Membrane Structure Research Articles

University students’ misconceptions of cellular structures and functions

ABSTRACT The goal of the present study was to assess biology students’ level of understanding and identify their misconceptions about cellular concepts. We conducted a questionnaire survey followed by interviews. Study participants (n = 620) were students enrolled in a biology degree programme. Data analysis showed that students had low knowledge of the basic characteristics of cells. Misconceptions were identified in all four core competencies of cell biology education. The most identified common misconceptions concerned the relationship between the structure and function of the cell membrane, nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. Students have difficulty making the connection between cellular transport and its relationship to the structure of the plasma membrane. Students also struggled to make the connection between the different levels of organisation (macroscopic, microscopic and molecular). However, most students understood the concepts related to the chemical constituents of cells. Several potential factors are responsible for the appearance of misconceptions among the participants in this study, including levels, failure to use learning resources to visualise the various phenomena that take place in the cell, incomprehensible terms, and complexity of the processes and mechanisms of cell biology which, to understand them, require recourse to concepts taught in other disciplines such as physics and chemistry.

Melamine-Copolymerization Strategy Engineered Fluorinated Polyimides for Membrane-Based Sour Natural Gas Separation.

Membrane-based gas separation provides an energy-efficient approach for the simultaneous CO2 and H2S removal from sour natural gas. The fluorinated polyimide (PI) membranes exhibited a promising balance between permeability and permselectivity for sour natural gas separation. To further improve the separation efficiency of fluorinated PI membranes, a melamine-copolymerization synthetic approach is devised that aims to incorporate melamine motifs with high sour gas affinity into the structure of the PI membranes. The fluorinated copolyimide membranes that are structurally engineered exhibited excellent solution-processability and enhanced sweet-mixed gas selectivity compared to their original PI membranes. Additionally, under a five-component sour mixed-gas feed, these melamine-copolymerized fluorinated PI membranes provided superior combined H2S and CO2 removal efficiency in comparison to conventional glassy polymer membranes. The melamine-copolymerization strategy provides an easily operable and generally effective approach to developing performance-enhancing PI membranes for sour natural gas separation.

Strain Analysis of Membrane Structures for Photovoltaic Integration in Built Environment

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into tensioned membrane structures presents a significant advancement for sustainable applications in the built environment. However, a critical technical challenge remains in the substantial strains induced by external loads, which can compromise both PV efficiency and the structural integrity of the membrane. Current design methodologies prioritize stress, deflection, and ponding analysis of tensioned membranes. Strain behavior of whole structures, a key factor for ensuring long-term performance and compatibility of PV-integrated membranes, has been largely overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining the whole membrane structure designed for PV integration, with the aim of optimizing the membrane to provide suitable conditions for efficient energy transfer while minimizing membrane strains. For this purpose, it provides a comprehensive strain analysis for full-scale hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) membrane structures under various design parameters and external loads. Employing the Finite Element Method (FEM) via Sofistik software, the research examines the relationship between load type, geometry, material properties, and patterning direction of membranes to understand their performance under operational conditions. The findings reveal that strain behavior in tensioned membrane structures is strictly influenced by these parameters. Wind loads generate significantly higher strain values compared to snow loads, with positive strains nearly doubling and negative strains tripling in some configurations. Larger structure sizes and increased curvature amplify strain magnitudes, particularly in parallel patterning, whereas diagonal patterning consistently reduces strain levels. High tensile-strength materials and optimized prestress further reduce strains, although edge type has minimal influence. By systematically analyzing these aspects, this study provides practical design guidelines for enhancing the structural and operational efficiency of PV-integrated tensioned membrane structures in the built environment.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Monoolein-Fatty Acid Bilayers.

