Membrane Surface Research Articles

Covalent Organic Framework-Coated Polyimide Ion-Track-Etched Separator with High Thermal Stability for Developing Lithium-Ion Batteries with Long Lifespans.

Separators play a crucial role in inhibiting thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the doctor blade coating method and heavy-ion track etching technology were used to prepare a polyimide-based covalent organic framework (PI_COF) separator with excellent thermal stability and a long cycle life. Specifically, COF300 was simply coated on the surface of a polyimide-based track-etched membrane (PI_TEM) with straight through holes, which provided a rigid framework and high-temperature stability at 300 °C. These features were conducive to inhibiting thermal runaway, while porous COF300 with large holes increased the wettability of the electrolyte, facilitating lithium-ion migration and suppression of lithium dendrite growth; consequently, LIBs with an excellent cycling performance and a high rate capacity were obtained. The cell with the PI_COF separator delivered a high capacity of 90.0 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles. The PI_COF separator with high thermal stability exhibited a long cycle life in LIBs. These features are beneficial for improving the safety characteristics of LIBs as well as for accelerating the practical application process of the PI_COF separator.

Carbon-Based Nanocomposite Membranes for Membrane Distillation: Progress, Problems and Future Prospects.

The development of an ideal membrane for membrane distillation (MD) is of the utmost importance. Enhancing the efficiency of MD by adding nanoparticles to or onto a membrane's surface has drawn considerable attention from the scientific community. It is crucial to thoroughly examine state-of-the-art nanomaterials-enabled MD membranes with desirable properties, as they greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of the MD process. This, in turn, opens up opportunities for achieving a sustainable water-energy-environment nexus. By introducing carbon-based nanomaterials into the membrane's structure, the membrane gains excellent separation abilities, resistance to various feed waters, and a longer lifespan. Additionally, the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in MD has led to improved membrane performance characteristics such as increased permeability and a reduced fouling propensity. These nanomaterials have also enabled novel membrane capabilities like in situ foulant degradation and localized heat generation. Therefore, this review offers an overview of how the utilization of different carbon-based nanomaterials in membrane synthesis impacts the membrane characteristics, particularly the liquid entry pressure (LEP), hydrophobicity, porosity, and membrane permeability, as well as reduced fouling, thereby advancing the MD technology for water treatment processes. Furthermore, this review also discusses the development, challenges, and research opportunities that arise from these findings.

Membrane-bound heat shock protein mHsp70 is required for migration and invasion of brain tumors.

Molecular chaperones, especially 70 kDa heat shock protein, in addition to their intracellular localization in cancer cells, can be exposed on the surface of the plasma membrane. We report that the membrane-associated chaperone mHsp70 of malignant brain tumors is required for high migratory and invasive activity of cancer cells. Live-cell inverted confocal microscopy of tumor samples from adult (n=23) and pediatric (n=9) neurooncological patients showed pronounced protein expression on the membrane, especially in the perifocal zone. Mass-spectrometry analysis of lipid rafts isolated from tumor cells confirmed the presence of the protein in chaperone cluster (including representatives of other families such as Hsp70, Hsc70, Hsp105, Hsp90), which in turn, during interactome analysis, was associated with proteins involved in cell migration (e.g., Rac1, RhoC, myosin-9). The use of small-molecule inhibitors of HSP70 (PES, JG-98) led to a significant decrease in the invasive potential of cells isolated from a tumor sample of patients, which indicates the role of the chaperone in invasion. Moreover, the use of HSP70 inhibitors in animal models of orthotopic brain tumors significantly delayed tumor progression, which was accompanied by an increase in overall survival. Data demonstrate that chaperone inhibitors, particularly JG-98, disrupt the function of mHsp70, thereby providing an opportunity to better understand the diverse functions of this protein and offer aid in the development of novel cancer therapies.

