Multifunctional Nanocomposites Research Articles

Hybrid Nanomaterials: A Brief Overview of Versatile Solutions for Sensor Technology in Healthcare and Environmental Applications.

The integration of nanomaterials into sensor technologies not only poses challenges but also opens up promising prospects for future research. These challenges include assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials, scalability issues, and the seamless integration of these materials into existing infrastructures. Future development opportunities lie in creating multifunctional nanocomposites and environmentally friendly nanomaterials. Crucial to this process is collaboration between universities, industry, and regulatory authorities to establish standardization in this evolving field. Our perspective favours using screen-printed sensors that employ nanocomposites with high electrochemical conductivity. This approach not only offers cost-effective production methods but also allows for customizable designs. Furthermore, incorporating hybrids based on carbon-based nanomaterials and functionalized Mxene significantly enhances sensor performance. These high electrochemical conductivity sensors are portable, rapid, and well-suited for on-site environmental monitoring, seamlessly aligning with Internet of Things (IoT) platforms for developing intelligent systems. Simultaneously, advances in electrochemical sensor technology are actively working to elevate sensitivity through integrating nanotechnology, miniaturization, and innovative electrode designs. This comprehensive approach aims to unlock the full potential of sensor technologies, catering to diverse applications ranging from healthcare to environmental monitoring. This review aims to summarise the latest trends in using hybrid nanomaterial-based sensors, explicitly focusing on their application in detecting environmental contaminants.

Tumor microenvironment-activated theranostic nanozymes for trimodal imaging-guided combined therapy

Synergistic therapy is expected to be a promising strategy for highly effective cancer treatment. However, the rational design of a simple and multifunctional nanoplatform still remains a grand challenge. Considering the nature of weak acidic, hypoxic, and H2O2 abundant tumor microenvironment, we constructed an indocyanine green (ICG) modified platinum nanoclusters (Pt NCs) decorated gold nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) to form the multifunctional nanocomposites (Au NBPs@Pt NCs-ICG) for multimodal imaging mediated phototherapy and chemodynamic cancer therapy. The photosensitizer ICG was covalently linked to Au NBPs@Pt NCs by bridging molecules of SH-PEG-NH2 for both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and fluorescence imaging. Besides, Au NBPs@Pt NCs-ICG nanocomposites exhibited catalase- and peroxidase-like activities to generate O2 and ·OH, which relieved the tumor hypoxia and upregulated antitumoral ROS level. Moreover, the combination of Au NBPs and ICG endowed the Au NBPs@Pt NCs-ICG with super photothermal conversion for effective photothermal imaging and therapy. In addition, the Au NBPs@Pt NCs-ICG nanoplatform displayed excellent X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging ability due to the presence of high-Z elements (Au and Pt). Overall, our results demonstrated that Au NBPs@Pt NCs-ICG nanoplatform exhibited a multimodal imaging guided synergistic PTT/PDT/CDT therapeutic manners and held great potential as an efficient treatment for breast cancer.

Multifunctional Nanocomposite Membranes Containing TiO2 Developed by Air-Jet-Spun Fibers for Tissue Engineering

The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NP) into nanofibrous polymeric membranes (NPM) is an attractive approach to developing multifunctional nanocomposites. The purpose of this study was to incorporate titanium dioxide (TiO2) NP into NPM to enhance the overall properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with TiO2-NP (0.2 wt%) was fabricated by means of the Air-Jet Spinning (AJS) technique. The physicochemical characterization of the PCL-TiO2-NPM was performed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), the morphology was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile strength and Young’s moduli were evaluated using an INSTRON Universal Testing Machine. In-vitro biocompatibility was evaluated in terms of cell adhesion and cell proliferation using human fetal osteoblasts. The results obtained demonstrated that TiO2-NP added to the PCL-NPM increases the values of tensile strength and Young’s moduli (p < 0.008 and p < 0.043) with respect to PCL-NPM without TiO2-NP. XRD exhibited the characteristic peaks of PCL at 21.3° and 23.7° and of TiO2 at 36°. The SEM micrographs revealed a random distribution with interconnected micropores. Cell adhesion and proliferation increased according to the time of the culture; only after the first period of cell culture was there a significant difference in cell proliferation (p < 0.05). The possible potential application of this PCL-PNM by Air-Jet Spinning (AJS) in tissue engineering could favor bone regeneration due that the addition of TiO2-NP.