Understanding the evolution of protocells, primitive compartments that distinguish self from nonself, is crucial for exploring the origin of life. Fatty acids and monoglycerides have been proposed as key components of protocell membranes due to their ability to self-assemble into bilayers and vesicles capable of nutrient exchange. In this study, we investigate the electrophysiological properties of planar bilayers composed of monoglyceride and fatty acid mixtures, using a droplet interface bilayer system. Three fatty acids with varying hydrocarbon chain lengths─oleic acid (C18), palmitoleic acid (C16), and myristoleic acid (C14)─in combination with monoolein (C18) are examined to evaluate the influence of chain length and composition on bilayer stability, thickness, and ion permeability. The results show that pure monoolein bilayers exhibit enhanced ion permeability compared to phospholipid bilayers, which are characteristic of modern cellular membranes. Furthermore, the incorporation of fatty acids into monoolein bilayers destabilizes the membrane structure and further increases ion permeability. We consider that this increased permeability is likely driven by three molecular characteristics. First, the wedge-like shape of monoolein may disrupt bilayer packing and induce transient pore formation. Second, the rapid flip-flop of fatty acids between bilayer leaflets likely facilitates ion transport. Third, the chain-length mismatch between monoolein and myristoleic acid further destabilizes the bilayer, promoting the formation of structural defects. These findings suggest that compositional motifs in monoglyceride-fatty acid bilayers may provide an alternative ion transport mechanism, such as the flip-flop of amphiphilic molecules, in early protocell membranes before the evolution of protein-based transporters.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Sambucus nigra L. (Elderflower) Oil: A Molecular Docking and Biochemical Study

The present study investigates the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of an essential oil extracted from Sambucus nigra L. flowers. Using hydrodistillation, the volatile compounds were profiled through GC–MS analysis for the fatty acid profile and volatile compounds. The fatty acid profile demonstrated a balanced composition of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with oleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids as key contributors. The volatile profile revealed the dominance of nonanal, cis-rose oxide, trans-rose oxide, and 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl-. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, showing significant inhibition, with an IC50 value of 2.52 mg/mL. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains, highlighting moderate inhibitory activity for Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The S. nigra essential oil exhibited more activity against fungal strains, especially C. albicans, compared to the bacterial strains, which might be attributed to differences in the composition and permeability of the cell wall between fungi and bacteria. Among the bacteria, E. coli was the most susceptible, while P. aeruginosa showed moderate resistance, in agreement with its known stronger membrane structure and efflux mechanisms. Molecular docking analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of the oil on microbial proteins to corroborate the observed in vitro outcome. The results indicated that nonanal, cis-rose oxide, trans-rose oxide, and 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl- displayed interesting hydrophilic and hydrophobic binding interactions with the putative microbial proteins. These findings elucidate the bioactive role of Sambucus nigra essential oils, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in managing oxidative stress and microbial infections.

Optimization of Forward Osmotic Dewatering on Resource Utilization of Microalgae: A Review

Microalgae have attracted wide attention due to their extensive application potential. Dewatering is a necessary work for the application of microalgae, especially in biofuel production, where forward osmosis (FO) research is relatively advanced but still faces technical bottlenecks hindering large-scale commercialization. Based on the current research in recent years, the research progress in the causes and control of membrane fouling, the development of membrane materials and optimization of membrane structure, and the energy saving and efficiency of the process are reviewed in this paper. We found that different species of algae have direct effects on membrane fouling. Chlorella vulgaris has a low membrane fouling trend, but the mechanisms of fouling need further investigation. The material development and structure optimization of membranes are the main research methods to reduce membrane fouling, but there are still some defects, such as complicated preparation and low water flux, which are difficult to apply on a large scale. The research progress of reducing costs by using seawater, urine, fertilizer, etc. as new draw solutions (DS) is reviewed. At present, many aspects of FO microalgae dewatering technology are still not well understood, and future research should focus on scaling up the existing technologies.

Modification of Liposomal Properties by an Engineered Gemini Surfactant.

