Surface Charge Research Articles

Charge Modulation at the Liquid Crystal Droplet-Aqueous Interface Enables Ultrasensitive, Nonspecific Protein Detection.

Thermotropic nematic liquid crystals (LC) have been utilized to sense/detect various analytes such as polymers, surfactants, lipids, etc. However, their use for protein detection depends on pre-adsorbed molecules, co-nematogens, or biomolecular agents for specificity.This approach impedes the platform's sensitivity with a detection limit for the folded proteins generally reported in the micromolar concentration range. Here, this work provides fundamental insights into the type of molecular interactions and their modulation that can drive ultrasensitive protein detection at an LC microdroplet/aqueous interface formed without adding an auxiliary co-nematogen. Using ultraviolet (UV) light treated 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) LC and a flow-focused microfluidic device, we prepared different populations of monodisperse and highly negatively charged microdroplets in water. Adding an aqueous solution of various model proteins(α-synuclein, α-chymotrypsin, myoglobin, or bovine serum albumin, BSA) with different secondary structures and surface charges triggers a rapid radial- to bipolar-defect transition in these microdroplets. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurement and molecular dynamic simulation studies attribute this to the dominant electrostatic force-mediated adsorption of proteins at the LC/aqueous interface.Further, bioconjugation-based variation of protein surface charge allows tuning their detection limit.These findings can provide crucial physical cues for designing responsive LC systems and establishing a foundation for developing versatile, molecularly tailored, and highly specific biomolecular detection platforms.

Unveiling trends in migration of iron-based nanoparticles in saturated porous media

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles are routinely used for environmental remediation, but their transport dynamics in different settings remain unclear, hindering optimization. This study introduces a novel approach to predicting nZVI transport in saturated porous model environment. The method employs advanced long column devices for real-time monitoring via controlled magnetic susceptibility measurements. Numerical modeling with a modified version of the MNMs 2023 software was then used to predict nZVI and its derivatives mobility in field-like conditions, offering insights into the radius of influence (ROI) and shape factor (SF) of their distribution. A standard nZVI precursor was compared with its four major commercial derivatives: nitrided, polyacrylic acid-coated, oxide-passivated, and sulfidated nZVI. All these iron-based nanoparticles exhibited identical particle sizes, morphologies, surface areas, and phase compositions, isolating surface properties, dominated by charge, as the sole variable affecting their mobility. The study revealed optimal transport when the surface charge of nZVI and its derivatives was strongly negative, while rapid aggregation of nZVI derivatives due magnetic attraction reduced their mobility. Modeling predictions based on column scale-up, indicated that detectable concentrations of 20 g L⁻1 were found at distances ranging from 0.4 to 1.1 m from the injection well. Slightly sulfidated nZVI traveled farther than the nZVI precursor and ensured more homogenous particle distribution around the well. Organically modified nZVI migrated the longest distances but showed particle accumulation close to the injection point. The findings suggest that minimal sulfidation combined with organic modification of nZVI surfaces may effectively enhance radial and vertical nZVI distribution in aquifers. Such improvements increase the commercial viability of modified nZVI, reduce their adverse impacts, and boosts their practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Surface charge characteristics of Gaomiaozi bentonite in high-level nuclear waste repositories

Gaomiaozi (GMZ) bentonite is an excellent backfill material for high-level nuclear waste repositories. The bentonite minerals possess a laminated structure and carry a negative charge. These surface charge characteristics play a crucial role in the development of the electric double layer at the liquid-solid interface and the adsorption of nuclear elements during the hydration process. Following the purification of GMZ bentonite, the surface electric potential of bentonite mineral colloids in suspension and compacted bentonite blocks was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, the influence of various factors on its surface charge characteristics was examined, including the types of interlayer cations, ambient temperature, number of layers, and dry density. The findings reveal that at 20 °C, the surface electric potential of Na-bentonite quasicrystals averages around −225.2mV, while that of Ca-bentonite quasicrystals averages approximately −155.3mV. Additionally, the surface electric potential increases logarithmically with the number of layers. In the compacted state, its surface potential would decrease. An increase in the dry density of compacted bentonite results in a decrease in the surface electric potential. High ambient temperatures can increase the surface electric potential. The research findings offer valuable data and a theoretical foundation for predicting colloid formation, nuclear element adsorption, and swelling pressure development in bentonites used in high-level nuclear waste repositories.

