) with light-cured gelatin (GelMA), to enrich and sustainably release mEPC-NV. The hydrogel system with antioxidant and antibacterial properties also made up for the deficiency of mEPC-NV, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting infection in diabetic wound. Taken together, this study established a novel bioactive delivery system with angiogenesis, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which might be a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic wound.

High efficient synthesis of benzyl lactate through waste PLA alcoholysis by protic ionic salt

Benzyl lactate (BL) is a critical reagent in pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis due to its versatility. Traditional synthesis of BL was constrained by the high cost and low yield, thereby hindering the feasibility of large-scale production. Here, we reported a novel synthesis strategy for BL by utilizing the alcoholysis of waste polylactic acid (PLA) by benzyl alcohol with the protic ionic salt, HTBD-OAc, as the catalyst. The gram-scale experiments achieved a 94.9 % yield, and the robustness of this reaction was evidenced by the yield maintaining 92.5 % across six recycling experiments. More impressively, kilogram-scale synthesis facilitated a complete conversion of PLA to BL, achieving an unprecedented yield of 98.7 % at 180 °C within two hours. The exceptional catalytic efficiency of this reaction is attributed to the synergistic functions between the HTBD+ cation and OAc− anion in the catalyst HTBD-OAc. This study heralds a significant stride towards the sustainable and scalable production of high-purity benzyl lactate, paving the way for extended industrial applicability for this essential compound.

Characterization of high protein soybean using mass spectrometry based proteomic and metabolomic analyses.

We have created several high protein (HPBL) and low protein breeding lines (LPBL) by crossing between NC-Raleigh and PI407228. The NC-Raleigh is a low protein cultivar widely grown in North Carolina with excellent yield potential and a high protein wild soybean (Glycine soja) with low yield. We analyzed the F6 generation of this cross for protein and oil compositions using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Two soybean lines HPBL and LPBL were selected for biochemical analysis using mass spectrometry-based proteomic and metabolomic techniques. We identified 4,538 proteins and 267 metabolites in these lines. The HPBL showed the enrichment of proteins associated with protein synthesis, processing, and storage in addition to higher content of primary and secondary metabolites. The mapping of metabolites on the global metabolic pathways revealed the increased protein content in the HPBL that may have resulted from increased arginine content routed from citrulline-argininosuccinic acid. This information will be useful for breeders and biotechnologists to produce a value-added soybean trait.

Purification, characterization, and hypoglycemic activity of exopolysaccharides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MY04

As natural polymers, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exopolysaccharides (EPS) possess a wide range of bioactivities but suffer from low yields and unclear relationships between functional activity and structure. To this end, the chemical structure and bioactive properties of EPS from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MY04 were investigated. As a result, three polysaccharide fractions (EPS-1, EPS-2, EPS-3) were separated and purified, of which EPS-2 had better antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory ability. More importantly, EPS-2 can significantly enhance insulin sensitivity in HepG2 cells by upregulating enzyme activities in the glycolytic pathway and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage. In addition, the structural characterization of EPS-2 was also comprehensively elucidated. It was found that EPS-2 was mainly composed of mannose with a molecular weight of 2.3 × 106 Da, and its main chain structure is →3)-Manp-(1 → 2)-Manp-(1 → 2,6)-Manp-(1 → 2,6)-Manp-(1→, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the relationship between structure and function of polysaccharides.

Hydrophobic ion pairing as a novel approach to co-axial electrospraying of peptide-PLGA particles

Electrospraying is a processing technique that has gained much interest to prepare polymeric particles. The technique operates at ambient temperature, thereby avoiding heat induced degradation of labile therapeutics (e.g. peptides and proteins). Exposure to organic solvents can be minimised by co-axial electrospraying through separation of core (aqueous) and shell (organic) solvents. However, aqueous solutions are often difficult to electrospray due to high surface tension. Immiscibility between the core–shell solvents creates a further process challenge. Herein, we describe for the first time the use of hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) to encapsulate a polypeptide into polymeric particles prepared by co-axial electrospraying. Peptide ion pairs were prepared to incorporate a model peptide – teriparatide – into an organic solvent, permitting facile electrospraying while also protecting the peptide from denaturation. Teriparatide loaded PLGA particles were generated by electrospraying from aqueous or ethanolic peptide solutions (core). A PLGA solution in chloroform (with and without co-solvents) was employed as the shell solution. The aqueous core solution led to a teriparatide encapsulation efficiency of 79.2 ± 19.8 %, which was not significantly different from the ethanolic core (57.1 ± 14.5 %). When aqueous solutions were used the process lacked reproducibility, resulting in low process yields (61.3 ± 4.0 %). In contrast, when an organic core was used a dry powder bed was achieved with a yield of 102.2 ± 8.8 %. The peptide’s integrity and biological functionality were retained after electrospraying as ion pairs, as evidenced in a cell-based PTH1R receptor binding assay.