Lipid membranes form the primary structure of cell membranes and serve as configurable interfaces across numerous applications including biosensing technologies, antifungal treatments, and therapeutic platforms. Therefore, the modification of lipid membranes by additives has important consequences in both biological processes and practical applications. In this study, we investigated a nicotinic-acid-based gemini surfactant (NAGS) as a chemically tunable molecular additive for modulating the structure and phase behavior of liposomal membranes. We specifically focused on NAGS with hydrocarbon chains that mirror those of lipid molecules. By introducing NAGS to phosphatidylcholine membranes with lipids of identical and varied chain lengths or degrees of unsaturation, we demonstrated the effects of headgroup interactions and chain mismatch between NAGS and membrane lipids. Using small-angle X-ray scattering, we showed that regardless of chain compatibility or mismatch, NAGS reduced the thickness and packing density of fluid lipid membranes. Further observations by fluorescence microscopy revealed the emergence of ordered-disordered domains upon cooling to room temperature. The observed phases were quite distinct from those of lipid membranes with analogous chain compositions, emphasizing the importance of NAGS headgroup chemistry in mediating domain formation and stabilization. These findings open new possibilities for exploiting NAGS in tuning the structure and organization of liposomal membranes with potential applications in drug delivery and biomedical imaging.

The use of a fatty acidphospholipid complex in the cultivation of broiler chickens

Phospholipids make up the structure of cell membranes and organelles, influencing the activation of cellular enzymes. They are involved in the intercellular transport of fats, fatty acids, cholesterol and other substances in blood lipoproteins. These compounds, being natural metabolites, contribute to more efficient use of fat and prevent its excessive accumulation in tissues. Phospholipids have emulsifying properties, of particular interest are lecithins, which are phosphatides. Lecithin-based supplements in poultry feeding improve growth, reduce the risk of perosis, have a beneficial effect on skeletal formation and accumulation of vitamin A in the liver (lecithin has a synergistic effect). They also protect farm poultry from the development of liver obesity syndrome. The aim of the research was to study the effect of the phospholipid-fatty acid complex on the main zootechnical indicators in the cultivation of broiler chickens. Partial replacement of sunflower oil with fatty acids at various age periods by 0.69–1.48 % and phospholipids by 0.84–1.8 % (according to the experimental scheme) contributes to an increase in the safety of broiler chickens by 2.5 %. The inclusion of a phospholipid-fatty acid complex in broiler diets is advisable, which is confirmed by an increase in live weight by 1.95–7.42%; a decrease in conversion by 0.01–0.02 kg/ kg; preservation of safety indicators at the level of 97.5–100 %; an increase in income from the sale of chickens by 4.57–7.42 %; making a profit of 52.60–104.98 % more in comparison with the control; increasing the level of profitability by 1.01–2.19 %.

Engineering of CmpLs enhances L-glutamate production of Corynebacterium glutamicum

The efficient production of L-glutamate is dependent on the product's rapid efflux, hence researchers have recently concentrated on artificially modifying its transport system and cell membrane wall structure. Considering the unique composition and structure of the cell wall of Corynebacterium glutamicum, we investigated the effects of CmpLs on L-glutamate synthesis and transport in SCgGC7, a constitutive L-glutamate efflux strain. First, the knockout strains of CmpLs were constructed, and it was confirmed that the deletion of CmpL1 and CmpL4 significantly improved the performance of L-glutamate producers. Next, temperature-sensitive L-glutamate fermentation with the CmpL1 and CmpL4 knockout strains were carried out in 5 L bioreactors, where the knockout strains showcased temperature-sensitive characteristics and enhanced capacities for L-glutamate production under high temperatures. Notably, the CmpL1 knockout strain outperformed the control strain in terms of L-glutamate production, showing production and yield increases of 69.2% and 55.3%, respectively. Finally, the intracellular and extracellular metabolites collected at the end of the fermentation process were analyzed. The modification of CmpLs greatly improved the L-glutamate excretion and metabolic flux for both L-glutamate production and transport. Additionally, the CmpL1 knockout strain showed decreased accumulation of downstream metabolites of L-glutamate and intermediate metabolites of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which were consistent with its high L-glutamate biosynthesis capacity. In addition to offering an ideal target for improving the stability and performance of the industrial strains for L-glutamate production, the functional complementarity and redundancy of CmpLs provide a novel target and method for improving the transport of other metabolites by modification of the cell membrane and cell wall structures in C. glutamicum.