Influence of photothermal nanomaterials localization within the electrospun membrane structure on purification of saline oily wastewater based on photothermal vacuum membrane distillation

Today, synergistic combination of special nanomaterials (NMs) and electrospinning technique has emerged as a promising strategy to address both water scarcity and energy concerns through the development of photothermal membranes for wastewater purification and desalination. This work was organized to provide a new perspective on membrane design for photothermal vacuum membrane distillation (PVMD) through optimizing membrane performance by varying the localization of photothermal NMs. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) omniphobic photothermal membranes were prepared by localizing graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NSh) (1) on the surface (0.2 wt%), (2) within the nanofibers structure (10 wt%) or (3) in both positions. Considering the case 1, after 7 min exposure to the 1 sun intensity light, the highest temperature (∼93.5 °C) was recorded, which is assigned to the accessibility of GO NSh upon light exposure. The case 3 yielded to a small reduction in surface temperature (∼90.4 °C) compared to the case 1, indicating no need to localize NMs within the nanofibers structure when they are localized on the surface. The other extreme belonged to the case 2 with the lowest temperature of ∼71.3 °C, which is consistent with the less accessibility of GO NSh during irradiation. It was demonstrated that the accessibility of photothermal NMs plays more pronounced role in the membrane surface temperature compared to the light trapping. However, benefiting from higher surface temperature during PVMD due to enhanced accessibility of photothermal NMs is balanced out by decrease in the permeate flux (case 1: 1.51 kg/m2 h and case 2: 1.83 kg/m2 h) due to blocking some membrane surface pores by the binder. A trend similar to that for flux was also followed by the efficiency. Additionally, no change in rejection was observed for different GO NSh localizations.

Numerical and experimental investigation of solute transports through different types of dialyzer membrane

The flow and mass transport through different membrane types from different hemodialyzers are investigated in a co-current direction to emphasize the effect of solute diffusion through the dialyzer membranes. The numerical model consists of the blood flowing in a hollow fiber surrounded by a dialysate flow, where the mass transport and fluid flow were simultaneously calculated. The high flux dialyzers considered in the present study are FINEFLUX FIX-210S eco, ELISIO-210HR, and PEPA FDY-21B, which differ mainly in characteristics of the membrane structure and surface. Urea and maltodextrin solutions are used as model solutes to consider the effect of molecular size difference. The numerically predicted outlet concentrations closely align with experimental values, where the variation between predicted and measured values remain below 10% across all dialyzer types for urea solutions, and specifically below 8% for maltodextrin solution. Among the various dialyzers tested, FINEFLUX membrane could provide the highest maltodextrin clearance (83.09 ml/min) and overall mass transfer area coefficient (KoA) (119.56 ml/min) potentially due to its fast-diffusion characteristic. In this co-current flow study, the results suggest that urea transport is primarily influenced by flow control with minimal impact from boundary layers, while maltodextrin transport is predominantly governed by diffusion control.

Effect of layered double hydroxide-graphene oxide modifier composition on characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride based nanocomposite membranes in the separation of Cu2+

This research explored the modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membranes with a composite of layered double hydroxide (LDH) and graphene oxide (GO) to enhance biofouling resistance. The PVDF/LDH-GO nanocomposite membranes were synthesized via vacuum filtration. FTIR analysis confirmed nanocomposite formation with new peaks indicating the presence of GO and LDH. Variations in the LDH:GO ratio affected the physical, mechanical, and performance properties of the membranes. Based on SEM imaging, the 1:1 LDH: GO ratio exhibited the highest Young's modulus and smallest pore sizes. LDH-GO incorporation increased the mechanical strength, porosity, roughness, hydrophilicity, and pure water permeability of the PVDF membranes. The combination of these factors led to balanced permeability and selectivity values towards Cu2+ solution feeds. LDH-GO was proven effective in modifying the PVDF membrane surface for water treatment and inhibiting biofouling up to 64% against E. coli.

Mechanical Enhancement and Water Treatment Efficiency of Nanocomposite PES Membranes: A Study on Akçay Dam Water Filtration Application.

