Nano Interface Research Articles

Identifying the Nano Interface through Phase

Identifying the Nano Interface through Phase

Boron-Containing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Effective Delivery and Targeting of Liver Cancer Cells for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

Nanocarriers have been researched comprehensively for the development of novel boron-containing agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). We designed and synthesized a multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based boron-containing agent. The latter was coated with a lipid bilayer (LB) and decorated with SP94 peptide (SFSIIHTPILPL) on the surface as SP94-LB@BA-MSN. The latter incorporated boric acid (BA) into hydrophobic mesopores, coated with an LB, and modified with SP94 peptide on the LB. SP94-LB@BA-MSN enhanced nano interface tumor-targeting ability but also prevented the premature release of drugs, which is crucial for BNCT because adequate boron content in tumor sites is required. SP94-LB@BA-MSN showed excellent efficacy in the BNCT treatment of HepG-2 cells. In animal studies with tumor-bearing mice, SP94-LB@BA-MSN exhibited a satisfactory accumulation at the tumor site. The boron content reached 40.18 ± 5.41 ppm in the tumor site 4 h after injection, which was 8.12 and 15.51 times higher than those in mice treated with boronated phenylalanine and those treated with BA. For boron, the tumor-to-normal tissue ratio was 4.41 ± 1.13 and the tumor-to-blood ratio was 5.92 ± 0.45. These results indicated that nanoparticles delivered boron to the tumor site effectively while minimizing accumulation in normal tissues. In conclusion, this composite (SP94-LB@BA-MSN) shows great promise as a boron-containing delivery agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using BNCT. These findings highlight the potential of MSNs in the field of BNCT.

An In Situ Investigation of the Protein Corona Formation Kinetics of Single Nanomedicine Carriers by Self‐Regulated Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy

AbstractProtein coronas are present extensively at the bio‐nano interface due to the natural adsorption of proteins onto nanomaterials in biological fluids. Aside from the robust property of nanoparticles, the dynamics of the protein corona shell largely define their chemical identity by altering interface properties. However, the soft coronas are normally complex and rapidly changing. To real‐time monitor the entire formation, we report here a self‐regulated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy based on the interaction of the Ru(bpy)33+ with the nanoparticle surface. Thus, the heterogeneity of the protein corona is in situ observed in single nanoparticle “cores” before and after loading drugs in nanomedicine carriers. The label‐free, optical stable and dynamic ECL microscopy minimize misinterpretations caused by the variation of nanoparticle size and polydispersity. Accordingly, the synergetic actions of proteins and nanoparticles properties are uncovered by chemically engineered protein corona. After comparing the protein corona formation kinetics in different complex systems and different nanomedicine carriers, the universality and accuracy of this technique were well demonstrated via the protein corona formation kinetics curves regulated by competitive adsorption of Ru(bpy)33+ and multiple proteins on surface of various carriers. The work is of great significance for studying bio‐nano interface in drug delivery and targeted cancer treatment.

Biocorona on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in a Complex Biotechnological Environment: Analysis of Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates

Upon their introduction into a biological environment, nanoparticles are spontaneously covered by a variety of biomolecules, forming a (multi)layer called the “biocorona”. However, the interaction of small and large molecules with nanosized materials is not fully understood and in complex aqueous systems, even less, limiting their exploitation. The objective is to gain insights into the mass partitioning between the solid and the liquid phases for the most abundant groups of biological molecules in a biotechnological milieu. Herein, the biocorona composition is analyzed after the exposure of bare iron oxide nanoparticles to Microchloropsis salina lysates to evaluate the influence of the environment's pH, temperature, and ionic strength on the adsorption of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Maximum adsorption capacities reach at pH 4.0 and yield 0.47, 0.08, and 0.11 g g−1 for proteins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, respectively. The increase in ionic strength and temperature of the environment promotes protein adsorption, the decrease in temperature raises fatty acid adsorption, and acidic pHs foster the adsorption of the three types of biomolecules. Abundance of the biomolecules plays a key role in the biocorona content. This approach should lead to further studies on complex systems to modulate the adsorption at the bio–nano interface.

A semiconductor-electrocatalyst nano interface constructed for successive photoelectrochemical water oxidation

Photoelectrochemical water splitting has long been considered an ideal approach to producing green hydrogen by utilizing solar energy. However, the limited photocurrents and large overpotentials of the anodes seriously impede large-scale application of this technology. Here, we use an interfacial engineering strategy to construct a nanostructural photoelectrochemical catalyst by incorporating a semiconductor CdS/CdSe-MoS2 and NiFe layered double hydroxide for the oxygen evolution reaction. Impressively, the as-prepared photoelectrode requires an low potential of 1.001 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode for a photocurrent density of 10 mA cm−2, and this is 228 mV lower than the theoretical water splitting potential (1.229 vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). Additionally, the generated current density (15 mA cm−2) of the photoelectrode at a given overpotential of 0.2 V remains at 95% after long-term testing (100 h). Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that the formation of highly oxidized Ni species under illumination provides large photocurrent gains. This finding opens an avenue for designing high-efficiency photoelectrochemical catalysts for successive water splitting.