A dehydration membrane reactor towards highly efficient LPG synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation

In recent years, CO2 hydrogenation has garnered increasing attention as a promising avenue towards the conversion of captured CO2 to valuable liquid chemicals, including CH3OH, CH3OCH3, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). However, chemical conversion of CO2 has proven to be immensely challenging, resulting in low CO2 conversion (<35 %) and product yields (<15 %). H2O, unavoidably evolved during CO2 hydrogenation, imposes both thermodynamic and kinetic penalties on CO2 hydrogenation reactions via adsorption on catalyst active sites and promotion of undesirable reaction pathways. In this work, to greatly facilitate direct conversion of CO2 to LPG over a bifunctional Cu/Zn/Zr on Al2O3 (CZZA)/Pd-β-zeolite catalyst, a dehydration membrane reactor (MR) featuring a H2O-conducting Na+-gated nanochannel membrane was studied. Before the incorporation of the Na+-gated membrane, the CZZA/Pd-β-zeolite was unable to produce LPG at 280–310 °C and 14 bar, and the CO2 conversion was limited to < 35 %. In stark contrast, the MR exhibited CO2 conversion and LPG yield of 72.1 % and 51.7 %, respectively. The operating conditions of the MR were systematically investigated to determine the maximum achievable performance resulting in CO2 conversion and LPG yield as high as 90.2 % and 60.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, the LPG space–time yield (STY) at the optimized conditions was near that of the best-performing traditional reactors (TRs) in the literature but at 3 times and 8 times increased CO2 conversion and time factor (W/F), respectively. The MR in this work demonstrates the synergistic efficacy of combined H2O removal and CH3OH consumption towards highly efficient hydrogenation of CO2 for LPG production.

Enhancing the quantum yield and electrochemical properties of carbon quantum dots via optimized hydrothermal treatment using cellulose nanocrystals as precursors

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are receiving increasing attention due to their tunable redox activity, abundant surface functional groups, and excellent aqueous dispersion. However, their low quantum yield remains a significant impediment to their synthesis and practical application. In the present work, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were utilized as precursors for the optimized hydrothermal synthesis of CQDs. Subsequently, the synthesized CQDs were electrodeposited onto a carbon-coated surface. The influence of hydrothermal temperature and time on the quantum yield and electrochemical properties of CQDs was systematically explored. The successful synthesis of CQDs displayed an average particle size of 5 nm, approximately. The quantum yield was enhanced from 14.35 % to 23.7 % as the hydrothermal temperature increased from 180 °C to 230 °C. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of the composite films were investigated. Electrochemical assessments demonstrated an increase in specific capacitance from 60.4 mF·cm−2 to 65.2 mF·cm−2 with an elevation in temperature from 180 °C to 210 °C. Remarkably, the CQDs displayed higher e CQDs, showcasing their substantial potential for supercapacitor applications.

Waste wood tar based porous carbon electrodes for supercapacitors with excellent performances through condensation cross-linking modification

Wood tar is an unavoidable by-product during a slow-pyrolysis process of biomass, which is usually discarded as a waste and results in environment pollution. Recently, wood tar has been used as a starting material for carbon electrodes because of its thermoplasticity and high carbon content. However, wood tar is mainly composed of various light phenolic molecules, which usually leads to a low carbonization yield after carbonization and an inferior electrochemical performance after activation. In this work, in order to improve the carbonization rate and electrochemical performance of these materials, wood tar was first condensed and crosslinked with formaldehyde and urea via a condensation reaction to produce condensed macromolecular resins, which were then carbonized at 550°C and activated with KOH at 800°C to prepare high-performance nitrogen-doped carbon electrodes for supercapacitors. The samples possess high carbonization yield, large specific surface area (3515.1 m2g-1) and moderate nitrogen content (1.11%). The high-performance carbon electrodes fabricated by this method achieves a high capacitance of 437.8Fg-1 (6M KOH electrolyte) at 1A/g-1. The assembled supercapacitor has an energy density of 13.41Whkg-1 at a power density of 124.93Wkg-1. And the capacitance retention was essentially 100% after 10000 cycles at 5Ag-1. The study presents an innovative strategy for the production of porous carbon for supercapacitors using wood tar and improves carbonization yield via condensation cross-linking modification.