Analytical solution of the Sommerfeld–Page equation

The Sommerfeld–Page equation describes the non-relativistic dynamics of a classical electron modeled by a sphere of finite size with a uniform surface charge density. It is a delay differential equation, and almost no exact solution of this equation was known until recently. However, progress has been made, and an analytical solution was recently found for an almost identical delay differential equation, which arose in the context of the mathematical modeling of the COVID-19 epidemics. Inspired by this research, we offer a pedagogical exposition of how one can find an analytical solution of the Sommerfeld–Page equation.

Identification of the degree of aging and adsorption behaviors of the naturally aged microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) inevitably experienced various aging processes in nature may exhibit varied and complex interfacial interactions with adjacent species. Therefore, clarifying the possible interfacial interactions between naturally aged MPs and organic pollutants is of great significance to assess the actual behaviors of MPs in the environment. Here several plastic packaging materials after use were employed as the raw materials and representatives of naturally aged MPs, the alteration of surface characteristics, especially the degree of aging and the adsorption properties of MPs for anionic and cationic dyes were investigated. The types and the degree of aging of MPs were identified, and the variation of oxygen-containing functional groups (carbonyl, hydroxyl, and ester groups), the hydrophilicity and surface charge character were characterized. The fitting results of kinetics and isotherm models indicated that the adsorption was mainly multi-layer on heterogeneous surfaces, with hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, polar interaction, and hydrophobic partitioning possibly involving. The hydrogen bond interaction was further confirmed by FTIR spectra. The increased temperature promoted the adsorption of cationic dyes on MPs, and the increased salinity of the solution enhanced the uptake of most of the tested dyes by MPs. This research deepened the understanding on the aging degree of MPs and their interfacial interactions with hydrophilic pollutants, and provided vital information for MPs as pollutant carriers.

Formulation and Optimization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-based Gel for Dermal Delivery of Linezolid Using Taguchi Design.

Linezolid (LNZ) is a synthetic oxazolidinone antibiotic approved for the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Typically, LNZ is administered orally or intravenously in most cases. However, prolonged therapy is associated with various side effects and life threatening complications. Cutaneous application of LNZ will assist in reducing the dose, hence minimizing the unwanted side/adverse effects associated with oral administration. Dermal delivery provides an alternative route of administration, facilitating a local and sustained concentration of the antimicrobial at the site of infection. The current research work aimed to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based gel for dermal delivery of LNZ in the management of uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections to maximise its benefits and minimise the side effects. SLNs were prepared by high-shear homogenisation and ultrasound method using Dynasan 114 as solid lipid and Pluronic F-68 as surfactant. The effect of surfactant concentration, drug-to-lipid ratio, and sonication time was investigated on particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency using the Taguchi design. The main effect plot of means and signal-to-noise ratio were generated to determine the optimized formulation. The optimized batch was formulated into a gel, and ex-vivo permeation study, in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial activity were conducted. The optimised process parameters to achieve results were 2% surfactant concentration, a drug-to-lipid ratio of 1:2, and 360 s of sonication time. The optimized batch was 206.3± 0.17nm in size with a surface charge of -24.4± 4.67mV and entrapment efficiency of 80.90 ± 0.45%. SLN-based gel demonstrated anomalous transport with an 85.43% in vitro drug release. The gel showed a 5 cm zone of inhibition while evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Ex-vivo skin permeation studies demonstrated 20.308% drug permeation and 54.96% cutaneous deposition. In-vivo results showed a significant reduction in colony-forming units in the group treated with LNZ SLN-based gel. Ex-vivo studies ascertain the presence of the drug at the desired site and improve therapy. In-vivo results demonstrated the ability of SLN-based gel to significantly reduce the number of bacteria in the stripped infection model. The utilization of SLN as an LNZ carrier holds significant promise in dermal delivery.

Functional, physicochemical properties of sodium carbonate-soluble polysaccharides from the bulbs and foliage leaves of yellow and red onion

The oil and water holding capacities, surface activity, and gelling ability of sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (NSP) extracted from the cell wall of bulb and foliage leaves of yellow and red onion (Allium cepa L.) were investigated and compared with those of commercial citrus pectin. Pectin chemical composition and properties its aqueous dispersions (e.g. the viscosity, pH) were studied. Homogalacturonan was the main component of the low-methoxylated pectin, with a small amount of rhamnogalacturonan I (more branched in the bulb pectin). Both the oil (35–41 g/gd.m.) and water (20 g/gd.m) holding capacities of NSP were higher than citrus pectin (1 and 17 g/gd.m, respectively). The surface activity of NSP was comparable (foliage leaves; surface tension (γ) decrease to 62 mN/m) or higher (bulb; γ decrease to 56 mN/m) than commercial pectin. The ability of NSP, especially extracted from the bulb, to form larger structures with increasing viscosity and neutralizing the negative surface charge, was significantly higher than that of citrus pectin. Therefore, NSP of bulb and foliage leaves may be useful as a carrier of oil- or water-soluble substances, a surface active agent, texturizer and gelling agent in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural branches of industry.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanofibers with tunable surface properties for thermal energy storage

