Superior Uptake Research Articles

Exploring a Novel Adsorbent for CO2 Capture and Gas Separation.

The urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions has spurred research into small-pore zeolites as cost-effective options for CO2 capture by solid adsorbents, particularly in postcombustion and biogas separation applications. In this study we investigate levyne (LEV-type) zeolite, a largely unexplored material for CO2 adsorption, as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture and gas separation. Using seed-assisted synthesis approaches and different synthesis conditions, nanosized and micron-sized LEV zeolites were synthesized and characterized in terms of synthesis pathways, morphology, crystal size, and chemical composition. The variation of the Si/Al ratios and chemical compositions of the synthesized LEV zeolites resulted in significant differences in their CO2 adsorption capacity and separation selectivity. Micron-sized LEV, with a lower Si/Al ratio = 3.5 and a higher Na+ content, exhibited superior CO2 uptake and stronger interactions with CO2 than the nanosized LEV (Si/Al = 6.6). Dynamic adsorption measurements using breakthrough curve analysis revealed that the micron-sized LEV exhibited twice the CO2 adsorption capacity of its nanosized counterpart, along with higher CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities. This enhanced performance, including better cyclability, emphasizes the critical role of the zeolite Si/Al ratio in improving adsorption and separation properties. In situ FTIR measurements supported these findings, showing that the nanosized LEV predominantly adsorbs CO2 by physisorption, allowing efficient desorption using He flow only. In contrast, micron-sized LEV primarily physisorbs CO2 but also exhibited chemisorbed CO2, reflective of the more highly charged framework (higher Al content) and extra-framework cation content. These results highlight the importance of synthesis strategies in optimizing the properties of LEV zeolite, making them promising candidates as physical adsorbents for gas separation applications.

Bifunctional lignin-based hydrogel membrane with enhanced structural stability for synergistic uranium uptake.

Developing biomass-based adsorbents with superior uranium uptake performance is imperative yet challenging for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Herein, we constructed a novel lignin-based adsorbent (DLP@PAO) with dual functional groups and enhanced structural stability via ingenious integration of lignin and polyamidoxime. The two-step modification strategy was innovatively employed to phosphorylate lignin, significantly enhancing the phosphorylation efficiency and achieving an over eight-fold increase in the U(VI) uptake capacity of lignin. Benefiting from its double-crosslinked network and the strong electrostatic repulsion of phosphate groups, the DLP@PAO membrane, featuring a porous honeycomb structure, exhibits favorable shrinkage resistance even in acidic aqueous environments, facilitating the diffusion and mass transfer of U(VI) ions within the adsorbent. Notably, the synergistic effect of DLP and PAO components on U(VI) uptake was comprehensively verified through experimental data combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which endows DLP@PAO with exceptional uptake capacity (701.02mg g-1) and selectivity (Kd=1.45×105 mL g-1) towards U(VI) ion. Moreover, DLP@PAO achieved a high U(VI) uptake efficiency of over 91.07% in a dynamic column device with 10 L of simulated wastewater, indicating its immense potential for practical wastewater treatment. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic coordination between UO22+ ions and O as well as N atoms in the phosphate and amidoxime groups is primarily responsible for the U(VI) uptake by DLP@PAO. This work opens a new direction for the value-added utilization of lignin and advances the development of lignin-based adsorbents for U(VI) uptake.

Dually fluorinated unimolecular micelles for stable oxygen-carrying and enhanced photosensitive efficiency to boost photodynamic therapy against hypoxic tumors.