Electrically controlled silver salt oxide particle synthesis on a closed wireless nanopore electrode

Ag6O8·AgHSO4 is a strong oxidizer that can be easily synthesized, but its unstability causes the self-decomposition easily. To effectively control and monitor this unstable process for synthesis, we used a closed wireless nanopore electrode (CWNE) to realize the repeated electrosynthesis and decomposition of Ag6O8·AgHSO4 at the nano interface. The in situ dark field images traced the highly repeatable growth and dissolution of the Ag6O8·AgHSO4 particle. The real-time current recording revealed that the Ag6O8·AgHSO4 particle growth process is synchronized with the electrocatalytic process. The rapid catalytic process of water oxidation causes two-step bubble coverage to block the electrode surface area. The calculated effective electrode area ratio (Φ) of the two stages were 68.9–82.6% and 14.5–25.6%. These results indicated that with the growth of the Ag6O8·AgHSO4 particle, the crystal plane also grew proportionally, which allowed the bubbles to block similarly on this crystal plane during the electrodeposition. Therefore, our results demonstrate that the CWNE can not only electrically control the growth of an unstable single particle with high repeatability, but also directly and in situ characterize gas−liquid−solid catalytic reactions for unstable catalysts.

Indoor CO2 removal: decentralized carbon capture by air conditioning

Growing evidence indicates that an elevated CO2 concentration as low as 1000 ppm could lead to direct human health risks, while the CO2 concentration in a lot of indoor environments may exceed that figure by several times. Employing the latest developed moisture swing sorbent, we here built a CO2 purification module to be incorporated with existing air conditioning units to keep the indoor CO2 concentration at healthy levels. The sorbent binds CO2 spontaneously from ambient air when dry and then releases CO2 in the presence of moisture, thanks to the moisture-driven reversible hydrolysis reaction of carbonate ions at a nano interface. Thus, the indoor dry air circulation and the outdoor air flow (for cooling the condenser) of the air-conditioning system provide a perfect carbon capture platform for the moisture swing sorbent to work. Tests in an acrylic box (mimicking an indoor environment) showed that the CO2 purification module can keep the indoor CO2 level to be close to or even lower than outdoor levels with an initial CO2 concentration of 1000 or 2000 ppm. An enlarged test was further conducted in an air-conditioned office to demonstrate the effectiveness of the purification module. Finally, we discussed the potential of this kind of decentralized carbon capture facility enabled by retrofitted air conditioners to contribute to negative emissions and mitigation of the global warming and climate change crisis.

The synergistic strengthening effect of silane coupling agent on the interface between PVA/EPS and cement: experiment and molecular simulation

ABSTRACT Expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete is a new type of green building material. To make it more widely used, in this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and silane coupling agent (SCA) were used to toughen it. The synergistic enhancement mechanism of SCA on PVA/cement and EPS/cement interfaces was systematically investigated from macro mechanical properties, microstructure characteristics, and nano interface interaction. Firstly, based on the mechanical property test, it was found that the introduction of SCA and PVA fibers can significantly improve the flexural strength of EPS composite concrete at 7 and 28 days, followed by the compressive strength. Secondly, the cut pieces of corresponding composite concrete were observed by electron microscope. It was found that SCA made the two interfaces more closely, and its bonding effect at the micro interface was described. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) was used to model PVA/C-S-H and EPS/C-S-H with or without SCA. Then, the local structure, dynamic performance, and binding energy of the interface were calculated and analyzed. The analysis results showed that SCA reduced the interface effect and enhanced the interface hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interaction, Ca-H coordination bond and stability. Thus, the interfacial adhesion energy was improved, and the weak interfacial bonding between organic polymers (PVA, EPS) and inorganic silicates (C-S-H) was enhanced.

Effect of Exosomal Protein Expression and Electrochemical Nano Interface in Morphine Analgesia Tolerance.