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have been widely used as a renewable emulsifier to stabilize two immiscible liquids due to their intrinsic amphiphilicity and excellent emulsifying ability. However, it remains challenging to fully understand the effects of carboxylate group content and surface charge density on the emulsifying ability of CNFs and the stability of Pickering emulsion. Herein, carboxymethylated CNFs were extracted from bleached kraft pulp using etherification reaction and high-pressure homogenization, allowing for easy surface charge density and size adjustment by changing sodium chloroacetate content and homogenization cycles. The optimizing CNFs possessed a high Zeta potential (−71.2 mV) and a suitable carboxylate group content (1.81 mmol/g), which enabled CNFs to irreversibly adsorb at the hydrophobic paraffin wax (PW) droplet surface and form interfacial steric barriers, providing large electrostatic repulsion between the PW droplets against coalescence. Thus, the CNF-stabilized PW emulsions could be stored for more than 6 months. Moreover, the phase change enthalpy of the freeze-dried emulsion is as high as 193.7 J/g, which provides the emulsion to reversibly store and release heat. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the interfacial stability mechanism of CNFs as stabilizers and facilitates the potential application in thermal energy storage.

Targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of medium-chain phosphatidylcholines in platelets of coronary artery disease patients

In a recent untargeted clinical lipidomics study of platelets of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, medium-chain phosphatidylcholines (MCPCs) with C8 and C10 fatty acyl residues were found significantly upregulated in the patient group with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as compared to chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and healthy controls. To support this finding, this work presents the development and optimization of a targeted UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS method with multiple reaction monitoring acquisition for the quantitative analysis of MCPCs (PC 10:0/8:0, PC 16:0/8:0, PC 10:0/20:4 and PC 10:0/10:0) in platelets for biomarker validation. A systematic optimization of chromatographic and mass spectrometric parameters was performed. A charged surface hybrid CSH C18 (1.7 µm, 130 Å) column and fine-tuned gradient elution with 2-propanol/acetonitrile and ammonium acetate as additive to the mobile phase was employed in the final method in ESI negative mode. Four selected PC standards (PC 6:0/6:0, PC 8:0/8:0, PC 10:0/10:0 and PC 12:0/12:0), which cover well the carbon and retention rime range of the target analytes, were used for the optimization process and calibration. Quantification was based on matrix-matched calibration with these four selected commercially available MCPC standards as surrogate calibrants and PC 6:0/6:0 (d22) as internal standard. Furthermore, an organic solvent and fatty acyl carbon number-corrected response factor approach gave also accuracies within acceptance limits of bioanalytical validation guidelines and has more generic applicability. Compared to the previous untargeted RPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method, the optimized targeted UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS assay showed increased sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of medium-chain PCs in platelet samples of CAD (LOQs in the range of 0.5-5 nmol/L). The method performance parameters indicated its suitability for a future biomarker validation study of MCPCs in platelets.

Microstructural Evaluation and Linkage to the Engineering Properties of Metal-Ion-Contaminated Clay

The rapid progress of urbanization and industrialization has led to the accumulation of large amounts of metal ions in the environment. These metal ions are adsorbed onto the negatively charged surfaces of clay particles, altering the total surface charge, double-layer thickness, and chemical bonds between the particles, which in turn affects the interactions between them. This causes changes in the microstructure, such as particle rearrangement and pore morphology adjustments, ultimately altering the mechanical behavior of the soil and reducing its stability. This study explores the effects of four common metal ions, including monovalent alkali metal ions (Na+, K+) and divalent heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+), with a focus on how ion valence and concentration impact the soil’s microstructure and mechanical properties. Microstructural tests show that metal ion incorporation reduces particle size, increases clay content, and transforms the structure from layered to honeycomb-like. Small pores decrease while large pores dominate, reducing the specific surface area and pore volume, while the average pore size increases. Although cation exchange capacity decreases, cation adsorption density per unit surface area increases. Monovalent ions primarily disperse the soil structure, while divalent ions induce coagulation. Macro-mechanical tests reveal that metal ion contamination reduces porosity under loading, with compressibility rises as the ion concentration increases. Soils contaminated with alkali metal ions shows higher compression coefficients at all loads, while heavy metal ions cause higher compression under lower loads. Shear strength, the internal friction angle, and cohesion in metal-ion-contaminated clay decrease compared to uncontaminated field-state clay, with greater declines at higher ion concentrations. The Micropore Morphology Index and hydro-pore structural parameter effectively characterize both micro- and macrostructural properties, establishing a quantitative relationship between HPSP and the engineering properties of metal-ion-contaminated clay.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ НАНОКАПСУЛ ДЛЯ ДОСТАВКИ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ СРЕДСТВ