Self-Cascade Nanozyme Reactor as a Cuproptosis Inducer Synergistic Inhibition of Cellular Respiration Boosting Radioimmunotherapy.

Intrinsic or acquired radioresistance remained an important challenge in the successful management of cancer. Herein, a novel "smart" multifunctional copper-based nanocomposite (RCL@Pd@CuZ) to improve radiotherapy (RT) sensitivity is designed and developed. In this nanoplatform, DSPE-PEG-RGD modified on the liposome surface enhanced tumor targeting and permeability; capsaicin inserted into the phospholipid bilayer improved the hypoxic conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration; a Cu MOF porous cube encapsulated in liposome generated highly active hydroxyl radicals (OH·), consumed GSH and promoted cuproptosis by releasing Cu2+; the ultrasmall palladium (Pd) nanozyme within the cubes exhibited peroxidase activity, catalyzing toxic OH· generation and releasing oxygen from hydrogen peroxide; and lastly, Pd, as an element with a relatively high atomic number (Z) enhanced the photoelectric and Compton effects of X-rays. Therefore, RCL@Pd@CuZ enhance RT sensitivity by ameliorating hypoxia, promoting cuproptosis, depleting GSH, amplifying oxidative stress, and enhancing X-ray absorption , consequently potently magnifying immunogenic cell death (ICD). In a mouse model , RCL@Pd@CuZ combined with RT yielded >90% inhibition compared with that obtained by RT alone in addition to a greater quantity of DC maturation and CD8+ T cell infiltration. This nanoplatform offered a promising remedial modality to facilitate cuproptosis-related cancer radioimmunotherapy.

Multifunctional metallic nanocomposite for overcoming the strength–ductility trade-off

The actualization of high strength and ductility in alloys, in addition to providing strong, formable materials, can lead to reduced weights in practical applications. However, increasing strength typically comes at the cost of lowering the ductility and vice-versa, referred to as the strength–ductility trade-off. In this work, we investigate the thermo-mechanical response of a 3-element multifunctional NiTi–Nb nanocomposite material that overcomes this trade-off, as it exhibits a high strength of 980 MPa and an ultrahigh ductility of 58% at fracture. The remarkable properties are attributed to the underlying microstructure of Nb nanofibers dispersed in an NiTi matrix. Deformation is accommodated via the shape memory transformation of the active NiTi matrix in concert with elastoplastic deformation of Nb nanofibers embedded within the matrix. Consequently, the material exhibits multifunctionality and recovers deformation during heating via the reversion of the stress-induced martensitic transformation in the NiTi matrix. The high strength and high ductility of this 3-element nanocomposite material puts it amongst the best performing high-entropy alloys (HEAs) that are typically made up of five or more elements.

Highpoints of carbon nanotube nanocomposite sensors—A review

One dimensional hollow cylindrical carbon nanotube nanostructure has played essential role in nanotechnology advancements, since its discovery. In technical fields, carbon nanotube has been applied in pristine as well as in nanocomposite form. Consequently, carbon nanotube has been composited with various conductive and non-conducting matrices as per desired end purposes. In sensing technology, significant breakthroughs have been observed regarding multifunctional carbon nanotube nanocomposites. Common matrices used in this concern include conjugated polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonic acid, polyaniline, etc. along with some thermoplastics like polyamide, polyurethane, etc. In these matrices, carbon nanotube can form percolation network for electron or charge transportation and may also develop interfacial interactions for fine compatibility, stability, and robustness. Sensing features of the ensuing carbon nanotube nanocomposites depend upon their interactions with the analyte (gasses/ions, biomolecules, or motion). Consequently, nanocomposites have been used to develop efficient gas sensors, strain sensors, and biosensors. Performance of carbon nanotube sensors have been analyzed depending upon the sensitivity, selectivity, detection limit, reproducibility, and responses towards analytes.

