Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Research Articles

Accelerating the Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics with a Pulsed Laser-Synthesized Platinum Nanocluster-Decorated Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis.

Efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline seawater environments are essential for sustainable hydrogen production. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is synthesized through pulsed laser ablation in liquid, followed by pyrolysis, producing N-doped porous carbon (NC). NC matrix serves as a self-template, enabling Pt nanocluster decoration (NC-Pt) via pulsed laser irradiation in liquid. NC-Pt exhibits a large surface area, porous structure, high conductivity, N-rich carbon, abundant active sites, low Pt content, and a strong NC-Pt interaction. These properties enhance efficient mass transport during the HER. Remarkably, the optimized NC-Pt-4 catalyst achieves low HER overpotentials of 52, 57, and 53mV to attain 10mA cm-2 in alkaline, alkaline seawater, and simulated seawater, surpassing commercial Pt/C catalysts. In a two-electrode system with NC-Pt-4(-)ǀǀIrO2(+) as cathode and anode, it demonstrates excellent direct seawater electrolysis performance, with a low cell voltage of 1.63mV to attain 10mA cm-2 and remarkable stability. This study presents a rapid and efficient method for fabricating cost-effective and highly effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen production in alkaline and alkaline seawater environments.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-67/barium zirconate titanate nanocomposite, Part I: Synthesis, characterization, and boosted photocatalytic activity

Using BaTi0.85Zr0.15O3/ZIF-67 (BTZ/ZIF-67) nanocomposite, tetracycline (TC) was photodegraded. Characterization of the samples was carried out using a variety of techniques, including XRD, FESEM-EDS (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), BJH (Barrett-Joyner-Halenda), PL (Photoluminescence), TG-DTG (Thermogravimetry and Derivative Thermogravimetry), and UV–Vis DRS (Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy). BTZ/ZIF-67 nano-composites were synthesized using a one-step co-precipitation method. BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 showed the most impressive photocatalytic ability among the binary photocatalysts. Averaging the crystallite sizes of the nanocomposite samples identified by Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods was 43.3 nm and 65.0 nm, respectively. The pHpzc values of samples of BTZ and BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 were approximately 6.7 and 10.0, respectively. Using the proposed method, we measured 357, 414, and 377 nm absorption edges for ZIF-67, BTZ, and BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 samples, which correspond to 3.47, 2.99, and 3.28 eV bandgap energies, respectively. The specific surface areas of BTZ, ZIF-67, and BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 nanocomposite are 122.15, 1218, and 1509 m2g−1, respectively. Under optimum conditions (0.8 g/L of the catalyst, CTC: 30 mg/L, and a pH 5), 89.5 % of total organic carbon (TOC) was removed within 180 min. Compared to BTZ photocatalyst, the BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 nanocomposite has a significantly larger surface area, thus enhancing photocatalytic activity. A synergistic effect was observed in the photodegradation of TC under Hg-lamp irradiation with the proposed BTZ/ZIF-67 composite. It is possible to alter the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst by changing the BTZ (30 %wt)/ZIF-67 ratio.

Rationally tailored configuration of multifunctional scavengers by encapsulating nanoscale Fe0 and FeS into zeolite imidazole framework–8 with reinforced perrhenate/pertechnetate confinement

In order to probe into the potential application prospects of multifunctional scavengers in remediating nuclear wastewater, we combined versatile functionality of nanoscale Fe0 and FeS with tailorable porosity of zeolitic imidazole frameworks–8 (ZIF–8) to manufacture two multifunctional scavengers for ReO4– confinement i.e., NZVI@ZIF–8 by reduction approach and FeS@ZIF–8 by coprecipitation approach. Batch approaches unveiled that as–manufactured scavengers illustrated an reinforced performance towards ReO4– confinement. The pseudo-second-order model was well simulated with the kinetic of ReO4– confinement. Thermodynamic analysis unraveled that ReO4– confinement was endothermic and spontaneous. The mechanism was explored via characterization alters of structure and composition of NZVI@ZIF–8 and FeS@ZIF–8 before and after ReO4– confinement. Specifically, fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that NZVI and FeS were successfully encapsulated into ZIF–8, and NZVI@ZIF–8 and FeS@ZIF–8 remained stable after ReO4– confinement. X–ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) unveiled that various Fe mineral phases were formed on the scavenger surfaces under various reaction conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) unraveled existence of Re(VI)/Re(IV) on scavengers surfaces, unveiling ReO4– was initially enriched NZVI@ZIF–8 and FeS@ZIF–8 surfaces with subsequent reduction into Re(VI)/Re(IV). This work proposed an innovative perspective to tailored multifunctional scavengers in nuclear waste management.