The current understanding of neurons cannot well explain the phenomenon of morphine tolerance, and even if some neuronal drugs are used in combination with morphine, they cannot achieve good results. In recent years, exosomal proteins have been the role of morphine tolerance and morphine-induced hyperalgesia is becoming more and more important. In clinical application, a larger dose is needed to achieve the desired analgesic effect, and large doses of morphine will aggravate the adverse drug reactions. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal protein expression and electrochemical nanointerface in morphine analgesic tolerance and provide a theoretical basis for the application of exosomal protein in the clinical prevention and treatment of morphine tolerance. In this paper, adult male rats were randomly divided into groups and analyzed from four aspects: enhancing the analgesic effect of high-dose morphine, preventing morphine tolerance, the effect of morphine-induced hyperalgesia, and changes in mRNA levels of related genes. Experiments have shown that the mRNA levels of exosomal protein-related genes in the spinal cord of morphine-tolerant rats are significantly increased, and the rats given exosome protein inhibitors can prolong morphine analgesia and relieve morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia in behavior. It can inhibit the increase of exosomal protein-related genes. It shows that low-dose long-term morphine treatment can cause spinal endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the exosomal protein inhibitor 4-PBA or TUDCA can enhance the analgesic effect of morphine in neuropathic pain.

Effect of Exosomal Protein Expression and Electrochemical Nano Interface in Morphine Analgesia Tolerance.

The current understanding of neurons cannot well explain the phenomenon of morphine tolerance, and even if some neuronal drugs are used in combination with morphine, they cannot achieve good results. In recent years, exosomal proteins have been the role of morphine tolerance and morphine-induced hyperalgesia is becoming more and more important. In clinical application, a larger dose is needed to achieve the desired analgesic effect, and large doses of morphine will aggravate the adverse drug reactions. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal protein expression and electrochemical nanointerface in morphine analgesic tolerance and provide a theoretical basis for the application of exosomal protein in the clinical prevention and treatment of morphine tolerance. In this paper, adult male rats were randomly divided into groups and analyzed from four aspects: enhancing the analgesic effect of high-dose morphine, preventing morphine tolerance, the effect of morphine-induced hyperalgesia, and changes in mRNA levels of related genes. Experiments have shown that the mRNA levels of exosomal protein-related genes in the spinal cord of morphine-tolerant rats are significantly increased, and the rats given exosome protein inhibitors can prolong morphine analgesia and relieve morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia in behavior. It can inhibit the increase of exosomal protein-related genes. It shows that low-dose long-term morphine treatment can cause spinal endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the exosomal protein inhibitor 4-PBA or TUDCA can enhance the analgesic effect of morphine in neuropathic pain.

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil

Firmware-based Capacitor and Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) Meter

This paper presents the development of a capacitor ESR meter, which covers capacitance and ESR measurements as well as the interrelationship of the constituent parts/circuits. The idea is to keep the hardware design simple, transferring the complexity to firmware which controls the hardware. In particular, it uses automatic functions controlled by relays thus there is no need for switches and its automatic calibration ensures there is no need for menus. This work covers voltmeter function, C/R time constant function and ESR function using Arduino Uno boards. Each firmware code was developed one after the other, starting with the voltmeter function then C/R time constant function and finally ESR function. Results were checked by serial data transfer from Arduino Uno board to the laptop that is running the Arduino compiler with terminal. One Arduino Nano interface was constructed to interface the project shield. The firmware was developed to provide the voltmeter function, C/R time constant function and ESR function. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display was used to show measurement results. Logic control was added to provide the required functions to work as intended, as well as an automatic short circuit detection at DUT terminals firmware which includes a calibration cycle. Conventional ESR meters are usually have complex hardware, in contrast the design presented in this work shifts the focus to the firmware so that hardware is uncomplicated. This reduces the cost that typically comes with more hardware components. Keywords : Capacitor, ESR Meter, C-R Time Constant, Arduino, OLED Display, Calibration DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/13-1-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Electrochemically Tuned Synergistic Nano Interface of Ni(Oh)2-Nio(Oh)/Nixp Tertiary Heterojunction for Enhanced and Durable Alkaline Water Splitting

Electrochemically Tuned Synergistic Nano Interface of Ni(Oh)2-Nio(Oh)/Nixp Tertiary Heterojunction for Enhanced and Durable Alkaline Water Splitting

A novel nano interface for particulate‐reinforced titanium matrix composites

AbstractThe WC/W2C eutectic reinforecement was applied to suppress the formation of interfacial reaction layer TiC in titanium matrix composites due to the lower interfacial reactivity between W2C and Ti. W solid solution interface was successfully produced at the WC/Ti interface, while the most readily formed compact reaction layer TiC was completely delimitated. Such W solid solution interface is more effective to transfer stress from the matrix to the particles than that of the TiC layer. Decohesion of the W interface was never occurred.