Polymeric membranes are widely used in water treatment because of their ease of fabrication and low cost. The flux and purification performance of membranes can be significantly improved by incorporating appropriate amounts of nanomaterials into the polymeric membrane matrices. In this study, neat poly(ether sulfone) (PES), PES/nano copper oxide (CuO), and PES/nano zinc oxide (ZnO) membranes are fabricated via phase inversion. The pure water flux of the neat PES membrane, which is 355.14 L/m2·h, is increased significantly with the addition of nano-CuO and nano-ZnO, and the pure water fluxes of the nanocomposite membranes vary in the range of 392.65-429.74 L/m2·h. Moreover, nano CuO and nano ZnO-doped PES nanocomposite membranes exhibit higher conductivity, color, total organic carbon, boron, iron, selenium, barium, and total chromium removal efficiencies than neat PES membranes. The membrane surfaces examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) after water filtration revealed that those containing 0.5% wt. nano CuO and nano ZnO are more resistant to fouling than the membrane surfaces containing 1% wt. nano CuO and nano ZnO. Based on the results of this study, 0.5% wt. nano ZnO-doped PES membrane is found to be the most suitable membrane for use in water treatment due to its high pure water flux (427.14 L/m2·h), high pollutant removal efficiency, and high fouling resistance. When the mechanical properties of the membranes are examined, the addition of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles increases the membrane stiffness and modulus of elasticity. The addition of 0.5% and 1% for CuO leads to an increase in the modulus of elasticity by 57.95% and 324.43%, respectively, while the addition of 0.5% and 1% for ZnO leads to an increase in the modulus of elasticity by 480.68% and 1802.43%, respectively. At the same time, the tensile strength of the membranes also increases with the addition of nanomaterials.

Hydrophilic coating of membrane by UV-induced radical and cationic curing of photosensitive resins: Lower shrinkage, smoother surface and better anti-fouling performance

Hydrophilic coating is frequently used to enhance the anti-fouling performance of membrane. However, traditional strategies often suffer from defects of cumbersome steps, high energy consumption, and unstable coating. Herein, radical and cationic photopolymerization are used for hydrophilic coating of membranes. Two photosensitive resins were first synthesized either by direct radical copolymerization of 3-ethyl-3-(methacryloyloxy) methyloxetane and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (Poly(HEA-EMO)) or through post-polymerization modification of poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) with vinyl groups (Poly(HEA-MA)). Subsequently, hydrophilic coating was conducted on the membrane surface by UV-induced curing of different photosensitive resins, either through radical photopolymerization of vinyl-functional Poly(HEA-MA) or cationic photopolymerization of Poly(EMO-HEA) with pendent oxetane groups. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and underwater oleophobicity than the original membrane. Moreover, the coating (PAN / HEA(C5)) by cationic photopolymerization exhibited lower shrinkage, smoother surface, and more excellent antifouling performance than that by radical photopolymerization. After bovine albumin fouling-cleaning cycles, the flux recovery rate (FRR) of the original membrane was only 68.6 %, while the FRR of PAN / HEA(C5) was as high as 98.0 %. Furthermore, it showed superior long-term operational stability, proving the stability of the coating formed by cationic photopolymerization.

Molecular weight insight into critical component contributing to reverse osmosis membrane fouling in wastewater reclamation

Molecular weight (MW) of organics was one of the important factors influencing membrane fouling propensity. This study identified critical foulants of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in reclaimed water by MW fractionation. MW > 10 kDa component was identified as the critical fouling contributor (CFC) in secondary effluent (SE), which accounted for only 13 ± 5% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) but contributed to 86 ± 11% of flux decline. Throughout 12-month monitoring, SE and MW > 10 kDa component showed a similar fouling variation tendency: apparently higher fouling potential in winter and lower in summer, while MW < 10 kDa component presented minor fouling changes. Morphology of membrane fouled by CFC characterized a smooth and thick foulant layer on membrane surface. CFC was mainly composed of proteins and polysaccharides, and a protein-polysaccharide-protein “sandwich” fouling layer structure was preferentially formed on membrane surface. extended Derjaguin–Landau-Verwey–Overbeek (xDLVO) analysis demonstrated that strong attractive interactions between CFC and membrane surface dominated the fouling process. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation revealed strong filtration resistance of CFC, confirming its significant fouling potential. Dual effects including attractive interactions and advantageous ridge-and-valley surface appearance accounted for the significant fouling propensity of MW > 10 kDa component and glean valuable insights into RO fouling mechanisms of reclaimed water in practical application.