Tumor hypoxia is one of key challenges in deep tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT), and how to fix this issue is attracting ongoing concerns worldwide. This work demonstrates dually fluorinated unimolecular micelles with desirable and stable oxygen-carrying capacity, high cellular penetration, and integrative type I & II PDT for deep hypoxic tumors. Dually fluorinated star copolymers with fluorinated phthalocyanines as the core are prepared through photoinitiated electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization under irradiation with NIR LED light at room temperature, followed by assembly into unimolecular micelles. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are also introduced into the star polymers during the polymerization to further enhance and stabilize oxygen-carrying capacity, which is slightly affected by concentration-induced size transformation. PFCs assist unimolecular micelles with repelling mucin adsorption, which results in superior cellular uptake within 1 h and high effective accumulation rates in tumors of CT26 tumor-bearing mice within 24 h after systemic administration, and showing effective anti-tumor effects under the irradiation of NIR LED light. This work provides a new type of nano-photosensitizers for highly efficient hypoxic PDT. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: One of the major challenges in improving the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep tumors is how to address tumor hypoxia, which is receiving continued attention worldwide. However, most of the reported oxygen carriers combine with photosensitizers by physical means and the carriers have the risk of dissociating easily, which is not conducive to long-term and efficient PDT, resulting in poor therapeutic effect. This work demonstrates dually fluorinated unimolecular micelles with desirable and stable oxygen-carrying capacity, high cellular penetration, and integrative type I & II PDT for enhanced deep hypoxic tumors, overcoming the key challenges of tumor hypoxia and low photosensitizer efficiency.

Development of [68Ga]Ga/[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-NI-FAPI-04 Containing a Nitroimidazole Moiety as New FAPI Radiotracers with Improved Tumor Uptake and Retention.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), represents a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors. A bivalent agent, DOTA-NI-FAPI-04 (1), was developed by incorporating hypoxia-sensitive nitroimidazole (NI) into the FAP-targeting agent FAPI-04. Compound 1 exhibited a strong FAP binding affinity with an IC50 of 7.44 nM. Radiolabeled [68Ga]Ga-1 and [177Lu]Lu-1 demonstrated enhanced in vitro cell uptake. In vivo positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging showed that [68Ga]Ga-1 displayed significantly higher specific uptake and retention in U87MG tumor-bearing mice compared to [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 (SUVavg: 7.87 vs 1.99% ID/mL at 120 min). Biodistribution studies confirmed superior tumor uptake of [68Ga]Ga-1 (48.15 vs 5.72% ID/g at 120 min). Similarly, [177Lu]Lu-1 exhibited higher tumor uptake than [177Lu]Lu-FAPI-04 (50.75 vs 20.48% ID/g at 120 min). These preliminary results suggest that a nitroimidazole-containing bivalent-targeting agent, [68Ga]Ga/[177Lu]Lu-1, is a promising candidate for tumor theranostics.

Core-Shell Bottlebrush Polymers: Unmatched Delivery of Small Active Compounds Deep Into Tissues.

The chemical structure of a delivery nanovehicle plays a pivotal role in determining the efficiency of drug delivery within the body. Leveraging the unique architecture of bottlebrush (BB) polymers-characterized by variations in backbone length, grafting density, and self-assembly morphology-offers a novel approach to understanding the influence of structural properties on biological behavior. In this study, developed a drug delivery system based on core-shell BB polymers synthesized using a "grafting-from" strategy. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), employed to confirm the polymers' structure. The BB polymers evaluated as carriers for molecules with differing hydrophobicity profiles, namely Rhodamine B and Paclitaxel. These nanocarriers systematically assessed for drug loading efficiency and penetration capabilities, compared to conventional polymeric micelles (PM) formed from linear amphiphilic polymers. BB-based nanocarriers exhibited superior cellular uptake in both 2D and 3D cell culture models when compared to PM. Furthermore, analysis of drug distribution and particle penetration highlighted the profound influence of polymer morphology on biological interactions. These findings underscore the potential of unimolecular carriers with precisely defined structures as promising drug delivery platforms for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Experimental and theoretical insights into enhanced hydrogen uptake by H2-activated BNOC nanomaterials