Metal-organic cages improving microporosity in polymeric membrane for superior CO2 capture.

Mixed matrix membranes, with well-designed pore structure inside the polymeric matrix via the incorporation of inorganic components, offer a promising solution for addressing CO2 emissions. Here, we synthesized a series of novel metal organic cages (MOCs) with aperture pore size precisely positioned between CO2 and N2 or CH4. These MOCs were uniformly dispersed in the polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1). Among them, the MOC-Ph cage effectively modulated chain packing and optimized the microporous structure of the membrane. Remarkably, the PIM-Ph-5% membrane shows superior performance, achieving an excellent CO2 permeability of 8803.4 barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 59.9, far exceeding the 2019 upper bound. This approach opens opportunities for improving the porous structure of polymeric membranes for CO2 capture and other separation applications.

Effects of dietary supplementation with butyrate glycerides on lipid metabolism, intestinal morphology, and microbiota population in laying hens.

The present study investigated the impact of butyrate glycerides (BG) on lipid metabolism, intestinal morphology, and microbiota of laying hens. Four hundred eighty 54-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly selected and divided into five groups. The control group (ND) was fed a basal diet. Meanwhile, the remaining groups were given a basal supplemented with 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg of the product containing BG and were designated as BG-0.5, BG-1, BG-2, and BG-4 groups, respectively. The findings showed that: (1) BG supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.001) the blood Glu levels (BG-0.5, BG-1, BG-2, and BG-4) and increased (P < 0.001) the serum HDL-C levels (BG-2, and BG-4). (2) The BG-2 and BG-4 groups showed an increase (P < 0.01) in abdominal lipid HSL activity. (3) The levels of hepatic TC and TG in all BG groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (4) The addition of BG resulted in a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of the liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) (P < 0.05). (5) All BG groups presented a substantial reduction in duodenal crypt depth and a notable increase in the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) (P < 0.01). Additionally, all BG groups exhibited a significant increase in villus height in the ileum (P < 0.001). (6) Both the BG-1 and BG-4 groups exhibited a significant reduction in the amounts of n-butyric and n-glutaric acids in the cecum contents (P < 0.05). (7) The inclusion of BG did not substantially impact the diversity of cecal microbiota in laying hens. However, it dramatically boosted the proportion of the beneficial bacterium Alistipes (P < 0.05) and reduced the abundance of the harmful bacterium Verrucomicrobiota (P < 0.05). Overall, incorporating BG with glycerol monobutyrate as the diet's primary active component reduces fat accumulation in laying hens' blood and liver. It potentially regulates lipid metabolism via the PPARγ-LXRα-SREBP1c pathway. Additionally, BG has the potential to enhance the structure of the small intestine's mucous membrane and increase the presence of beneficial bacteria. Under the experimental conditions, late-laying hens supplemented with 4 g/kg BG performed best overall.

Nature of Solvent/Nonsolvent Strategy in Achieving Superior Polybenzimidazole Membrane for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery.

The tightly connected structure of polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane can be relaxed by solvent/nonsolvent solution to achieve a high proton conductivity for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). However, the nature behind the solvent/nonsolvent strategy is not unraveled. This work proposes a guideline to analyze the effect of PBI membrane relaxing formulas based on the interactions between different components in membranes. The supreme-efficient PBI membrane derived by the DMSO/formamide formula according to the guideline displays a marvelous performance for VRFB, with the proton conductivity boosted by 4300% (from 1.93 to 83.33 mS cm-1), and VRFB assembled with this membrane achieves an outstanding energy efficiency of 82.5% under 200 mA cm-2. Moreover, this work profoundly unravels the structure, property and performance relationship of PBI membrane, which is of great value for the development of membranes.