Torrefaction Integrated with Steam Gasification of Agricultural Biomass Wastes for Enhancing Tar Reduction and Hydrogen-rich Syngas Production

Steam gasification is considered as a promising technology for conversion of various biomass wastes to valuable hydrogen (H2)-rich gas products that can be applied for the sustainable production of green hydrogen and methanol. However, some inevitable problems such as high tar content and low cold gas efficiency greatly hinder its broad application. Torrefaction has been widely employed for upgrading low-rank biomass sources that favors the follow-up gasification process, resulting in low tar yield and high syngas yield. Torrefied biomass usually shows higher energy density, improved grindability characteristics, and lower O/C and H/C ratios. This research work studies the effect of torrefaction on steam gasification of corncob (CC) and rice husk (RH). The mechanisms of biomass torrefaction integrated with steam gasification are also given. Biomass torrefied at a relatively high temperature (280 oC) is more efficient to extract the oxygenated volatiles, reducing the generation of tar and particulate matters during the gasification process. The increase of torrefaction temperature resulted in an increase of H2 yield and a decrease of CO yield, corresponding to an increase of H2/CO ratio. Particularly, the H2 yield in the CC-derived syngas increased from 6.38 mmol/g (raw) to 12.01mmol/g (280 °C), and the H2 yield in the RH-derived syngas increased from 4.33 mmol/g (raw) to 12.97 mmol/g (280 °C). Steam gasification of RH torrefied at 280 oC achieved a maximum H2/CO ratio of 2.84. After torrefaction of CC and BB at 280 °C, the tar yield of steam gasification was below 1% [gasification temperature: 800 °C, mass ratio of steam to biomass (S/B): 1]. In general, the torrefaction pretreatment of biomass at relatively high temperatures (i.e., 280 oC) favors the steam gasification process under an appropriate S/B (i.e., 1) in terms of improving the syngas quality and reducing the tar production.

Exploring risk Indicators of atrial fibrillation in severe Obesity: Left atrial cardiomyopathy and premature atrial contractions

BackgroundAlthough obesity is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), its mechanisms and the diagnostic yield of AF screening in severe obesity is unclear. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of AF susceptibility in severe obesity by investigating associations between left atrial (LA) cardiomyopathy and premature atrial contractions (PACs) and to explore the diagnostic yield of AF screening. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included a total of 192 subjects aged 35–65 years with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, alongside 50 non-obese controls, both without known cardiac disease. Prolonged heart rhythm registration was done with either 24-hours (n = 147) or 7-day Holter monitoring (n = 75) or an implantable loop recorder (ILR) (n = 10). Furthermore, we performed conventional transthoracic echocardiography and strain analyses. ResultsIn the obese cohort, LA enlargement was independently associated with PAC frequency. Each SD increment (10 ml/m2) of LA volume index corresponded with a 46 % increase in PACs. An increase of each SD (10 %) LA reservoir strain was associated with a decrease of 16 % in PAC frequency. There was no association found between LA cardiomyopathy and PACs in the control group. AF was not detected in any subject. ConclusionLA enlargement was independently associated with more frequent PACs in severe obesity, a well-known AF precursor. There was a noticeable trend suggesting a relation between impaired LA function and PACs. Considering our observed low diagnostic yield of AF screening within this population, further investigation is needed to determine whether incorporating LA cardiomyopathy as an additional risk measure could improve AF screening strategies for individuals with severe obesity.