Design criteria to fabricate plasmonic gold nanomaterials for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensing

The discovery of noble metal plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) has introduced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as a highly sensitive and specific bioanalytical technique with greater potential in point-of-need disease diagnosis. This Tutorial provides an overview of the principles governing a gold PNP-based biosensor design for sensitive and reliable SERS-based detection of disease biomarkers. First, we will highlight the optical transducer properties of PNPs, the principles of SERS, the benefits of SERS detection, and the modes of SERS for biomarker detection. The analytical performance (sensitivity and specificity) and the reliability (accuracy and reproducibility) of a SERS biosensor are mainly dictated by (i) the chemical and optical transducer properties of PNPs, (ii) the functional nano interface, where the interaction(s) between PNPs and target biomolecules take place, and (iii) SERS data acquisition and evaluation metrics. Maintaining a balance between SERS signal enhancement and reproducibility is critical for advancing the field deployment of SERS technologies. However, the reproducibility of SERS biosensors is often overlooked in lieu of the assay sensitivity. Consequently, next, we will discuss the systematic optimization strategies for fabricating gold PNPs as SERS substrates and designing their functional interface to design SERS biosensors with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. We will highlight the choice of PNPs and their integration into biosensing platforms depending on the mode of SERS detection. Last, we will discuss the SERS data acquisition and performance evaluation as an integral part of the SERS biosensors development workflow.

High-strength printed ceramic structures for higher temperature lubrication

Natural structures, especially those with outstanding tribological properties, are attracting increasing attention in the fields of lubrication and friction. These structures have inspired mankind to imitate their designs and decipher the intricate interplays therein to minimize friction and wear. Notably, it still remains a great challenge to realize effective lubrication under extreme conditions. Herein, owing to the outstanding mechanical properties, anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance of advanced ceramics, various bioinspired structural Al2O3 ceramics were developed by digital light processing (DLP) technology, and their corresponding synergistic lubrication performance with 2D lamellar MoS2/hBN lubricant was also investigated. At ambient environment, concave snake skin-inspired structural composite can achieve an excellent friction coefficient of 0.33, which also maintains a high lubricity of 0.2 at 700 °C. Compared to structure-less Al2O3, all bioinspired structural composites exhibit superior lubrication performance under different temperatures due to the large contacting area of lubricant and formation of lubricating films. Meanwhile, structural composites can provide desirable flexural strength (130.56–182.25 MPa) both in environment and elevated temperatures. The proposed strategy highlights the significant potential of bioinspired structural composites in micro-/nano interface engineering and lubrication system under complex service conditions.

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Employing Corn Cob Xylan as a Reducing Agent with Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity.

BackgroundChagas disease, also known as American Trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is occurring in Americas, including USA and Canada, and Europe and its current treatment involves the use of two drugs as follows: benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox, which present high toxicity and low efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease, thus promoting the search for more effective therapeutic alternatives. Amongst them xylan, a bioactive polysaccharide, extracted from corn cob.MethodsUltraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), dynamic light scattering (DLS) have been used to characterize the silver-xylan nanoparticles (NX). Their cytotoxicity was evaluated with 3-bromo(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) test. MTT and flow cytometry were used to ascertain the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity.ResultsUV-Vis spectroscopy gave plasmon resonance ranging between 400 and 450 nm while FITC and Raman spectroscopy proved nano interface functionalized with xylan. ICP-OES data showed NX with xylan (81%) and silver (19%). EDS showed NX consisting of carbon (59.4%), oxygen (26.2%) and silver (4.8%) main elements. Spherical NX of 55 nm average size has been depicted with SEM and AFM, while DLS showed 102 ± 1.7 nm NX. The NX displayed negligible cytotoxicity (2000 µg/mL). NX (100 µg/mL) was more effective, regardless of experiment time, in affecting the ability of parasites to reduce MTT than BZN (100 µg/mL). In addition, NX (100 µg/mL) induced death of 95% of parasites by necrosis.ConclusionThis is the first time silver nanoparticles are presented as an anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agent and the data point to the potential application of NX to new preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo.

Voltammetric measurements of neurotransmitter-acetylcholine through metallic nanoparticles embedded 2-D material

The most generally spread neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach) is used as a chemical messenger assisting in conveying signals transversely through the nerve synapse. Herein, two enzymes acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase were covalently immobilized over the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded graphene oxide (GO; 2D carbon material) nanocomposite modified ITO coated glass plate. The synergetic and unique properties of AuNPs and GO present in nanocomposite are used to detect the ultra-small concentration of analyte, Ach. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques i.e. TEM, XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis and Raman Spectroscopy. All the electrochemical measurements were performed using 3 electrodes integrated electrochemical system by introducing Ach through varying its concentration from 100 pM to 1000 nM. Cyclic voltammetry curves for different concentrations of Ach indicate the facile charge transfer process over the working electrode. Square wave voltammetry curves indicate the good sensing measurements of the modified electrode at the fixed potential. The limit of detection was found to be as low as 100 pM. In addition to these, selectivity of the electrode towards Ach molecule was confirmed by measuring the response towards other interfering agents. Besides this, the present nano interface is capable of detecting Ach in biological fluid such as serum.

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil

Formation of Nano Interface by Sliding between Hard Coatings and Metals in MoDTC Contained Oil