P0029 Abnormal glycerophospholipid metabolism in CCL2+DPP4+ mesenchymal stem cells may contributes to creeping fat fibrosis in Crohn's Disease

Abstract Background Creeping fat (CF), an aberrant mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT), is characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammatory cell infiltration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the intestines affected by Crohn's disease (CD). Our previous single-cell RNA-seq analysis identified a CCL2+DPP4+ subset of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that accelerates the abnormal formation of CF. Building on these findings, this study investigates the role of CCL2+DPP4+ MSCs in CF fibrosis formation. Methods We employed H&amp;E and Masson staining to assess histopathological changes and collagen deposition. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was conducted on CCL2+DPP4+ MSCs isolated from CF biopsies of CD patients (n=5) and MAT from controls without CD (n=5). Results We observed ECM deposition in CF and an upregulation of fibrosis-related genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, and FN1)（Figure1）. Analysis of our previous single-cell data revealed that CCL2+DPP4+ MSCs play a significant role in the abnormal accumulation of the ECM (Figure2). Lipidomic profiling revealed differential lipid levels between the CF and healthy MAT（H-MAT） groups, with downregulation of specific lipids in CCL2+DPP4+ MSCs derived from CF, including PE (20:5_16:1), PC (14:0_22:6), and PE (16:1_14:0). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis highlighted significant enrichment in Glycerophospholipid metabolism. Phospholipids (PLs), crucial for membrane structure and function, were found to be regulated by key enzymes PISD(Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase) and LPCAT3(Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3), which convert PS（phosphatidylserine） to PE（phosphatidylethanolamine） and integrate polyunsaturated fatty acids into lysophospholipids, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed reduced expression of these enzymes and increased fibrosis gene expression in CF-derived CCL2+DPP4+ MSCs(Figure3). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the CCL2+DPP4+ MSC subset in CF exhibits abnormal glycerophospholipid metabolism, which is associated with decreased PISD and LPCAT3 expression. This may contribute to enhanced ECM formation and promotion of CF fibrosis. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for CD.

Hydrogel‐Based Photothermal‐Catalytic Membrane for Efficient Cogeneration of Freshwater and Hydrogen in Membrane Distillation System

AbstractPhotothermal‐catalytic (PTC) process is a promising way to produce freshwater and clean hydrogen by integrating solar‐driven desalination and water splitting. However, efficient solar spectrum utilization coupled with effective mass and thermal management poses key challenges in developing multifunctional PTC systems. Here, a highly stable hydrogel membrane (CdS/MX‐HM) that incorporates MXene and in‐situ generated CdS as the PTC materials into a customized vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) setup is demonstrated. The CdS/MXene composites utilize the full solar spectrum, with MXene contributing to photothermal ability and serving as a co‐catalyst to enhance photocatalytic performance, which are effectively integrated into the membrane system. These functional materials are immobilized within the hydrophilic PVA/chitosan hydrogel layer, which creates a supramolecular network that provides excellent stability and protection while offering an interface for PTC processes. Supported by the hydrophobic PTFE membrane substrate, the integrated system enables fast gas transfer to the permeate, completing the dual‐function design. Through systematic optimization of membrane structure and operational parameters, the PTC‐VMD system achieves a water flux of 1.63 kg m−2 h−¹ and a hydrogen production rate of 3099 µmol m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable solution for the water‐energy nexus challenge.

Comparative study of ergosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol and their endoperoxides: Generation, identification, and impact in phospholipid membranes and melanoma cells.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer that has attracted attention in recent years due to its high mortality rate of 80%. Damage caused by oxidative stress generated by radical (type I reaction) and singlet oxygen, 1O2 (type II reaction) oxidative reactions may induce cancer. Thus, studies that aim to unveil the mechanism that drives these oxidative damage processes become relevant. Ergosterol, an analogue of 7-dehydrocholesterol, important in the structure of cell membranes, is widely explored in cancer treatment. However, to date little is known about the impact of different oxidative reactions on these sterols in melanoma treatment, and conflicting results about their effectiveness complicates the understanding of their role in oxidative damage. Our results highlight differences among ergosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), and cholesterol in membrane properties when subjected to distinct oxidative reactions. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative study exploring the mechanisms of cell damage by photodynamic treatment in A375 melanoma. Notably, endoperoxides from ergosterol and 7-DHC generated by 1O2 showed superior efficacy in reducing the viability of A375 cells compared to their precursor molecules. We also describe a step-by-step process to produce and identify endoperoxides derived from ergosterol and 7-DHC. While further studies are needed, this work provides new insights for understanding cancer cell death induced by different oxidative reactions in the presence of biologically relevant sterols.