Tau‑targeting multifunctional nanocomposite based on tannic acid-metal for near-infrared fluorescence/magnetic resonance bimodal imaging-guided combinational therapy in Alzheimer's disease.

Rationale: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is hallmarked by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) neurofibrillary tangles. While Aβ-centric therapies have shown promise, the complex pathology of AD requires a multifaceted therapeutic approach. The weak association between Aβ levels and cognitive decline highlights the need for alternative theranostic strategies. Currently, oxidative stress and tau hyperphosphorylation are now recognized as critical pathological events in AD. Thus, therapies that concurrently attenuate oxidative stress damage and inhibit tau pathology hold great potential for AD treatment. Methods: Herein, a multifunctional neuron-targeted nanocomposite is devised to realize dual imaging-guided AD therapy, integrating the inhibition of tau pathology and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-neutralizing biofunctions. The construction of the nanocomposite incorporates polyphenolic antioxidants tannic acid (TA)-based nanoparticles carrying manganese ions (Mn2+) and fluorescent dye IR780 iodide (IR780), coupled with a neuron-specific TPL peptide. The resulting IR780-Mn@TA-TPL nanoparticles (NPs) are comprehensively evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo AD models to assess their imaging capabilities and therapeutic efficacy. Results: The nanocomposite facilitates Mn-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. It effectively neutralizes toxic ROS and reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. In AD rat models, the nanocomposite restores neuronal density in the hippocampus and significantly improves spatial memory. Conclusions: Such a neuron‑targeting multifunctional nanocomposite represents a potential theranostic strategy for AD, signifying a shift towards bimodal imaging-guided treatment approaches.

CHN nanocomposites and nanocoating resist enamel white spot lesions by enhancing remineralization and antibacterial activity.

Enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) are usually caused by the dissolution of minerals (mainly calcium and phosphate) on the tooth surface due to the acidic environment in the oral cavity. Without timely intervention, WSLs may lead to white spots or a sense of transparency on the tooth surface, and even the formation of dental caries (tooth decay) in severe cases. The key to preventing and treating WSLs is inhibiting the activity of acid-producing bacteria and promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel. In this study, the network structure formed by sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross-linked chitosan was used to stabilize calcium phosphate, and the multifunctional nanocomposite was constructed by integrating antibacterial components of traditional Chinese medicine, honokiol nanoparticles (HK-NPs) and sodium fluoride to achieve the purpose of resisting cariogenic bacteria and remineralizing with sustained release of calcium and phosphate ions. Notably, we enhanced the remineralization effect of nanocomposites with the help of functional nanocoatings inspired by the mussel biomimetic coating. The experimental results show that the synergistic remineralization effect of nanocomposite and nanocoating is better than that of a single strategy. This multi-prong treatment strategy provides the theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of WSLs.

Crafting "brick-mud" segregated nanocomposites: a novel approach to superior electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical insulation, and thermal conductivity in biopolymers.

As electronic devices continue to be integrated, miniaturized, and operated at higher frequencies, the demand for green, advanced polymer nanocomposites with superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal conduction, and electrical insulation properties significantly increases. However, achieving such multifunctional nanocomposites is challenging due to the inherent contradiction between electrical and magnetic properties. Biopolymer nanocomposites of polycaprolactone (PCL)/boron nitride (BN)@polylactic acid (PLA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) ((PCL/BN)@(PLA/CNTs)) exhibit a unique "brick-mud" segregated double-network structure. This configuration effectively separates high-melting-point PLA/CNTs conductive phase from the PCL/BN insulating matrix. PLA/CNTs particles contribute to enhanced EMI shielding by attenuating electromagnetic waves, while also improving insulation by disrupting electron transfer within the PCL/BN phase. Additionally, incorporating conductive CNTs and thermal conductive BN further boosts the thermal conductivity (TC) of the nanocomposites. The structured sample (s-8B8C), which contains 8 wt% BN and 8 wt% CNTs, achieves an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 31.4 dB in the X-band, a TC of 0.6 W m-1 K-1, and a volume resistivity of 7.2 × 1011 Ω cm. In summary, the "brick-mud" segregated structure facilitates the development of advanced biopolymer nanocomposites for electronic applications, leveraging sustainable materials for broad potential use.