The Effect of a Hydrophilic Polymer on the Morphology of Polymeric Membranes and the Retention of Metals

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a preferred hydrophilic polymer as an additive for casting solutions. In this study, polymeric membranes containing 1,10-phenanthroline and different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are tested for the morphological change and metal retention on the membrane surface. Additives in the form of PEGs with molecular weights of 400 Da, 600 Da, and 6000 Da were used. The morphology of each membrane was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It appears that copper has more retention than cadmium in all membrane components in SEM–EDS analysis. FTIR spectra findings provided evidence that PEG binds to the PVC backbone through hydrogen bonds involving chlorine atoms in the PVC and hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl groups of PEG. The porosity of the membrane was determined by gravimetric method. The molecular weight of PEG in the membrane seems to be increasing, the porosity of the membrane improved. The porosity of the membrane obtained with PVC/ PEG/ 1,10-phenanthroline is 62.85 for PEG 400, 80.00 for PEG 600 and 83.50 for PEG 6000. The order of metal retention on the surface of the membranes consisting of PVC-1,10 phenanthroline and PEGs are Cu > Cd, indicating that with its large diameter (140 pm), cadmium cannot settle into the pores as much as copper. Except for PEG 600, the retention of both metals decreased with the addition of phenanthroline to the membrane containing PEG. The amorphous structure was detected from the XRD of the membranes. Thermal analysis of the membrane was determined by TG-DSC.Graphical

Multi-hierarchical assemble nano-fibrous dressing for burn wound ultra-fast healing with dynamical exudate regulation, thermal management, and non-leaching sterilisation

To endow the nano-fibrous wound dressing with moisture-absorption, moisture-retention, thermal-management and anti-bacterial performances, a multi-hierarchical assemble process including electro-micro-encapsulation, electro-interpenetration and electro-deposition was used to create a structural integration including core–shell structure, interpenetrated structure and in-situ coating. First, a phase-transition thermal-management electro-spun consisting of PVDF shell and n-hexadecane core was fabricated from the coaxial electro-spinning, the heat-absorbing effect from n-hexadecane melting offers a cool feeling to make burn wounds feel comfortable. Second, an interpenetration process between PVA electro-spun and PVDF@n-hexadecane core–shell electro-spun was carried out by a heterologous co-electro-spinning device. By regulating the area density and the continuity of the hydrophilic phase and hydrophobic phase as well, the moisture-absorption and the moisture-retention performances can be manipulated. Third, a nano-capsule consisting of PCL outer shell and dual-component anti-bacterial agents as core was obtained from coaxial electrospray and then was further electro-deposited on the surface of the obtained interpenetrated membrane. After the melting of the PCL outer shell, not only the in-situ immobilization of anti-bacterial particles on the membrane surface (non-leaching sterilisation) was carried out, but also the exposure of anti-bacterial components. Owing to the collaborative integration of multiple functional ingredients and various structural elements, this composite nano-fibrous dressing displays a good moisture-absorption performance for removing exudate, a desired moisture-retention performance for offering wet surrounding to promote tissue regeneration, a comfortable absorption-heat effect and an excellent anti-bacterial performance. Combined with cytotoxicity and animal experiment evaluations, this multi-functional dressing presents a quicker healing period for second-degree burn compared to existed commercial fibrous dressing.