Structure-guided engineering of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase for efficient production of rosmarinic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The utilization of genetically modified microbial cells for rosmarinic acid (RA) production is gaining increased attention as a cost-effective and sustainable approach. However, the substrate promiscuity of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase and RA synthase has been considered as a critical factor for low RA yields. In this study, we rationally engineered the substrate preference of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (OPc4CL2) from Petroselinum crispum, resulting in a significant enhancement in RA production. Particularly, the introduction of the Y240C mutation led to a remarkable 176% increase in RA yield. Subsequent enzymatic analysis of OPc4CL2 variants revealed diminished activity towards p-coumaric acid, resulting in insufficient time for the transformation of p-coumaric acid to 4-coumaroyl CoA to generate byproduct. Furthermore, to minimize the formation of undesired byproducts, the overexpression of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-monooxygenase (OHpaB) and NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase (HpaC) was carried out to facilitate the conversion of p-coumaric acid to caffeic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyllactate to salvianic acid A, thus achieving a significant increase in RA yield of up to 329.9mg/L (16.5mg/g yield on glucose) in shake-flask cultivation. Finally, the engineered strain YRA113-24BHM achieved a notable RA production of 3.6g/L (about 20.2mg/g yield on glucose) by fed-batch fermentation. This study serves as a foundation for the sustainable biosynthesis of RA and other caffeic acid derivatives.

Effects of Spring Freeze Damage and Training Systems on the Viticulture Performance of Young ‘Marquette’ Grapevines

‘Marquette’ is a cold-hardy hybrid grape cultivar that has received increased attention for its use in wine production in the upper midwestern and northeastern United States since it was released in 2006. However, ‘Marquette’ is an early budburst cultivar susceptible to spring freeze damage. We examined the influence of high wire bilateral flat cane (HWC) and four-arm Kniffin (4AK) training systems on young ‘Marquette’ performance during a year with spring freeze damage (2017) and the subsequent season without frost events (2018). In 2017, there were two consecutive spring frost events at the experimental site approximately 2 weeks after the vines reached 50% budburst, which damaged more than 70% of the shoots. The percentage of freeze-damaged shoots and the severity of freeze damage to green tissues did not differ between training systems, but 4AK vines had higher yield at harvest (5.16 kg/vine or 3.12 tons/acre) than HWC vines (3.45 kg/vine or 2.10 tons/acre) because of the greater number of buds retained at winter pruning. There was no freeze damage close to budburst in 2018, and the yield of 4AK vines was still higher (11.74 kg/vine or 7.08 tons/acre) than that of HWC vines (8.20 kg/vine or 4.98 tons/acre). In 2018, the Ravaz index (yield-to-pruning weight) values were lower for HWC vines (3.41) than for 4AK vines (5.39), but the training system did not consistently affect fruit composition in either vintage. Within the 4AK system, shoots that emerged from the lower cane had more freeze damage than those of the upper cane and produced lower crop yield and fruit with lower soluble sugars in both vintages. Our results suggest that ‘Marquette’ vines can be grown on a training system with high cropping potential, such as a divided canopy system or a single canopy, with a higher number of buds and shoots than that of our study. Among divided canopy systems, 4AK might not be the best option for vigorous ‘Marquette’ vines because, in addition to greater susceptibility to freeze damage, the lower cane of 4AK was highly shaded by the upper highly vegetative canopy, which might have caused its lower productivity and soluble sugars at harvest compared with those of the upper cane.

Biochemical composition of Armenian chili pepper varieties: insights for functional food applications