Robust ZIF-8 based superhydrophobic coating with anti-icing, anti-corrosion, and substrate universality

The design of superhydrophobic materials based on zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) has attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional chemical stability, high specific surface area, and environmental friendliness. However, research in the fields of anti-corrosion and anti-icing remains in its infancy, and the mechanical stability of reported ZIF-based superhydrophobic surfaces is generally poor. In this study, we synthesized ZIF-8@PDA materials in an aqueous system and followed with stearic acid (STA) modification to achieve low surface energy, resulting in ZIF-8@PDA@STA. Subsequently, we applied a spray-coating method to sequentially construct WPU and ZIF-8@PDA@STA layer on aluminum alloy substrates, achieving a ZIF-8@PDA@STA/WPU superhydrophobic coating with exceptional mechanical stability. This coating retained its superhydrophobicity even after 5600 cm of abrasion distance. Furthermore, results from surface wettability, electrochemical and anti-icing tests demonstrated that the coated aluminum alloy exhibited excellent interfacial non-wetting, self-cleaning, anti-fouling, and significantly enhanced corrosion resistance and delayed icing properties. Additionally, the facile preparation of this coating on various substrates facilitates the large-scale application of such materials. The construction of this multifunctional ZIF-8 based superhydrophobic coating is expected to greatly expand the application of ZIF materials across diverse fields.

Ammonium perchlorate catalyzed with novel n-Al modified on ZIF-67 with silane coupling agent: Superior catalytic activity, advanced decomposition kinetics and mechanisms

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is commonly utilized as an oxidizer in composite solid propellants (CSPs), and the thermal decomposition of AP has a significant impact on the combustion behaviour of CSPs. Aluminum nanoparticles (n-Al) as a prospective metal fuel have received a lot of interest, however properly extracting energy from n-Al remains a great challenge. Native oxide layer limits the energetic performance of n-Al by impeding sufficient combustion and slowing down mass/heat transport. Development of the high energy storage based on metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) is always a desirable way. This group of hybrid materials uses zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) as the precursors of the metal oxides as the oxidizers in conventional nanothermite. Coating n-Al on the surface of ZIF-67 with a silane coupling agent to erase or disturb the oxide layer on the n-Al surface improves n-Al combustion. n-Al@ZIF-67 was synthesized and integrated into AP matrix. The catalytic activity of n-Al@ZIF-67 on AP decomposition was assessed via DSC and TGA/DTG. Whereas n-Al@ZIF-67/AP nanocomposite demonstrated decomposition enthalpy of 2350 J/g; pure AP demonstrated 836 J/g, ZIF-67/AP demonstrated 1680 J/g, and n-Al/AP demonstrated 1170 J/g. While Al@ZIF-67/AP nanocomposite demonstrated one decomposition temperature at 327 oC; pure AP decompose at two decomposition stages at 298 oC, and 453 oC. n-Al@ZIF-67/AP showed a violent reaction with high intensity of flame, and micro-explosion occurred due to rapidly disrupted oxide layer that covered Al core. Decomposition kinetics was investigated. n-Al@ZIF-67/AP demonstrated apparent activation energy of 125.3 ± 1.23 kJ/mol compared with 173.16 ± 1.95 kJ/mol for pure AP. Co3O4 NPs as the combustion product from ZIF-67 can expose active surface sites; the ability of adsorption of released NH3 gas, which inhibition AP from decomposition, offering efficient combustion. This work provides a new strategy for advanced CSPs by introducing ZIF-67 to construct bifunctional properties for AP decomposition, and n-Al combustion.