Hydrogen-bond-driven high ionic conductivity, Li+ transfer number, and lithium-interface stability of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene)-based solid-state electrolytes

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based solid electrolytes with wide electrochemical windows and high thermal stabilities are promising candidates for use in solid-state lithium batteries. However, the practical applications of these electrolytes are currently hindered by their low room-temperature ionic conductivity, limited Li+ transfer number, and the poor stability of the lithium/electrolyte interface. This study proposes a ‘one stone, three birds’ modification method, wherein a small amount of lithium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Li) containing rich hydroxyl groups is added to form abundant hydrogen bonds with numerous electronegative C–F groups in the PVDF-HFP molecular chain and lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide (LiTFSI). The strong connections formed between CMC-Li and PVDF-HFP or TFSI− significantly reduced the crystallinity of PVDF-HFP, promoted the dissociation of LiTFSI, and anchored TFSI−, achieving a synchronous improvement in the ionic conductivity and Li+ transfer number. The hydrogen bonds drove the densification of the membrane surface, improving the lithium/electrolyte compatibility at the interface. The ionic conductivity of the modified electrolytes was 5.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and the Li + transfer number was 0.72 at room temperature. A Li||Li symmetric cell demonstrated stable cycling over 1000 h at 0.2 mA cm−2, where the initial discharge capacity of an all-solid-state cell was enhanced to 165.1 mAh g−1, with steady cycling for 400 runs. Thus, this study provides a novel and effective method for promoting the practical application of solid-state electrolytes.

Preparation of MPN@Zein-PpIX Membrane and Its Antibacterial Properties.

For antibacterial purposes, a photothermal and photodynamic antibacterial membrane was prepared through electrospinning. We used zein as the substrate and introduced Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) into the protein structure. Then, we used electrospinning technology to weave the modified zein into a fiber structure. We finally introduced a metallic polyphenol network (MPN) coating on the fiber surface to form the final membrane: MPN@Zein-PpIX. Then, we investigated the photothermal and photodynamic properties of the membrane and assessed its antibacterial activity with in vitro agar plate counting methods. The MPN@Zein-PpIX membrane exhibited good singlet oxygen generation and excellent photothermal conversion. Additionally, it showed good antibacterial capacity in vitro, owing to the combination of photothermal and photodynamic properties. Our research provides a simple approach to prepare a multifunctional membrane with excellent antibacterial ability. We used the electrospinning technique to anchor PpIX onto zein to produce a fiber membrane (Zein-PpIX) that can be adhered in situ to improve the biocompatibility of PpIX, and the MPN makes the membrane surface more hydrophilic and more accessible to adhere to biological tissues. The MPN@Zein-PpIX membrane provided new ideas for combining PDT and PTT, and it had great potential for use in the antibacterial application field.

Adsorption and transport of acid dye through polymer inclusion membrane with Aliquat 336 and TBP

Colour is typically the initial pollutant identified in wastewater. Membrane separation represents a novel approach to separation processes, with expectations of supplanting many traditional separation systems. The aim of this study is to investigate polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) consisting of tri octyl methyl ammonium chloride as the carrier, tributylphosphate as the modifier, poly-vinyl chloride as the base polymer and 2-Nitro phenyl pentyl ether as the plasticizer for removing an acid dye (Red Erionyl A-3G) from aqueous solution. The dye adsorption on the membrane surface and its transition to the stripping phase was achieved by placing the membrane between two glass cells. Changing the stripping solution ensured both adsorption on the membrane surface and the transfer of all the dye to the stripping stage. Using a mixture of 0.8 M salicylic acid and 0.8 M NaOH, along with stirring at 1000 rpm during the stripping phase, extraction efficiency reached 98% in the feed phase and 53% in the stripping phase. When 1 M NaOH solution was employed as the stripping solution, the membrane absorbed all the dye within 10 minutes, but there was no transition to the stripping phase. The membrane has a durability of 2 days.Graphical abstract

Photo-responsive anti-fouling polyzwitterionic brushes: a mesoscopic simulation.