Dialdehyde Cellulose Fabric Membranes Enable Chemical Adsorption of Amino-Containing Dyes for Wastewater Treatment

Dialdehyde cellulose fabric (DACF) membranes with varying degrees of oxidation were fabricated using periodate oxidation and were employed for the chemical adsorption of amino-groups containing dyes from wastewater. The aldehyde group contents of DACF membranes were adjusted by altering oxidation time, which was confirmed by titration experiments. The chemical structure and morphology of DACF membranes were characterized using ATR-FTIR, TGA, SCA, SEM, XPS, and XRD measurements. The optimized DACF membrane, which was treated for an oxidation time of 24 h and has an aldehyde content of 2.97 mmol/g, was used for the chemical adsorption of amino-containing dye molecules. This process relies on the Schiff base reaction between the amino groups of the target dye molecule and the aldehyde groups of the membrane. Two typical cationic dyes, fuchsin basic and chrysoidine, containing aromatic amino groups, were chosen to determine the adsorption capacity of the DACF membrane. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermal dynamics of the DACF membrane were investigated comprehensively, while both pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetics models fit well, indicating the complicated chemical/diffusion adsorption process, where the hydrophobic properties of the DACF membrane retarded the adsorption rate. The maximum adsorption capacities of the DACF membrane against fuchsin basic and chrysoidine were 108.69 and 46.29 mg/g, respectively, as determined by Langmuir isotherm simulations. Various competing ions such as Na+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO42− at high concentrations of 10,000 ppm were used to challenge the adsorption capability of the DACF membrane, with negligible effects observed. A new adsorption mechanism based on chemical/diffusion interaction was proposed. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), fuchsin basic, and chrysoidine were mixed to simulate the multicomponent wastewater containing dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and demonstrated the adsorption process; the direct adsorption capacity of the DACF membrane was up to 63.0%. This work offers a new method for the highly efficient removal of organic pollutants by a chemical reaction approach.

Investigation into Alzheimer's-related amyloid-β conformational transformations and stability influenced by green iron oxide nanoparticles (GIONP).

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is popularly believed to be triggered by the aggregation of amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ-42) peptides, eventually leading to neurodegeneration. Our study delves into the influential role played by Green Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (GIONP). GIONP are typically synthesized using a green chemistry approach, imposing curcumin as a biocompatible reducing and capping agent, leveraging its inherent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective attributes. Herein, our research particularly aims to decipher whether GIONP modulates the secondary structure of Aβ1-42 peptides with a close consideration to the surrounding physiological factors, as well as the membrane bilayer probable conformation changes. Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the interaction between GIONP and Aβ1-42 aggregates, demonstrating significant alterations in secondary structure dynamics of Aβ1-42 polypeptide. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shed light on the chemical interactions between GIONP and curcumin, a capping agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to determine the crystalline structure and phase purity of the synthesized GIONP, providing insights into their stability and structural integrity. GIONP particle size distribution investigations and membrane architectures surrounding GIONP were carried out for their impact on membrane integrity and stability. The morphology of GIONP, membrane mimetic liposomal structures formation, and integrity were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), accompanied with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which displayed the elements distribution within each of the structures. The study uncovered that GIONP stabilizes the secondary structure of Aβ1-42, potentially offering modulation to the aggregation process. Furthermore, GIONP proved to have no negative impact on membrane integrity, implying that they could be safely employed as a therapeutic option for the modulation of peptide aggregation's pathological pathway of Alzheimer's disease. This study may contribute to broadening our understanding of nanoparticle-mediated therapies in modulating neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting their dual involvement in amyloid aggregation regulation and membrane structure maintenance.