In situ growth of ZIF-8 on cellulose microspheres with high doxorubicin loading capacity and pH-sensitive for oral drug delivery

Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles are a class of porous nanomaterials with wide application prospects. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) materials have high loading performance and pH-sensitive characteristics, which means they have great development prospects in the development of drug carrier systems. Herein, cellulose microspheres (CM) were used as a carrier for the nucleation and growth of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. CM@ZIF-8 was prepared in situ, which was more convenient, flexible, cost-effective, and highly safe. CM@ZIF-8, as a novel carrier, was used to monitor the release of the anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) and prevent it from dissipating before reaching its goal. The designed DOX-loaded CM@ZIF-8 (CM@ZIF-8-DOX) system was characterized by FTIR, SEM, N2 sorption isotherm, XRD, and Cytotoxicity assay (cells survival rate 95.08 %). CM@ZIF-8-DOX exhibited controlled drug release behavior in simulated in-vitro tumor microenvironments (81.2 % drug release throughout 72h). CM@ZIF-8 simultaneously had a high loading capacity of DOX (Qe = 159.71 mg∙g−1), and the amount released under acidic conditions (pH 5.0) was greater (63.4 % after 15 h) than under neutral conditions (pH 7.4) due to the detachment of the coordination between metal ions and ligands (37.6 % after 15 h).

Visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of anticancer drugs via zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8@ZIF-67): mechanistic insights

Visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of anticancer drugs via zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8@ZIF-67): mechanistic insights

Bimetal-organic framework derived single-atom-like Co/Fe catalysts for peroxydisulfate activation: The dual amplification of radical and nonradical pathways

A novel single-atom-like Co/Fe catalyst (i.e., Co/Fe-N-C) was synthesized by pyrolysis of a Zn/Co/Fe zeolitic imidazolate framework, and applied in peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. The isolated diatomic metal-nitrogen sites were detected by X-ray adsorption fine-structure. The degradation of four contaminants (i.e., phenol, bisphenol A, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) with a concentration of 100 mg/L could be degraded separately within 20 min by the Co/Fe-N-C system with 10 mmol/L of PDS, 0.5 g/L of catalyst dosage, and initial pH of 3. Besides, 79.2 % of phenol could be mineralized in 120 min, and the turn-over frequency value of the catalyst was calculated to be 27.17 min−1, which was higher than the commonly reported homogeneous PS-AOPs. Moreover, the Co/Fe-N-C exhibited high stability (mineralization rate over 70 % after 5 cycles), a wide initial pH range (3−9), and high catalytic performance at 5–20 mmol/L of PDS concentrations. Based on the analysis of radical scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance spectra, the radical and non-radical pathways for PDS activation were proved in the system, and the contribution of phenol degradation by each pathway was clarified.

Recent Advances in H2 Purification and CO2 Capture: Evolving from Flat Sheet to Hollow Fiber Membranes

Hydrogen (H2) production and demand have steadily increased, leading to a rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since fossil fuels are the current raw material for H2 production. Thin film composite (TFC) hollow fiber membranes have become significant in H2 purification and CO2 capture, playing a critical role in developing next-generation fuels and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) – Affordable and Clean Energy, with the goal of providing universal access to clean, advanced, and renewable energy for all. However, the polymeric selective layer of TFC membranes faces a trade-off between permeability and selectivity, as well as challenges including CO2 plasticization and physical aging. Additionally, H2/CO2 separation remains particularly challenging because H2, being diffusivity-selective, permeates more quickly through the membrane due to its smaller molecular size and higher kinetic energy, while CO2, being solubility-selective, has a high affinity for dissolving in most polymeric membranes. Herein, this review provides an in-depth exploration of innovative modification strategies designed to overcome these challenges in glassy polymeric membranes and enhance H2 separation performance in the recent 10 years. Various nanofillers, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as University of Oslo (UiO), Materials Institute Lavoisier (MILs), and Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), have shown remarkable potential in boosting gas separation capabilities due to their superior compatibility with polymer matrices and tunable properties. The review also explores different types of hollow fiber membranes, including single layer, dual-layer, and TFC, alongside fabrication techniques like interfacial polymerization and dip-coating. Critically, the analysis highlights cutting-edge strategies to improve membrane performance, such as (i) thermal cross-linking, (ii) chemical cross-linking, (iii) ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking, (iv) polymer blends, and (v) modified fillers, along with their objectives and expected outcome. Furthermore, the review spotlights breakthroughs in H2/CO2, H2/CH4, and H2/N2 separation technologies, emphasizing the critical need for continued innovation to drive sustainable H2 production and meet the growing clean energy demand.