The antifouling effects of a toothbrush-shaped photo-responsive polyzwitterionic membrane were studied via dissipative particle dynamics simulations in this work. The results reveal that the membrane modified by spiropyran methacrylate brushes displays photo-switchable and antifouling capability due to the photo-induced ring-opening reaction. Namely, surface morphology and hydrophilicity change in response to visible or UV light irradiation, which can be observed visually by protein adsorption and desorption. Further study indicates that: (1) brush-modification density can influence the structure and properties of the membrane. With low modification density, systems cannot establish an intact selective layer, which hinders the antifouling ability; as the modification density increases, the intact selective layer can be formed, which is conducive to the expression of photo-responsiveness and antifouling capability. (2) Factors of toothbrush-hair length and grafting ratio can influence the establishment of a light-responsive surface: as the grafting ratio and toothbrush-hair length increase, the light-responsive surface is gradually formed, meanwhile, the antifouling ability can be continuously reinforced under UV light irradiation. (3) As the brushes switch into a zwitterionic merocyanine state under UV exposure, the selective layer swelling becomes stronger than that with a hydrophobic spiropyran state under visible exposure. This is owing to the enhanced interaction between zwitterionic brushes and water, which is the root of the antifouling effect. The present work is expected to provide some guidelines for the design and development of novel antifouling membrane surfaces.

Small and Large Extracellular Vesicles of Porcine Seminal Plasma Differ in Lipid Profile.

Seminal plasma contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the lipidomic profile of two subsets of differently sized sEVs, small (S-) and large (L-), isolated from porcine seminal plasma by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized by an orthogonal approach. High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for lipidomic analysis. A total of 157 lipid species from 14 lipid classes of 4 major categories (sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sterols) were identified. Qualitative differences were limited to two cholesteryl ester species present only in S-sEVs. L-sEVs had higher levels of all quantified lipid classes due to their larger membrane surface area. The distribution pattern was different, especially for sphingomyelins (more in S-sEVs) and ceramides (more in L-sEVs). In conclusion, this study reveals differences in the lipidomic profile of two subsets of porcine sEVs, suggesting that they differ in biogenesis and functionality.

Highly adhesive bioinspired membrane for efficient oil/water separation by optimization of synergistic effects of hierarchical structure and superhydrophobic modification

Superwetting membranes have good prospective for treatment of oil-containing wastewaters. However, development of highly adhesive superhydrophobic membranes with efficient oil-water separation performance remains a great challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. Herein, highly adhesive membrane surface with hierarchical structure were fabricated by in-situ TEOS hydrolysis and fluorinated modification. The interface bonding force between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) was increased through the dopamine self-polymerization and adhesion. The hierarchical structure was obtained by simultaneously adjusting TEOS and ammonia contents. The three-dimensional hierarchical membrane structure which is similar to that of a rose petal was shown by SEM analysis. The obtained membrane showed a water contact angle of 158 ± 2°, while the oil contact angle approaches 0°. In-situ grown multi-scale SiO2 NPs, perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (FAS) brushes and dopamine can form a stable hierarchical surface which sustained superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity when immersed in aqueous solutions at different pH values. Meanwhile, FAS brushes can serve as steric obstacles to efficiently repel water droplets during oil/water separation. The fabricated membrane possesses a high permeation flux and excellent separation properties (> 98%). In addition, this highly adhesive coating modification and hierarchical design can be widely applied on the surfaces of different materials, giving an attractive potential application prospect, such as oil/water separation, antifouling surface, and superwetting materials.

Tailor-Made Heterocharged Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for Efficient Ion Separation.

Pore size sieving, Donnan exclusion, and their combined effects seriously affect ion separation of membrane processes. However, traditional polymer-based membranes face some challenges in precisely controlling both charge distribution and pore size on the membrane surface, which hinders the ion separation performance, such as heavy metal ion removal. Herein, the heterocharged covalent organic framework (COF) membrane is reported by assembling two kinds of ionic COF nanosheets with opposite charges and different pore sizes. By manipulating the stacking quantity and sequence of two kinds of nanosheets, the impact of membrane surface charge and pore size on the separation performance of monovalent and multivalent ions is investigated. For the separation of anions, the effect of pore size sieving is dominant, while for the separation of cations, the effect of Donnan exclusion is dominant. The heterocharged TpEBr/TpPa-SO3H membrane with a positively charged upper layer and a negatively charged bottom layer exhibits excellent rejection of multivalent anions and cations (Ni2+, Cd2+, Cr2+, CrO4 2-, SeO3 2-, etc). The strategy provides not only high-performance COF membranes for ion separation but also an inspiration for the engineering of heterocharged membranes.