Background: Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) is economically significant in many countries, including Armenia, where it helps conserve the vegetable gene pool and supports public health. Its rich biochemical composition makes it a key dietary component, particularly for its antioxidant properties, which combat free radicals. The biochemical makeup of peppers vary by genotype and maturity, leading breeders to develop varieties with both agronomic and nutritional benefits. Chili peppers are especially valued for their high carotene and ascorbic acid content, earning them the title of "multi vitamin concentrate," along with other vitamins and bioactive compounds that enhance their health benefits. Objective: This study examines the biochemical profiles of various Armenian chili pepper varieties, highlighting their nutritional value and potential in agricultural systems. By analysing these unique varieties, the research aims to advance knowledge of their health benefits and promote sustainable farming practices. Methods: The study examined six locally bred chili pepper varieties—'Artsiv', 'Punj', 'Kon', 'Deghin kakach', 'Oranj kakach', and 'Kaytsak'. Ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenols were measured at both the technical and biological ripening stages using spectrophotometry. Dry matter was determined by the thermogravimetric method, and sugar content by Bertrand’s method. Pungency was assessed using the Scoville heat units’ method, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results: The study of six Armenian chili pepper varieties showed differences in fruit shape, color, ripening times, and productivity. 'Deghin kakach', 'Oranj kakach', and 'Kon' produce conical fruits that change to yellow, orange, and red, respectively, while 'Punj', 'Kaytsak', and 'Artsiv' have elongated fruits that ripen red. Early varieties like 'Punj', 'Artsiv', and 'Kaytsak' mature 11–17 days earlier. 'Oranj kakach' was the most productive (19.4 t/ha), while 'Kaytsak' had the lowest yield. 'Artsiv', 'Punj', and 'Kaytsak' were hot, while the others were moderately hot. Carotenoid content rose during ripening, ascorbic acid ranged from 115.0 to 175.6 mg/100 g, with 'Punj' highest, and total phenolics peaked in 'Deghin kakach'. Conclusion: Armenian chili pepper varieties are rich in bioactive compounds—phenols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and capsaicin— suitable for functional foods. During ripening, carotenoids increased by up to 583.64%, ascorbic acid by 97.4%, and phenols by 96.43%. ‘Punj’ had the highest ascorbic acid, ‘Oranj kakach’ the most carotenoids, and ‘Deghin kakach’ the most phenols, highlighting the potential of ripening to boost the health benefits of these peppers. Keywords: hot pepper, vitamin C, carotenoids, phenols, phenological stages, productivity

Evaluation of the Algerian Apricot Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity: Impact of Graft-Propagated Autochthonous and Introduced Cultivars in a Traditional Seed-Propagated System

AbstractDespite the apricot cultivars introduced from Spain and France are displacing the autochthonous Algerian cultivars in each area, there are a lot of local cultivars that still have a great interest and they are cultivated in the orchards from the Algerian arid agrosystem. This study addresses the phenotypical and molecular characterization of autochthonous (Algerian and Tunisian cultivars) and introduced (Spanish and French) graft-propagated apricot cultivars in a traditional seed-propagated system. Sixty-five apricot cultivated autochthonous and introduced accessions from the provinces of Batna (slightly arid area) and M’Sila (semi-arid area) in Algeria have been evaluated. These cultivated accessions included autochthonous Algerian cultivars (graft and seed propagated) selected over the years for its adaptation to warm Mediterranean climate and Spanish and French introduced cultivars (graft propagated). In these materials and agronomical evaluation of phenological (budburst, flowering and ripening date), pomological (fruit weight and yield per tree) and fruit quality (firmness and acidity), traits were performed together with a molecular characterization of the genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat (SSR) marks. Results showed the great diversity at agronomical and molecular level of this Algerian apricot germplasm. The seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars showed a lower yield per tree and fruit weight. Seed-propagated autochthonous also showed a longer fruit development and ripening cycle in comparison with the grafted cultivars with a later ripening date. Regarding fruit quality, seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars present low firmness and high acidity compared with the rest. Results also showed the effectiveness of the SSR markers by the correct identification, detecting some synonymies and suggesting the origin of some autochthonous cultivars. These results will provide more in-depth information to develop a strategy for in situ conservation of cultivars and to reduce gene flow from introduced material to ancient orchards. These materials would be interesting to modify some quality traits such as the acidity or firmness and drought resistance in apricot breeding programs.

Strength in Numbers: A Giant NIR‐II AIEgen with One‐for‐All Phototheranostic Features for Exceptional Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Treatment

AbstractOne‐for‐all phototheranostics that allows the simultaneous implementations of multiple optical imaging and therapeutic modalities by utilizing a single component, is growing into a sparkling frontier in cancer treatment. Of particular interest is phototheranostic agent with emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window. Nevertheless, the practical uses of those conventional NIR‐II agents are severely impeded by their unsatisfactory features including insufficient stability, low synthetic yield, to be extended absorption/ emission wavelengths, and inefficient phototheranostic outcomes. Developing exceptional phototheranostic agents is thus highly desirable yet remains formidably challenging. Herein, we synthesized two novel N‐heteroacenes‐based NIR‐II luminogens, namely 2TT‐PPT and 4TT‐PBPT, by respectively employing pyrene‐fused phenaziothiadiazoles and pyrene‐fused bisphenaziothiadiazoles as acceptor skeletons. There is strength in numbers by increasing the fusing rings in N‐heteroacenes moieties and numbers of appended donors. Compared to less ring‐fused 2TT‐PPT, the giant molecule 4TT‐PBPT shows improved photophysical characteristics, such as enhanced light absorbance, red‐shifted wavelengths, higher brightness, favorable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and elevated photothermal conversion efficiency, which render 4TT‐PBPT nanoparticles excellent fluorescence‐photoacoustic‐photothermal trimodal imaging guided photodynamic‐photothermal synergistic therapy for orthotopic bladder cancer.