Polymetallic MnW/Co3O4 porous composites derived from polyoxometalate-induced “cage-within-cage” zeolitic imidazolate frameworks with high efficiency towards NOx reduction

Exploitation of highly active, economical and environmentally friendly catalysts is the primary imperative for addressing the pivotal concerns confronting NOx pollution. Transition metal oxides have shown good application prospects in NOx purification due to their plentiful availability and affordable pricing. Herein, a confinement-pyrolysis strategy for preparation of MnW/Co3O4 composites with porous structures and high dispersion of active components transformed from polyoxometalate (POM)-encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) was showcased. The strong interaction of Mn and Co contributes to the production of rich Mn3+ and Co3+ content (Mn4+ + Co2+ → Mn3+ + Co3+; Mn2+ + Co3+ → Mn3+ + Co2+). Compared with W/Co3O4, the Mn addition can increase the accessibility of active sites, induce more oxygen vacancies, acid sites and defects formation at the interfacial regions, promote the adsorption and activation of NH3 and NO, resulting in a 10–50 % higher NOx conversion at the 100−300 °C under 40,000 h−1. More encouragingly, experimental results suggested that the Mn-containing catalyst also exhibits much better tolerance against SO2, H2O, and HC than the Mn-free catalyst. This work demonstrates that guest@host POM@ZIF-functionalized derivative materials possess promising application perspective for low-temperature NOx reduction.

Selective micropollutants removal in wastewaters by non-radical activation of peroxymonosulfate: Multiparameter analysis of electron-donating capacity

Understanding the electron-donating capacity (EDC) of pollutants in selective advanced oxidation systems is crucial for efficient wastewater decontamination. A novel catalyst, composed of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived Co3O4 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), was synthesized for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. This multiphase PMS activation system efficiently degraded organic pollutants (OPs) with high EDC, indicated by their Hammett constant (σρ) and energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO), achieving a mineralization rate of 83.63 % within 15 min. Singlet oxygen and Co(IV) were identified as the primary reactive species in wastewater decontamination. The electron transfer pathway played a pivotal role in converting Co(II) to Co(IV) and oxidizing OPs. Moreover, the multiphase PMS activation system maintained high activity and selectivity in practical hospital wastewater decontamination. This study offers insights into selective decontamination for complex wastewaters, leveraging the EDC of OPs and the advantages of non-radical-dominated advanced oxidation processes.

Development of a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus in various samples

Food poisoning caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant global public health concern, impacting both developing and developed countries. One effective method for detecting S. aureus is the use of electrochemical aptasensors. This study introduces a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor designed for detecting of S. aureus bacteria. The aptasensor incorporates ferrocene (Fc) as an electrochemical signal tag, which is covalently bonded to a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). To enhance the performance of the working electrode, a nanocomposite of three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide and chitosan is used to create a nanomaterial film with a large surface area and excellent conductivity. The S. aureus-specific aptamer sequence is immobilized as the bio-recognition element, and cDNA-ZIF-8-Fc is hybridized with the immobilized aptamer. Differential pulse voltammograms of the modified electrode are recorded before and after the interaction between the immobilized aptamer and S. aureus. The changes in peak current serve as the analytical signal for the quantitative measurement of S. aureus. The designed aptasensor can detect S. aureus within a linear concentration range of 15.0 to 1.5 × 107 CFU mL−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.3 CFU mL−1. The results demonstrate that the aptasensor effectively quantifies S. aureus selectively in the presence of other bacterial species. Additionally, satisfactory results are obtained when measuring S. aureus in tap water and milk samples.

Enhanced ammonia yield rate from nitrogen on collapsed dodecahedral-shaped Co/NC electrocatalyst

Nowadays, multi-component non-precious metal catalysts have been considered as a significant strategy for enhancing the yield of synthesizing NH3 by electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (E-NRR). In the present work, carbon composites doped with well-dispersed Co and N (Co/NC) were prepared by pyrolyzing zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) at various temperatures protected under a N2 flow. Co/NC exhibits a collapsed dodecahedral morphology with a mesoporous structure (3.5-4 nm). The chemical states of Co/N and the structural defects of C are closely related to the carbonization temperature. In a N2-saturated 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, the as-prepared catalysts exhibit an NH3 yield rate (Y(NH3)) of 60.57 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 and a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 23.3% at -0.1 V (vs the reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) at ambient conditions. The enhanced E-NRR activity of Co/NC may primarily originate from an associative distal pathway on the Co-N3-C sites and the carbon defects in an alkaline electrolyte. Specifically, this work presents a three-component E-NRR catalyst with excellent stability and great activity based on Co/NC.