Protein-guided biomimetic nanomaterials: a versatile theranostic nanoplatform for biomedical applications.

Over the years, bioinspired mineralization-based approaches have been applied to synthesize multifunctional organic-inorganic nanocomposites. These nanocomposites can address the growing demands of modern biomedical applications. Proteins, serving as vital biological templates, play a pivotal role in the nucleation and growth processes of various organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Protein-mineralized nanomaterials (PMNMs) have attracted significant interest from researchers due to their facile and convenient preparation, strong physiological activity, stability, impressive biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Nevertheless, few comprehensive reviews have expounded on the progress of these nanomaterials in biomedicine. This article systematically reviews the principles and strategies for constructing nanomaterials using protein-directed biomineralization and biomimetic mineralization techniques. Subsequently, we focus on their recent applications in the biomedical field, encompassing areas such as bioimaging, as well as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges encountered in practical applications of these materials and explore their potential in future applications. This review aspired to catalyze the continued development of these bioinspired nanomaterials in drug development and clinical diagnosis, ultimately contributing to the fields of precision medicine and translational medicine.

Multifunctional polymer-based nanocomposites for synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of mixed pollutants in water.

Water pollution is a growing concern for mankind due to its harmful effects on humans, animals and plants. Usually, several pollutants are present in wastewater. For example, dyes and antibiotics are found in wastewater because of their widespread use in factories and hospitals. However, one single technique, e.g. either adsorption or photocatalysis, cannot easily remove more than one kind of pollutant, especially by using one single material in water. For this reason, here multifunctional iron(ii,iii) oxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid)/silver-titanium dioxide (Fe3O4/P(NIPAM-co-MAA)/Ag-TiO2) nanocomposites were used to remove a mixture of pollutants from water. Specifically, three types of experiments were performed to evaluate the adsorption capacity and photodegradation activity of the nanocomposites towards the dye basic fuchsin (BF) and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), which were added sequentially to the nanocomposites dispersion or were concurrently present as a mixture. The results demonstrated that the nanocomposites could adsorb BF, and subsequently photodegrade CIP under visible-light irradiation, if BF was the first added pollutant. As well, the nanocomposites could first degrade CIP under visible-light irradiation, and then adsorb BF if they were initially put in contact with CIP. Finally, the ability of adsorbing BF and photodegrading CIP was confirmed in the co-presence of the two pollutants.

Nacre-inspired hierarchical framework enables tough and impact-monitoring epoxy nanocomposites

Multifunctional epoxy nanocomposites hold great promise for artificial structural materials across civil, industrial, and aerospace fields but were severely impeded by catastrophic brittleness under damage and lack of chemical activity resulting from highly cross-linked networks, leading to poor toughness and absent functionality. Herein, we report a facile yet efficient strategy for fabrication of graphene-encapsulated natural rubber frameworks through nanogroove-based freeze-casting technology, leading to highly tough hierarchically biomimetic epoxy nanocomposites. As judiciously elucidated by physicochemical and morphological characterizations, graphene sheets encapsulated natural rubber were bidirectionally aligned through ice crystals expelled from oriented nanogrooved surface to build hierarchical layered architecture with nanoasperities. Moreover, notable crack deflection derived from the “brick-mortar” structure in epoxy composite and nanoasperities debonding at the interlocking “hard-soft-hard” interface dissipate large amount of energy during fracture process, resulting in boosted fracture toughness. Accordingly, a synergistic performance enhancement is achieved, i.e., more than 3.32-fold increase in fracture toughness at low rubber content (4.3 wt%), and efficient real-time impact self-monitoring and evaluation. This work investigated for the first time the role of graphene-encapsulated natural rubber framework with nanoasperities structure in the reinforcement of epoxy nanocomposites. The design approach outlines a way for high-toughness, multifunctional and long-lasting materials for various engineering applications.