Strength in Numbers: A Giant NIR-II AIEgen with One-for-All Phototheranostic Features for Exceptional Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Treatment.

One-for-all phototheranostics that allows the simultaneous implementations of multiple optical imaging and therapeutic modalities by utilizing a single component, is growing into a sparkling frontier in cancer treatment. Of particular interest is phototheranostic agent with emission in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. Nevertheless, the practical uses of those conventional NIR-II agents are severely impeded by their unsatisfactory features including insufficient stability, low synthetic yield, to be extended absorption/ emission wavelengths, and inefficient phototheranostic outcomes. Developing exceptional phototheranostic agents is thus highly desirable yet remains formidably challenging. Herein, we synthesized two novel N-heteroacenes-based NIR-II luminogens, namely 2TT-PPT and 4TT-PBPT, by respectively employing pyrene-fused phenaziothiadiazoles and pyrene-fused bisphenaziothiadiazoles as acceptor skeletons. There is strength in numbers by increasing the fusing rings in N-heteroacenes moieties and numbers of appended donors. Compared to less ring-fused 2TT-PPT, the giant molecule 4TT-PBPT shows improved photophysical characteristics, such as enhanced light absorbance, red-shifted wavelengths, higher brightness, favorable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and elevated photothermal conversion efficiency, which render 4TT-PBPT nanoparticles excellent fluorescence-photoacoustic-photothermal trimodal imaging guided photodynamic-photothermal synergistic therapy for orthotopic bladder cancer.

High‐Yielding Nanobelt Formation by Chirality‐Assisted Synthesis

AbstractShape‐persistent conjugated nanobelts (CNBs) are fascinating synthetic targets. However, in most cases these are made in low overall yields by applying strategies of macrocyclization followed by (multiple) ring fusion reactions for nanobelt formation. Here, we describe the high yielding synthesis of enantiopure chiral nanobelts in 84 % yield by applying chirality‐assisted synthesis (CAS). The chiral nanobelts were investigated by UV/Vis and CD spectroscopy. By DFT calculations the aromaticity of these structures is discussed.

Dual‐Site NiO/Bi3O4Br Heterojunction Catalyst for High‐Efficiency CO2‐to‐CH4 Conversion

AbstractSolar light‐driven conversion of CO2 into chemicals with high calorific value is regarded as an upcoming carbon utilization technology for alleviating the energy crisis. This technique faces the challenge of low CO2 conversion and product yield due to charge recombination in the catalyst. In this paper, a dual‐reaction site heterojunction catalyst was designed and fabricated by combining NiO with Bi3O4Br nanosheets, for the separation of CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation semireactions, which effectively promoted electrons and holes separation. The resulting catalyst exhibited a high CH4 production rate (8.12 µmol/g) and selectivity (94.69%). Electron distribution and band structure were investigated to explain the satisfactory catalytic performance. In addition, combining the in‐situ DRIFTS results, a formic acid‐intermediated CO2‐to‐CH4 reaction pathway was proposed. This work aims to pave the way for CH4 production via CO2 photoreduction with high efficiency and selectivity.

High-Yielding Nanobelt Formation by Chirality-Assisted Synthesis.

Shape-persistent conjugated nanobelts (CNBs) are fascinating synthetic targets. However, in most cases these are made in low overall yields by applying strategies of macrocyclization followed by (multiple) ring fusion reactions for nanobelt formation. Here, we describe the high yielding synthesis of enantiopure chiral nanobelts in 84 % yield by applying chirality-assisted synthesis (CAS). The chiral nanobelts were investigated by UV/Vis and CD spectroscopy. By DFT calculations the aromaticity of these structures is discussed.