Z-scheme heterostructure of ZnO@NPC/Au/ZnIn2S4 for chemical replacement reaction-mediated signal-on photoelectrochemical assay of mercury ion

Herein, an advanced Zn-based metal organic framework (Zn-MOF) derived ZnO embedded in a nitrogen-doped porous carbon (ZnO@NPC) polyhedron/Au/ three-dimensional (3D) chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S Z-scheme heterojunction was employed for the chemical replacement reaction-mediated signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). The p-type ZnO@NPC polyhedron was initially prepared by carbonising the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 polyhedron, followed by modification with Au nanoparticles (NPs) via an in situ photocatalytic reduction method. Subsequently, the ZnO@NPC/Au polyhedron was combined with n-type 3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 through physical adsorption, forming the ZnO@NPC polyhedron/Au/3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme heterostructure. The newly constructed heterostructure exhibited strong visible light–harvesting capacity, and considerably improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. The 3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 functioned not only as a photosensitiser but also as an Hg2+ recognition probe. Importantly, the PEC sensor exhibited a considerably increased photocurrent response to Hg2+. This is presumably because the introduction of Hg2+ triggered a selective Zn-to-Hg chemical replacement reaction, leading to the in-situ formation of a ZnO@NPC/Au/ZnIn2S4/HgS heterojunction, which further improved charge separation. Consequently, Hg2+ was sensitively detected with a wide linear range from 0.5 pM to 2 μM and a low detection limit of 0.07 pM. Furthermore, the proposed sensor was validated by detecting Hg2+ in food and aqueous environments, indicating its potential application in food safety and environmental monitoring.

A rewritable and shape memory hydrogel doped with fluorescein-functionalized ZIF-8 for information storage and fluorescent anti-counterfeiting

The emergence of stimuli-responsive fluorescence anti-counterfeiting technology has garnered increasing attention in the era of intelligent internet. Smart fluorescent hydrogels combine the characteristics of luminous materials with the unique structure of hydrogels, offering the potential for dynamic reversible erasing and multi-tiered data encryption. In this work, a fluorescent hydrogel was constructed by zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 loaded with fluorescein and then mixed with polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and borax, which could be used for image hiding in visible light. The reversible bonds cross-linked fluorescent hydrogel was stretchable and self-healing with a three-dimensional network structure. The hydrogel presented bright green fluorescence under 365 nm UV light, which was quenched by adding copper ions. Meanwhile, the imprint of the hydrogel could be cleared by L-Cysteine and repeatedly recorded information many times. The alkali-induced shape memory capability was further utilized to achieve multi-tiered data encryption by deforming it to a 3D-specific shape through splicing or folding. The rewritable and multi-dimensional encrypted hydrogel is expected to improve data security and reduce resource consumption.

N-coordinated iron sites dispersed in porous carbon frameworks to activate peroxymonosulfate for efficient sulfisoxazole degradation and real hospital wastewater decontamination

Herein, an N-coordinated Fe site dispersed in porous carbon frameworks (Fe-NC) fabricated from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks encapsulated with iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3 @ZIFs) was employed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the attenuation of sulfisoxazole (SIZ) and treating real hospital wastewater. The constructed Fe-NC/PMS system exhibited good catalytic stability for SIZ degradation, maintaining excellent degradation performance over multiple cycles with virtually no leaching. The quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) capture analyses, and semi-quantitative measurements showed that singlet oxygen (1O2) and high-valent metal-oxo species were mainly responsible for SIZ degradation by Fe-NC/PMS. Significantly, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to trace 134 pharmaceutical contaminants in real hospital wastewater. Effective degradation was achieved for 87 % of the pharmaceutical contaminants by the Fe-NC/PMS process. Seventy-four pharmaceutical contaminants were eliminated. Taken together, this work successfully established the Fe-NC/PMS technology using the developed iron-based materials and explored its application to real hospital wastewater treatment, providing an eco-friendly and effective strategy for treating wastewater.