Advanced hydrogen storage systems are needed to develop the next generation of portable batteries and vehicles. In this work, effect of oxygen and carbon vacancies in oxygen- and carbon-substituted hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanocrystallites on hydrogen adsorption (Had) is investigated for the first time. For this purpose, BNOC nanomaterials containing 8–13 at% O and 3–6 at% C were synthesized from melamine-boric acid precursors in an ammonia-hydrogen atmosphere at moderate temperatures. The hydrogen-binding properties of h-BN-based nanomaterials strongly depend on the type of defects and the dopant present; therefore, hydrogen was used in the synthesis as an activator, creating active centers by removing oxygen and carbon. The resulting BNOC nanomaterials are characterized by low crystallinity, with crystallite sizes less than 2 nm. The best sample with a specific surface area of 1405.1 m2×g−1, a specific pore volume of 0.779 cm3×g−1, and a micropore volume of 0.517 cm3×g−1 showed Had capacity of 5.2 wt% at T = 77.35 K and a pressure of 100 kPa. The pressed BNOC nanomaterials also exhibited decent volumetric H2 uptake in the range of 16.7–18.7 g × L−1 for pellet densities in the range of 0.59–0.74 g × cm−3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that Had up to 2.3 wt% at T = 77 K is only possible on pure BN, “armchair” carbon defects, and oxygen defects. Had up to 4.0 wt% is achievable on “zigzag” carbon defects at T < 70 K; above this temperature, hydrogen desorption occurs. Had from ∼3 to 5.3 wt% at T = 77 K is thermodynamically favorable only for oxygen defects, above 5.3 wt%, the adsorption energy becomes positive, indicating the limit of hydrogen sorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggests that the superior H2 uptake of BNOC nanomaterials may be due to the hydrogen treatment-induced formation of active sites, such as oxygen and carbon vacancies. The obtained results not only demonstrate the promise of BNOC nanomaterials for hydrogen storage but also show the possibility of controlling structural defects to increase hydrogen uptake. Creating active sites through restructuring different types of vacancies may be a new strategy to improving hydrogen uptake.

Experimental and computational studies on oxygen functionalization of covalent triazine frameworks for enhanced hydrogen storage

We report the hydrogen (H2) storage performance of an oxygen-functionalized covalent triazine framework (O-CTF) measured at 77 K and up to 20 bars. The O-CTF was synthesized using a carboxylic acid-functionalized carbonitrile monomer via an ionothermal nitrile trimerization reaction. Despite its lowered specific surface area (599 m2/g vs. 756 m2/g) compared to CTF-1, O-CTF exhibited an enhanced H2 storage capacity of 4.34 wt.% at 20 bars, nearly 1.61 times as high than the 2.69 wt.% H2 storage capacity of CTF-1. Furthermore, O-CTF demonstrated a notable H2 storage capacity of 2.19 wt.% at 1 bar and 77 K, emphasizing its competitive performance among other porous polymeric materials. The superior H2 uptake performance of O-CTF, as demonstrated by density-functional theory (DFT) calculations performed using the M06-2X-D3/def2-TZVPD method, was attributed to its high heteroatom content, especially the presence of oxygen. Compared to CTF-1 with nitrogen as the heteroatom (18.97 wt.%), the high oxygen and nitrogen contents (27.16 and 11.83 wt.%, respectively) of O-CTF resulted in additional accessible adsorption sites, enhancing the electrostatic/dispersion interaction with H2 molecules and increasing the adsorption capacity.

Effect of modification of ZIF-8 nanoparticles by triethylenetetramine on hydrogen sulfide uptake

In the present work, the incorporation of triethylenetetramine into the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) was explored to assess its effect on hydrogen sulfide uptake. A comprehensive characterization of the synthesized adsorbents was conducted through N2 adsorption-desorption, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The hydrogen sulfide uptake capacity of the modified adsorbents was investigated under diverse pressures and temperatures. The results revealed that at pressures below 1.5 bars, the hydrogen sulfide uptake of ZIF-8 incorporating triethylenetetramine was marginally higher than that of pristine ZIF-8. However, as the pressure increased, the bare ZIF-8 adsorbent exhibited superior hydrogen sulfide uptake compared to the triethylenetetramine-incorporated adsorbents.Furthermore, the hydrogen sulfide adsorption isotherms of the adsorbents were analyzed using the Monte Carlo method, and the computational results aligned well with the experimental data. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the hydrogen sulfide diffusion coefficient in the synthesized adsorbents. The outcomes indicated that the introduction of triethylenetetramine into the ZIF-8 framework led to a reduction in the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen sulfide. This multifaceted approach combining experimental and computational methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the modified ZIF-8 adsorbents and their behavior in hydrogen sulfide uptake.