Encapsulation of active ingredients in solid capsules made of biodegradable materials has attracted considerable attention over the past decades. In this brief review, we focus on the preparation of micro- and nanosized capsules and emulsions based on artificial peptides as a fully degradable material. It discusses various approaches to the preparation of polymer-based capsules as well as their critical properties such as size and stability. Dispersed polymer nanocapsules can serve as nanosized drug carriers to achieve controlled release as well as effective drug administration. The stability of the dispersion is determined by the type of surfactant and the nature of the outer shell of the capsule. Their release and degradation properties largely depend on the composition and structure of the capsule walls. Another important criterion is the capsule size, where the optimum is usually observed in the radius range of 100 to 500 nm. Nanocapsules can be prepared in fundamentally different ways: nanoprecipitation, emulsion diffusion, double emulsification, emulsion coacervation, polymer coating and layer-by-layer, and depend on the methodological and mechanistic aspects, encapsulation of the active substance and the raw materials used. Nanocapsules made using various biodegradable polymers are attracting increasing attention and are considered as one of the most promising drug delivery systems. Nanoencapsulated systems have a relatively higher intracellular absorption compared to microparticles, which can be modified depending on the surface charges of the nanocapsules and the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the polymer used to form the shell.

The Dawning Era of Anticancer Nanomedicines: From First Principles to Application of Silk Nanoparticles

AbstractThis review introduces nanomedicines and medical silks by addressing seminal and recent research within these fields. First, the successes of nanoparticles in improving the safety profiles and pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic properties are explored but also the concepts of threshold dosing and targeting of tumor‐associated macrophages. Current barriers to systemic delivery of nanomedicines are detailed and methods to overcome these barriers and increase tumor targeting are evaluated, namely: tuning the nanomedicine size and surface charge for enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration; non‐spherical nanomedicine morphologies for macrophage evasion and targeted delivery to endothelial cells; and, surface functionalization for stealth coatings and targeting receptor‐mediated endocytosis. The advantages of using silk as a nanomedicine with reference to its structure, composition, biological performance, and formulation are discussed. While batch methods for silk processing enable the formation of nano to microparticles, continuous technology can overcome bottlenecks of the deployed engineering methods such as low throughput and poor reproducibility. Finally, the chemical modification of silk using homogeneous and heterogenous chemistries is assessed within the nanomedicine context. Overall, this review covers silk nanomedicines from first principles to carrier design and on to areas of future development.

The Anti-Flyaway/Frizz Effect by Inducing the α-Helical Structure Transition of Hair

In order to reduce chronic hair flyaways/frizz, both reducing and oxidizing agents have to be used, leaving aside the hair damage issues. This study presents changes in hair morphology caused by treatment with a shampoo containing only reducing agents, excluding oxidizing agents that affect critical hair damages. As a result of flyaway/frizz improvement rates calculated through monitoring of the area of light transmittance in the hair tresses, reducing agents, such as ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), L-cysteine, and sodium sulfite were found to be effective in decreasing hair flyaway/frizz. Additionally, the methods to maintain homeostasis and control damage caused by oxidation during washing were also used to see flyaway/frizz improvement rates. Measurements using electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) showed that the surface charge of hair tresses treated with shampoo containing reducing agents was lowered. Using Raman spectroscopic analysis, it has been suggested that these treatments with reducing agents induced a 3D structural transition of the hair from an α-helix to a random coil. In addition, this structural release was confirmed, identifying the reduction in the enthalpy of the α-helix using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, we verified that this change causes no hair damage through a tensile strength test. Therefore, the formulation of shampoo with reducing agents can be used as an effective strategy to care for hair flyaway/frizz without hair damage issues.