Adsorption of chloramphenicol onto cobalt-based zeolitic-imidazolate framework (Co-ZIF-67)

Adsorption of chloramphenicol onto cobalt-based zeolitic-imidazolate framework (Co-ZIF-67)

A metal-organic nanoframework for efficient colorectal cancer immunotherapy by the cGAS-STING pathway activation and immune checkpoint blockade

Immunotherapy has shown marked progress in promoting systemic anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical effects. For further effectively sensitizing CRC to immunotherapy, we have engineered a pH-sensitive zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (CS/NPs), capable of efficient cGAS-STING pathway activation and immune checkpoint blockade, by encapsulating the chemotherapeutic mitoxantrone (MTX) and immunomodulator thymus pentapeptide (TP5) and tailoring with tumor-targeting chondroitin sulfate (CS). In this nanoframework, CS endows CS/NPs with specific tumor-targeting activity and reduced systemic toxicity. Of note, the coordinated Zn2+ disrupts glycolytic processes and downregulates the expression of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), thus depriving the cancer cells of their energy. Zn2+ further initiates the adenosine 5’-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which leads to PD-L1 protein degradation and sensitizes CRC cells to immunotherapy. Moreover, the damaged double-stranded DNA during MTX treatment activates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, which works together with TP5 induced the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes and dendritic cells to further enhance the anti-CRC immune response. Therefore, CS/NPs efficiently sensitize cells to chemotherapy and stimulate systemic antitumor immune responses both in vitro and in vivo, representing a promising strategy to increase the feasibility of CRC immunotherapy.Graphical

Potential of CME@ZIF-8 MOF Nanoformulation: Smart Delivery of Silymarin for Enhanced Performance and Mechanism in Albino Rats.

Silymarin, an antioxidant, is locally used for kidney and heart ailments. However, its limited water solubility and less oral bioavailability limit its therapeutic efficiency. The present study investigated the enhancement of solubility and bioavailability of silymarin by loading it in Cordia myxa plant extract-coated zeolitic imidazole framework (CME@ZIF-8) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiac toxicity in albino rats. The synthesized PEG-coated silymarin drug-loaded CME@ZIF-8 MOFs (PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and zeta potential. The average crystal size of CME@ZIF-8 and PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 was 12.69 and 16.81 nm, respectively. The silymarin drug loading percentage in PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 was 33.05% (w/w). In the animal model with CCl4 treatment, different parameters like serum profile, enzymatic level, genotoxicity, and histopathology were assessed. Treatment with PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 with different doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 μg/kg body weight efficiently ameliorated the alterations in the antioxidant defenses, biochemical parameters, and histopathological alterations and DNA damage in comparison to silymarin drug in a CCl4-induced toxicity rat model via alleviating the cellular abnormalities and attenuation of normal antioxidant enzymes levels. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of drug-silymarin interaction with the target protein was investigated. It involves the binding pockets of silymarin molecules with VEGFR, TNF-α, NLRP3, AT1R, NOX1, RIPK1, Caspase-3, CHOP, and MMP-9 proteins, elucidating the silymarin-protein interactions by the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study suggests that the nanodrug PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 MOFs protect the kidneys and heart possibly by mitigating oxidative stress more efficiently than the conventional drug silymarin.

Synergistic bactericidal effect of antimicrobial peptides and copper sulfide-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles with photothermal therapy

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant threat to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have proven to be an effective strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, given their capacity to swiftly disrupt microorganism membranes and alter cell morphology. A common limitation, however, lies in the inherent toxicity of many AMPs and their vulnerability to protease degradation within the body. Photothermal therapy (PTT) stands out as a widely utilized approach in combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, boasting high efficiency and non-invasive benefits. To enhance the stability and antibacterial efficacy of AMPs, a novel approach involving the combination of AMPs and PTT has been proposed. This study focuses on the encapsulation of At10 (an AMP designed by our group), and copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) within zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to form nanocomposites (At10/CuS@ZIF-8). The encapsulated CuS NPs exhibit notable photothermal properties upon exposure to near-infrared radiation. This induces the cleavage of ZIF-8, facilitating the release of At10, which effectively targets bacterial membranes to exert its antibacterial effects. Bacteria treated with At10/CuS@ZIF-8 under light radiation exhibited not only membrane folding and intracellular matrix outflow but also bacterial fracture. This synergistic antibacterial strategy, integrating the unique properties of AMPs, CuS NPs, and pH responsiveness of ZIF-8, holds promising potential for widespread application in the treatment of bacterial infections.