Developing a Ready-to-Use Lipid Nanoparticle Technology for Nucleic Acid Delivery Based on Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Microfluidic technology has emerged as a prevalent tool to produce lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery. However, its wide-ranging application is hindered by specialized, costly equipment and consumables. Herein, a ready-to-use lipid nanoparticle (RULNP) technology employing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was developed. The DES, consisting of fructose and glycerol ([Fru][Gly]), was able to dissolve lipids and nucleic acids, facilitating the formation of RULNPs by simple physical mixing and hydrating. This innovative approach circumvents the high costs and organic solvents associated with microfluidic methods and offers flexibility in preparation techniques, accommodating various application scenarios. RULNPs exhibited physicochemical properties and plasmid DNA (pDNA) or RNA delivery efficacy comparable to those of LNPs. Mechanistic studies revealed that RULNPs achieved superior cellular uptake compared with LNPs despite exhibiting limited endosomal escape capabilities. Collectively, the DES-based RULNP system presents a rapid and straightforward method for LNP production, potentially revolutionizing nucleic acid delivery.

Polydopamine Nanobowl-Armoured Perfluorocarbon Emulsions: Tracking Thermal- and Photothermal-Induced Phase Change through Neutron Scattering.

Anisotropic polydopamine nanobowls (PDA NBs) show significant promise in biomedicine, distinguished by their unique optical properties and superior cellular uptake compared to spherical nanoparticles. This study presents a novel approach for creating multistimuli-activated PDA NB-armored emulsions, encapsulating perfluorohexane (NB-H) and perfluoropentane (NB-P) cores, with applications in controlled delivery and ultrasound imaging. Thermal and photothermal activation induced distinct responses in the emulsions, as evidenced by optical microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. For the first time, neutron scattering techniques (SANS and USANS) under contrast matching conditions are applied to investigate these materials, revealing detailed droplet and microbubble structures and phase transition dynamics. These results show that NB-H droplets resist phase change under direct heating, whereas NB-P droplets respond more readily, exhibiting significant bubble formation. During photothermal activation with short near-infrared (NIR) exposure (15 min at 400mW cm-2), SANS and USANS analyses reveal varying degrees of phase transition, proving this activation method to be more effective than direct heating. Importantly, NB-H and NB-P droplets have excellent ultrasound contrast enhancement and biocompatibility, indicating their potential for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, theranostics, and photothermal applications. This comprehensive study advances the understanding of multifunctional colloidal materials in biomedicine, contributing essential knowledge to this rapidly evolving field.

Pulmonary delivery of dual-targeted nanoparticles improves tumor accumulation and cancer cell targeting by restricting macrophage interception in orthotopic lung tumors

Despite the recognized potential of inhaled nanomedicines to enhance and sustain local drug concentrations for lung cancer treatment, the influence of macrophage uptake on targeted nanoparticle delivery to and within tumors remains unclear. Here, we developed three ligand-coated nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery in lung cancer therapy: phenylboronic acid-modified nanoparticles (PBA-NPs), PBA combined with folic acid (FA-PBA-NPs), and PBA with mannose (MAN-PBA-NPs). In vitro, MAN-PBA-NPs were preferentially internalized by macrophages, whereas FA-PBA-NPs exhibited superior uptake by cancer cells compared to macrophages. Following intratracheal instillation into mice with orthotopic Lewis lung carcinoma tumors, all three nanoparticles showed similar lung retention. However, MAN-PBA-NPs were more prone to interception by lung macrophages, which limited their accumulation in tumor tissues. In contrast, both PBA-NPs and FA-PBA-NPs achieved comparable high tumor accumulation (∼11.3% of the dose). Furthermore, FA-PBA-NPs were internalized by ∼30% of cancer cells, significantly more than the 10–18% seen with PBA-NPs or MAN-PBA-NPs. Additionally, FA-PBA-NPs loaded with icaritin effectively inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, resulting in superior anti-tumor efficacy through targeted cancer cell delivery. Overall, FA-PBA-NPs demonstrated advantageous competitive uptake kinetics by cancer cells compared to macrophages, enhancing tumor targeting and therapeutic outcomes.