RuCu Nanorod Arrays Synergistically Promote Efficient Water-Splitting

In the realm of green hydrogen energy, utilizing ruthenium (Ru) as a precious metal electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) instead of platinum (Pt/C) is an excellent choice. Unfortunately, there are not enough active sites or electronic structures on a single Ru-based catalyst to significantly improve the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Therefore, creating bifunctional water electrolysis catalysts that are stable and highly active in a variety of media continues to be a major challenge. The study describes a new method for creating an electrocatalyst (RuCuCl/NF-2) by using Ru to regulate an inert CuCl precursor. The enhanced mass transfer performance of the distinctive coral structure and the synergistic effect of RuCu emphasize its excellent water electrolysis activity, which is based on the self-assembly of Cu nanoparticles into a conical membrane structure. Overtaking the commercial benchmark Pt/C (~38 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2), the RuCuCl/NF-2 displays HER activity (~25 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2) in 1M KOH. This sheds light on how to create more sophisticated bifunctional electrocatalysts.

Emerging Strategies for Revascularization: Use of Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Artificial Nanovesicles in Critical Limb Ischemia.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) poses a substantial and intricate challenge in vascular medicine, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to address its multifaceted pathophysiology. Conventional revascularization approaches often fail to adequately address the complexity of CLI, necessitating the identification of alternative methodologies. This review explores uncharted territory beyond traditional therapies, focusing on the potential of two distinct yet interrelated entities: cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and artificial nanovesicles. Cell-derived EVs are small membranous structures naturally released by cells, and artificial nanovesicles are artificially engineered nanosized vesicles. Both these vesicles represent promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. They act as carriers of bioactive cargo, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, that can modulate intricate cellular responses associated with ischemic tissue repair and angiogenesis. This review also assesses the evolving landscape of CLI revascularization through the unique perspective of cell-derived EVs and artificial nanovesicles. The review spans the spectrum from early preclinical investigations to the latest translational advancements, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this emerging field. These groundbreaking vesicle therapies hold immense potential for revolutionizing CLI treatment paradigms.

The Formation and Features of Massive Vacuole Induced by Nutrient Deficiency in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells.

Cellular vacuolization is a commonly observed phenomenon under physiological and pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying vacuole formation remain largely unresolved. LysoTracker Deep Red probes and Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein-tagged light chain 3B (LC3B) plasmids were employed to differentiate the types of massive vacuoles. By confocal microscopy, lysosome-like massive vacuoles (LysoTracker Deep Red+), autophagosome-like massive vacuoles (LC3B-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP+)), and autolysosome-like massive vacuoles (LC3B-EGFP+ LysoTracker Deep Red+) in starved HEK293T cells were observed. In this study, we demonstrated that nutrient deficiency can induce the formation of massive vacuoles that appear highly electron-lucent in HEK293T cells. Additionally, these massive vacuoles, resulting from nutrient depletion, can originate from various organelles, including small vacuoles, autophagosomes, lysosomes, and autolysosomes. We found that massive vacuoles could form through two primary mechanisms: the accumulation of small vacuoles into larger vacuoles or the fusion of homogeneous or heterogeneous vacuoles. Further analysis revealed that the membranes of massive vacuoles, regardless of origin, were composed of a bilayer membrane structure. As the volume of the massive vacuoles increased, the cytoplasm and nucleus were displaced toward the periphery of the cells, leading to the formation of signet ring-like cells. Interestingly, we provided evidence that complete massive vacuoles or autophagosome-like massive vacuoles can be released and exist independently outside HEK293T cells. Nutrient deprivation induces the formation of heterogeneous, massive vacuoles in human embryonic kidney cells, some of which contribute to the development of signet ring cells, while others lead to extracellular vacuole formation.