Studying the Antimicrobial Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Coated with Alginate Biosynthesized by Dulcicalothrix alborzica

Introduction: Nowadays, Cyanobacteria are one of the important candidates in the green biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Considering the detrimental effects of chemically synthesized nanoparticles, the aim of this study was the biosynthesis and antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles by aquatic cyanobacterium. Methods: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using three different approaches: wet biomass, boiling, and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). Alginate coating was employed to enhance the nanoparticles' stability. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential measurements. The antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against fish pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS version 16 software, and the significant difference between the means was performed with one-way analysis of variance with 95% confidence limits and Tukey's test, and the results were drawn as a graph with Excel software. Results: The UV-vis spectroscopy results confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs in all three methods. FTIR analysis revealed similar spectra for all three methods, indicating comparable purity and production of similar compounds. Electron microscope images showed the sphericity of nanoparticles prepared by boiling method, and the average diameter of uncoated and alginate coated nanoparticles was 38 and 180.04 nm, respectively. Zeta potential analysis indicated a positive surface charge on the nanoparticles. The highest zone of inhibition was observed for AgNPs synthesized by the boiling method and coated with alginate. Similar results were obtained for the antifungal activity, with Saprolegnia exhibiting higher sensitivity to the synthesized nanoparticles compared to the other species studied. Conclusion: The novel strain Dulcicalothrix alborzica demonstrated potential as a potent producer of AgNPs with unique properties and promising applications in microbial biotechnology.

Significantly Enhanced Output Performance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators via Charge Storage and Release Strategy.

As a novel energy harvesting technology, bettering the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is vital. Although quite a number methods to increase charge density have been proposed, challenges such as high impedance matching and low output current persist, severely limit the energy utilization efficiency of TENGs. Here, a new power management circuit (PMC) is proposed that through charge storage and release strategy. This circuit first excites the surface charge of the TENG using the charge excitation circuit, and then releases the stored charge through a self-triggered switch. Compared to a standard TENG, the output current of the TENG with this PMC is increased by a factor of 1108, the impedance is decreased from 100 MΩ to 10 kΩ, and the energy utilization efficiency is markedly improved. This work affords a reference for enhancing the output performance of TENG, reducing impedance, and broading the utility attainable of TENGs.

Role of Charge Density and Surface Area of Tailored Ionic Porous Organic Polymers for Adsorption and Antibacterial Actions.

The development of high-performance adsorbents for environmental remediation is a current need, and ionic porous organic polymers (iPOPs), due to their high physicochemical stability, high surface area, added electrostatic interaction, and easy reusability, have already established themselves as a better adsorbent. However, research on the structural design of high-performance iPOP-based adsorbents is still nascent. This study explored the building blocks' role in optimizing the polymers' charge density and surface area to develop better polymeric adsorbents. Among the three synthesized polymers, iPOP-ZN1, owing to its high surface area and high charge density in its active sites, proved to be the best adsorbent for adsorbing inorganic and organic pollutants in an aqueous medium. The polymers were efficient enough to capture and store iodine vapor in the solid state. Further, this study tried to address using iodine-loaded polymers in antibacterial action. Iodine-loaded iPOPs show impressive antibacterial behavior against E. coli, B. subtilis, and H. pylori.

Design of Experiments to Tailor the Potential of BSA-Coated Peptide Nanocomplexes for Temozolomide/p53 Gene Co-Delivery

Background: Gene therapy can be viewed as a promising/valuable therapeutic approach directed to cancer treatment, including glioblastoma. Concretely, the combination of gene therapy with chemotherapy could increase its therapeutic index due to a synergistic effect. In this context, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated temozolomide (TMZ)-peptide (WRAP5)/p53 gene-based plasmid DNA complexes were developed to promote payload co-delivery. Methods: Design of experiments (DoE) was employed to unravel the BSA-coated TMZ-WRAP5/p53 nanocomplexes with the highest potential by considering the nitrogen to phosphate groups ratio (N/P), and the BSA concentration as inputs and the size, polydispersity index, surface charge and p53-based plasmid complexation capacity (CC) as DoE outputs. Results: The obtained quadratic models were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) with an adequate coefficient of determination, and the correspondent optimal points were successfully validated. The optimal complex formulation had N/P of 1.03, a BSA concentration of 0.08%, a size of approximately 182 nm, a zeta potential of +9.8 mV, and a pDNA CC of 96.5%. The optimal nanocomplexes are approximately spherical. A cytotoxicity assay showed that these BSA-coated TMZ-WRAP5/p53 complexes did not elicit toxicity in normal brain cells, and a hemolysis study demonstrated the hemocompatibility of the complexes. The complexes were stable in cell culture medium and fetal bovine serum and assured pDNA protection and release. Moreover, the optimal BSA-coated complexes were able of gene transcription and promoted a significant inhibition of glioblastoma cell viability. Conclusions: The reported findings instigate the development of future research to evaluate their potential utility to TMZ/p53 co-delivery. The DoE tool proved to be a powerful approach to explore and tailor the composition of BSA-coated TMZ-WRAP5/p53 complexes, which are expected to contribute to the progress toward a more efficient therapy against cancer and, more specifically, against glioblastoma.