Effective Application of Biocompatible Magnetite Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a Clinical Study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious neurological disorder due to its widespread prevalence, chronic nature, frequent progression to disability, and tendency to affect young people. The pathogenesis of MS is based on the immunopathogenesis hypothesis. Biocompatible magnetite nanoparticles, which exhibit selective sorption activity towards cell membrane surface proteins, circulating immune com-plexes, lymphocytotoxic antibodies, and the complement system, as well as enhance phagocytic ac-tivity and the completion index of leukocyte phagocytosis, can be effectively used for immunocor-rection. The main goal of the study is to slow the progression of MS, improve the neurological status and overall condition of the patient, and reduce the dynamics of the spread of demyelinating lesions in the brain. Materials and methods: A patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, secondary progres-sive type, cerebrospinal form, at the clinical aggravation stage was included in the study. Neurologi-cal status and disability were assessed using the EDSS scale, and brain MRI with contrast enhance-ment was performed. The nanodevice Micromage-B was administered orally as an immunosorbent and immunomodulator. The regimen and dosage of Micromage-B were personalized. Assessments of general condition and neurological status were conducted every 7 days for 6 months, with contrast-enhanced brain MRI performed in the 5th month. Results: The use of Micromage-B in MS treatment led to an objective improvement in neurological status, with reduced stiffness and fatigue in the lower extremities. Gait and coordination improved, hand tremors decreased, depression and concen-tration disorders subsided, appetite was restored, and speech improved. Throughout the treatment period, positive dynamics in the normalization of neurological status were observed. After 6 months, the total score on the EDSS scale decreased from 210 to 45. The most significant improvements were observed in the evaluation of the pyramidal system and coordination, with the EDSS Disability Scale score decreasing from 6.0 to 5.0. For the first time, contrast-enhanced brain MRI showed a reduction in the number of new demyelination foci by the 4th month of Micromage-B administra-tion. The positive changes in neurological status correlated with the MRI results. The recovery of central nervous system activity in MS is likely not only due to the immunosuppressive properties of magnetite nanoparticles but also due to the activation of remyelination mechanisms and oligoden-drocyte differentiation through enzymatic methylation. Conclusion: The use of biocompatible nanodevices in the complex treatment of MS is promising. Further improvement and study of the regimen and method of using biocompatible magnetite nanoparticles to enhance MS treatment effec-tiveness are required.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates apoptosis and chemotherapeutic via enhancing TNFRSF10B recycling to the cell membrane in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most common malignant tumor in China. The expression and cell surface levels of TNF receptor superfamily member 10B (TNFRSF10B) are associated with apoptosis and chemotherapy. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that govern the regulation of TNFRSF10B remain unclear. RNA-Seq data related to TNBC chemotherapy resistance were acquired from the GEO database. The mRNA and protein levels of TNFRSF10B were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation. Annexin V/7-AAD staining was used to evaluate apoptosis. The cell membrane TNFRSF10B was analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Inducers and inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) were used to assess the effect of ERS on TNFRSF10B localization. TNFRSF10B expression was downregulated in TNBC and was associated with prognosis. TNFRSF10B overexpression inhibits the growth of TNBC both in vivo and in vitro and can partially counteract chemotherapy resistance. ERS activation in TNBC promotes the expression of TNFRSF10B, leading to its enrichment on the cell membrane surface, thereby activating the apoptotic pathways. ERS regulates the expression and subcellular localization of TNFRSF10B in TNBC cells. They synergistically affect anti-apoptosis and chemotherapy resistance in TNBC cells.