Baculovirus Expressing Tumor Growth Factor-β1 (TGFβ1) Nanoshuttle Augments Therapeutic Effects for Vascular Wound Healing: Design and In Vitro Analysis.

One of the major challenges in vascular tissue regeneration is effective wound healing that can be resolved by an innovative targeted nanoshuttle that delivers growth factors to blood vessels. This study investigates the production and efficacy of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) gene delivery using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) baculovirus (BV) nanoshuttles (NSs). They exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 86.23% ± 0.65% and a negative zeta potential of -29.57 ± 1.27 mV. In vitro studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed that a 12 h incubation period optimized virus transduction. The safety and superior intracellular uptake of NSs and BVs in HUVECs were observed. The NSs carrying 100 and 400 MOI exhibited the highest cell proliferation rates in HUVECs. These sustained-release NSs significantly improved vascular cell migration and wound closure compared to free TGFβ1 carrying BV and can be a groundbreaking find in regenerative medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic ulcer conditions.

Intelligent hybrid hydrogel with nanoarchitectonics for water harvesting from acidic fog

With the development of society, the demand for water resources has risen has increased sharply, and water shortage is becoming a huge challenge to mankind. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to develop a convenient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly fog harvesting material. In this work, inspired by lotus stem with efficient water transport characteristics, the intelligent hybrid hydrogel (IHH) synergistically combines the characteristics of the pH-sensitive PDMAEMA polymer chain and thermo-switchable PNIPAM polymer chain, which simultaneously realizes superior efficient acidic fog uptake (∼6.5 g/g), high-density acidic fog storage, ultra-fast clean water releasing in the efficiency of ∼90 % for 12 min at 60 °C and high cycling stability (∼25 cycles). It is mainly attributed that the amine groups of the PDMAEMA chains are protonated under acidic state, and further the hydration is enhanced, and thus resulting the hydrogel to absorb the acid fog and swell. The PNIPAM polymer can achieve a rapidly reversible phase transition from a hydrophilic state to a hydrophobic one when the temperature beyond LCST, achieving the water releasing quickly. This IHH achieves preliminary water purification, which converts the harvested acidic fog into clean water as the freshwater generator. The IHH offers an insight into the design of novel materials that serve as the freshwater generator in complex environments of practical applications such as fog harvesting devices or systems.

Modified mesoporous silica nanocarriers containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, 5-fluorouracil or oxaliplatin, and metformin as a radiosensitizer, significantly impact colorectal cancer radiation therapy

This study investigates the anticancer effects of SPION-based silica nanoparticles carrying 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or oxaliplatin (OX), and metformin (MET) on colorectal cancer cells. Nanocarriers were equipped with pH-responsive gold gatekeepers for controlled release, PEGylation for longer circulation, and folic acid (FA) for targeted delivery. The effects were evaluated by investigating cell viability, cellular uptake, flow cytometry, and clonogenic assay in vitro. The efficacy of the system was also tested in vivo on C57BL/6 mice bearing HT-29 tumors, and potential side effects were evaluated.Nanocarriers were synthesized with hydrodynamic diameters of 79.8 nm for 5-FU and 85.2 nm for OX; zeta potentials of −21 and –22 mV, respectively, and remained stable after 72 h. Encapsulation efficiencies were 85 % for 5-FU, 80 % for OX, and 83 % for MET, with loading capacities of 44 %, 38 %, and 41 %, respectively. Drug release in acidic buffer was 38.7 % for 5-FU, 32.8 % for OX, and 43.5 % for MET. MTT assay showed increased toxicity due to FA conjugation, while PEGylation reduced the hemolysis activity. Targeted nanocarriers demonstrated superior cellular uptake and tumor localization compared to non-targeted variants. The combination of 5-FU-MET and OX-MET nanocarriers with radiation therapy (RT) demonstrated the greatest effect on their antitumor activity, accompanied by minimal side effects indicating effective tumor targeting in vivo. MRI and CT imaging further supported these findings. This study underscores the synergistic impact of MET alongside RT on the inhibition of cancer cells and tumor growth for both targeted 5-FU and OX nanocarriers reflecting the significant radiosensitizing properties of MET.