MWCNT-intercaleated natural hematite-based activable nanocomposite for piezoelectric energy generation and ROS-mediated carcinogenic dye degradation

This work explored an MWCNT-incorporated natural rock-based (hematite) multifunctional piezo-responsive nanocomposite for the simultaneous degradation of carcinogenic dyes and generation of non-invasive energy.

PVA–CS polymeric system conjugated with GO–ZnO–Ag2O ternary composite – a multifunctional nanocomposite for wound healing applications

PVA–CS polymeric matrix reinforced with GO–ZnO–Ag2O ternary nanocomposite resulting in an electroactive, antibacterial and cytocompatible polymer nanocomposite, ideal for wound healing applications.

An intelligent NIR-IIb-responsive lanthanide@metal-organic framework core-shell nanocatalyst for combined deep-tumor therapy.

The ground-breaking combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted much attention in medical fields as an effective method for fighting cancer. However, evidence suggests that the therapy efficiency is still limited by shallow light penetration depth and poor photosensitizer loading capacity. Herein, we constructed an upconversion nanoparticle@Zr-based metal-organic framework@indocyanine green molecule (UCNPs@ZrMOF@ICG) nanocomposite to integrate 1532 nm light-triggered PDT and 808 nm light-mediated PTT. NaLnF4 nanoparticles are designed to emit upconversion luminescence (UCL) under 1532 nm laser excitation, which is consistent with the absorption spectra of the ZrMOF. Benefiting from the excellent energy transfer efficiency, the ZrMOF can absorb visible light from the UCNPs and then catalyze O2 into 1O2 for deep tissue PDT. To achieve combination therapy, the clinically approved ICG nanocomposite was introduced as a photothermal agent for PTT under 808 nm laser irradiation, and the photothermal conversion efficiency was calculated to be ∼28%. The designed nanosystems facilitate efficient deep-tissue tumor treatment by integrating PDT with PTT. Ultimately, this study creates a multifunctional nanocomposite by combining 1532 nm light-triggered deep tissue PDT and near-infrared (NIR) light-driven PTT for personalized cancer therapy.

Multifunctional nanocomposites mediated novel hydrogel for diabetic wound repair.

The regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds, especially those including bacterial infection, have always been difficult and challenging using current treatment. Herein, an effective strategy is reported for constructing glucose-responsive functional hydrogels using nanocomposites as nodes. In fact, tannic acid (TA)-modified ceria nanocomposites (CNPs) and a zinc metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) were employed as nodes. Subsequent crosslinking with 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid achieved functional nanocomposite-hydrogels (TA@CN gel, TA@ZMG gel) by radical-mediated polymerization. Compared with a simple physically mixed hydrogel system, the mechanical properties of TA@CN gel and TA@ZMG gel are significantly enhanced due to the intervention of the nanocomposite nodes. In addition, this kind of nanocomposite hydrogel can realize the programmed loading of drugs and release of drugs in response to glucose/PH, to coordinate and promote its application in the regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds and infected diabetic wounds. Specifically, TA@CN gel can remove reactive oxygen species and generate oxygen through its various enzymatic activities. At the same time, it can effectively promote neovascularization, thus promoting the regeneration and repair of diabetic wounds. Furthermore, glucose oxidase-loaded TA@ZMG gel exhibits glucose response and pH-regulating functions, triggering programmed metformin (Met) release by degrading the metal-organic framework (MOF) backbone. It also exhibited additional synergistic effects of antibacterial activity, hair regeneration and systemic blood glucose regulation, which make it suitable for the repair of more complex infected diabetic wounds. Overall, this novel nanocomposite-mediated hydrogel holds great potential as a biomaterial for the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, opening up new avenues for further biomedical applications.