Targeting the undruggable in glioblastoma using nano-based intracellular drug delivery.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly prevalent and aggressive brain tumor in adults with limited treatment response, leading to a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Standard therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often fall short due to the tumor's location, hypoxic conditions, and the challenge of complete removal. Moreover, brain metastases from cancers such as breast and melanoma carry similarly poor prognoses. Recent advancements in nanomedicine offer promising solutions for targeted GBM therapies, with nanoparticles (NPs) capable of delivering chemotherapy drugs or radiation sensitizers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to specific tumor sites. Leveraging the enhanced permeability and retention effect, NPs can preferentially accumulate in tumor tissues, where compromised BBB regions enhance delivery efficiency. By modifying NP characteristics such as size, shape, and surface charge, researchers have improved circulation times and cellular uptake, enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies show that combining photothermal therapy with magnetic hyperthermia using AuNPs and magnetic NPs induces ROS-dependent apoptosis and immunogenic cell death providing dual-targeted, immune-activating approaches. This review discusses the latest NP-based drug delivery strategies, including gene therapy, receptor-mediated transport, and multi-modal approaches like photothermal-magnetic hyperthermia combinations, all aimed at optimizing therapeutic outcomes for GBM.

Reimagining Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Delivery: The Integration of Ordered Mesoporous Silica and MOF Materials for Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes

Abstract Migraine, one of the neurological conditions, affects approximately 15% of the global population. It is characterized by intense headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light. The first line of drugs for treating migraine are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these medications suffer from poor solubility in water, uncontrolled release, and numerous adverse side effects. In order to maximize their therapeutic effect by preventing premature release and degradation, novel drug delivery systems based on composites are being dynamically developed. Herein, the biocompatible ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium vehicles integrating ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-16) with Fe-based metal–organic frameworks (MIL-101(Fe)) were synthesized via the solvothermal method. The composites were characterized by different percentages of MIL-101(Fe) 
(25 and 50 wt.%), which had a significant impact on their porosity, structure, and number of functional groups. The SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-25 and SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-50 samples exhibited BET surface areas of 768 and 324 m2/g, respectively. Their sorption capacities towards selected anti-inflammatory drugs were in the range of 141-318 mg/g for ketoprofen, 481-490 mg/g for naproxen sodium, and 246-589 mg/g for diclofenac sodium, notably exceeding the values obtained for pure mesoporous silica (5-9 mg/g). Morphological defects and specific functional groups, derived from SBA-16 and MIL-101(Fe), contributed to generating new adsorption sites in composites, enhancing host-guest interactions. The drug release profiles were determined by the carrier porosity, surface charge, and the presence of functional groups. The diffusion of ketoprofen and diclofenac sodium from the composites into the phosphate buffer (pH 7.7), mimicking rectal fluid, occurred in a more controlled manner compared to pristine silica. The SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-50 carrier released 82% of ketoprofen and 90% of diclofenac sodium over 24 hours.

Introducing Oxygen Vacancies into a WO3 Photoanode through NaH2PO2 Treatment for Efficient Water Splitting.

WO3, with a high light absorption capacity and a suitable band structure, is considered a promising photoanode material for photoelectrochemical water splitting. However, the poor photoinduced electron-hole separation efficiency limits its application. Herein, we report an effective strategy to suppress electron-hole recombination by introducing oxygen vacancies (OV) on the surface of a WO3 photoanode through NaH2PO2 treatment. An OV-enriched amorphous surface layer with a thickness of 4 nm is formed after NaH2PO2 treatment, which increases the charge carrier density and enlarges the electrochemical surface area of the photoanode. The charge separation and surface injection efficiencies are both improved after NaH2PO2 treatment, and the charge transfer process of the photoanode is accelerated consequently. The current density of the modified WO3 photoanode reaches 0.96 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V.