Curcumin-loaded zein nanoparticles: A quality by design approach for enhanced drug delivery and cytotoxicity against cancer cells

Zein, a maize protein, has been explored for constructing potential biomaterial due to its hydrophobic nature, self-assembly capability, and biocompatibility. In its nanoparticulate form, zein is a promising material for drug delivery applications, particularly in cancer treatment. Despite the importance of colloidal stability for effective drug delivery, systematic studies investigating the effect of various surface modifying agents (MAs) on the zein nanoparticles (ZNPs)-based formulations are limited. This study employs quality-by-design (QbD) approach to optimize curcumin-loaded ZNPs, enhancing colloidal stability, size, and drug-encapsulation efficiency using different MAs for potential cancer therapy. Gum arabic (GA) emerged as the optimal stabilizer, with GA-stabilized curcumin-loaded ZNPs (GA-Cur-ZNPs) achieving a particle size of 184.8 ± 2.85 nm, zeta potential of −23.4 ± 0.56 mV and 87.1 ±1.55 % drug encapsulation efficiency, along with excellent colloidal stability over two months. The optimal formulation also demonstrated sustained release of Cur over 72 h. GA-Cur-ZNPs demonstrated lower IC50 values and higher anti-proliferative effects on three different cancer cell lines compared to the free drug, while also exhibiting superior intracellular uptake. With negligible toxicity to human dermal fibroblast cells, the optimized Cur-GA-ZNPs show promise for safe and effective killing of cancer cells.

Hyaluronic acid/lactoferrin–coated polydatin/PLGA nanoparticles for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer

Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs lack optimal efficacy and invoke severe adverse effects in cancer patients. Polydatin (PD), a phytomedicine, has gradually gained attention due to its antitumor activity. However, its low solubility and poor bioavailability are still cornerstone issues. The present study aimed to fabricate and develop hyaluronic acid/lactoferrin–double coated PD/PLGA nanoparticles via a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer. Different molecular weights (M.wt.) of HA (32 and 110 kDa) were exploited to study the relationship between the HA M.wt. and the NPs targeting efficacy. The optimized formulations were fully characterized. Their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were investigated against A549 cell line by CCK-8 kit and fluorescence imaging, respectively. Finally, HA110/Lf-coated PD/PLGA NPs (F9) were subjected to a competitive inhibition study to prove internalization through CD44 overexpressed receptors. The results verified the fabrication of F9 with a particle size of 174.87 ± 3.97 nm and a zeta potential of −24.37 ± 1.19 mV as well as spherical NPs architecture. Importantly, it provoked enhanced cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and superior cellular uptake efficacy. To conclude, the current investigation lays the foundation for the prospective therapeutic avenue of F9 for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer.

Rational design of pH-responsive nano-delivery system with improved biocompatibility and targeting ability from cellulose nanocrystals via surface polymerization for intracellular drug delivery

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from diverse sources and distinguished by their inherent biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, and facile cellular engulfment due to their rod-like structure, hold great promise as carriers for the development of nano-delivery systems. In this work, highly efficient rod-like CNCs were employed as substrates for grafting glycidyl onto their surfaces through ring-opening polymerization, forming hyperbranched polymers with superior cell uptake properties. Subsequently, 4-vinylbenzeneboronic acid (VB) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) were employed as monomers in the polymerization process to fabricate a pH-responsive targeted nano-delivery system, denoted as CNCs-VB-PEGMA, via single electron transfer reactive radical polymerization (SET-LRP) reaction. The CNCs-VB-PEGMA was successfully prepared and used for the loading of curcumin (Cur) to form a pH-responsive nano-delivery system (CNCs-VB-PEGMA-Cur), and the loading rate of Cur was as high as 70.0 %. Studies showed that this drug delivery system could actively targeting liver cancer cells with the 2D cells model and 3D tumor microsphere model, showing efficient liver cancer cell-killing ability. Collectively, the CNCs-VB-PEGMA drug delivery system has potential applications in liver cancer therapy as an actively targeting and pH-responsive drug delivery system.