Multifunctional nanocomposites based on graphite-phase carbon nitride quantum dot-silver nanospheres for combined photothermal–photodynamic anti-tumor therapy

In this study, a g-CNQDs@AgNSs nanocomposite was successfully prepared based on graphite-phase carbon nitride quantum dots and silver nanospheres. Both in vitro and cellular experiments proved that the nanocomposite had good PTT/PDT effects, promising efficient combination therapy of tumors.

A ROS storm generating nanocomposite for enhanced chemodynamic therapy through H2O2 self-supply, GSH depletion and calcium overload.

Catalytic generation of toxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an effective strategy for tumor treatment in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). However, the intrinsic features of the microenvironment in solid tumors, characterized by limited H2O2 and overexpressed glutathione (GSH), severely impede the accumulation of intracellular ˙OH, posing significant challenges. To circumvent these critical issues, in this work, a CaO2-based multifunctional nanocomposite with a surface coating of Cu2+ and L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) (named CaO2@Cu-BSO) is designed for enhanced CDT. Taking advantage of the weakly acidic environment of the tumor, the nanocomposite gradually disintegrates, and the exposed CaO2 nanoparticles subsequently decompose to produce H2O2, alleviating the insufficient supply of endogenous H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, Cu2+ detached from the surface of CaO2 is reduced by H2O2 and GSH to Cu+ and ROS. Then, Cu+ catalyzes H2O2 to generate highly cytotoxic ˙OH and Cu2+, forming a cyclic catalysis effect for effective CDT. Meanwhile, GSH is depleted by Cu2+ ions to eliminate possible ˙OH scavenging. In addition, the decomposition of CaO2 by TME releases a large amount of free Ca2+, resulting in the accumulation and overload of Ca2+ and mitochondrial damage in tumor cells, further improving CDT efficacy and accelerating tumor apoptosis. Besides, BSO, a molecular inhibitor, decreases GSH production by blocking γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase. Together, this strategy allows for enhanced CDT efficiency via a ROS storm generation strategy in tumor therapy. The experimental results confirm and demonstrate the satisfactory tumor inhibition effect both in vitro and in vivo.

Synthesis of lanthanide-based scintillator@MOF nanocomposites for X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy

Nanocomposites were proposed and fabricated to simultaneously generate singlet oxygen (1O2) through energy transfer from SNPs to Hf-TCPP and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) by the introduction of high-Z elements under low-dose X-ray irradiation.

Construction of methylene blue embedded core–shell-satellite structured Au@Ag nanorods@SiO2@Au nanocomposites for synergistic therapy of cancer

Integration of multimodal therapies into one nanoplatform holds great promise to overcome the drawbacks of conventional single-modal therapy. Herein, we designed and constructed an ultrafine gold nanoparticle (Au NPs) decorated and methylene blue (MB) embedded core–shell-satellites structured Au@Ag nanorods@SiO2 nanocomposites (CSSNs) using a wet-chemical method. It can be found that excellent photothermal conversion performance and outstanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity were integrated on this one nonocomposites. In vitro experiments, all cancer cells were killed in nanocomposites with two laser irradiation group, which is better than that of nanocomposites without laser irradiation (12 % cancer cells were killed) and nanocomposites with one laser irradiation (660 nm laser, 84 % cancer cells were killed or 808 nm laser, 95 % cancer cells were killed). It is obviously that the synergistic effect was achieved between chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). The vivo results further confirmed that the as-prepared nanocomposites can suppress the tumor growth without obvious systemic toxicity. This work will pave a new avenue for the construction of multifunctional nanocomposites and their multimodal therapy application for cancers.