Erlotinib and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles embedded in thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels for enhanced treatment of head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain a major oncological challenge with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Erlotinib (Er) and Curcumin (Cm) are potential therapeutic agents for HNSCC, yet they are hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability. This study explored the optimization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles co-loaded with Er and Cm (Er/Cm-NP), prepared via a D-optimal response surface design-guided nanoprecipitation process. The optimized formulation, optEr/Cm-NP, was then incorporated into chitosan/β-glycerophosphate hydrogels (optEr/Cm-NP-HG) to create an injectable intratumoral (IT) nanocomposite hydrogel (HG) delivery system. Physicochemical properties of the formulations, including gelation time, injectability, mechanical strength and drug release profiles were assessed alongside hemolytic activity. Compared to optEr/Cm-NP alone, the NP-loaded HG formulation exhibited a more pronounced modulation effect, enabling sustained and controlled drug release. The cytotoxicity of the developed formulations was evaluated using the FaDu HNSCC cancer cell line. Both optEr/Cm-NP and optEr/Cm-NP-HG21 displayed enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free drugs. Confocal laser microscopy and flow cytometry confirmed superior cellular uptake of Er and Cm when delivered via NPs or NP-loaded HG. Furthermore, a significant increase in apoptotic cell death upon treatment with optEr/Cm-NP was observed, highlighting its potential for HNSCC therapy. In vivo studies conducted on a xenograft HNSCC mouse model revealed the significant capacity of the intratumorally-injected optEr/Cm-NP-HG21 formulation to retard the tumor growth. Conclusively, the results presented herein report the successful development of a nanocomposite HG system incorporating NPs co-loaded with Er and Cm that could be efficiently utilized in the treatment of HNSCC.

Mechanism of Enhanced Fluoride Adsorption Using Amino-Functionalized Aluminum-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Due to the increasing fluoride concentrations in water bodies, significant environmental concerns have arisen. This study focuses on aluminum-based materials with a high affinity for fluorine, specifically enhancing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with amino groups to improve their adsorption and defluorination performance. We systematically investigate the factors influencing and mechanisms governing the adsorption and defluorination behavior of amino-functionalized aluminum-based MOF materials in aqueous environments. An SEM, XRD, and FT-IR characterization confirms the successful preparation of NH2-MIL-101 (Al). In a 10 mg/L fluoride ion solution at pH 7.0, fluoride ion removal efficiency increases with the dosage of NH2-MIL-101 (Al), although the marginal improvement decreases beyond 0.015 g/L. Under identical conditions, the fluoride adsorption capacity of NH2-MIL-101 (Al) is seven times greater than that of NH2-MIL-101 (Fe). NH2-MIL-101 (Al) demonstrates effective fluoride ion adsorption across a broad pH range, with superior fluoride uptake in acidic conditions. At a fluoride ion concentration of 7 mg/L, with 0.015 g of NH2-MIL-101 (Al) at pH 3.0, adsorption equilibrium is achieved within 60 min, with a capacity of 31.2 mg/g. An analysis using adsorption isotherm models reveals that the fluoride ion adsorption on NH2-MIL-101 (Al) follows a monolayer adsorption model, while kinetic studies indicate that the predominant adsorption mechanism is chemical adsorption. This research provides a scientific basis for the advanced treatment of fluoride-containing wastewater, offering significant theoretical and practical contributions.

Superior Tumor Cell Uptake by Mono- and Tri-Nuclear Rhodamine-Gadolinium(III) Agents.

The synthesis and characterization of a novel trinuclear rhodamine-Gd(III) complex, along with two analogous mononuclear rhodamine-Gd(III) complexes, are reported. All complexes displayed good selectivity in a human glioma cell line (T98G) when compared to a glial cell line (SVG p12), with low cytotoxicities. Superior tumor cell uptake for these Gd(III) complexes was observed at lower incubation concentrations compared to previously-reported delocalized lipophilic cations such as a rhodamine-lanthanoid(III) probe and Gd(III)-arylphosphonium complexes, with ca. 150 % and 250 % increases in Gd uptake, respectively.