Latest ArticlesElectrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) under ambient conditions is significant for carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. Nevertheless, the lack of efficient electrocatalysts with tunable nanostructure for NRA remains a grand challenge. Herein, NbWO6 nanosheets with oxygen vacancy (NbWO6-x) was demonstrated via thermal treatment and exfoliation with NH3 selectivity of 86.8% and Faradaic efficiency of 85.7% toward NRA. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra coupled with 15N isotope labeling experiments proved that NH3 originated from NO3−. The function of oxygen vacancy was revealed by computational studies in NRA. Moreover, the reaction mechanism and pathway of NRA could be deduced based on the results of online differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). This work provides a selective NH3 generation strategy to decarbonize the energy-chemical sector, bridging the gap between batteries and biofuels.
A stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer network (G-(CN)2⊂BXDSP5) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties has been efficiently constructed by host–guest interactions between pillar[5]arene derivative BXDSP5 and a homoditopic guest G-(CN)2, which shows not only excellent fluorescence properties due to the AIE effect but also desirable ion-sensing abilities in both solution and solid states, holding great potential in the applicable fluorescence detection for Fe3+. The resultant G-(CN)2⊂BXDSP5 can be transformed into supramolecular polymer gel at high concentration via multiple noncovalent interactions, showing multi-stimuli-responsiveness in response to temperature change, mechanical force, and competitive agent. Meanwhile, the xerogel of supramolecular polymer material has been successfully used to remove Fe3+ from water with high adsorption efficiency. In addition, an ion-responsive film based on supramolecular polymer has also been developed, which can serve as a practical and convenient fluorescence test kit for detecting Fe3+.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a lethal malignancy with a high mortality rate due to its low immunogenicity, the strong immunosuppressive milieu and poor drug permeability. To overcome these obstacles, a cascade synergistic nanosystem (denoted as R837/ICG@Lip) was developed via self-assembly of heater indocyanine green (ICG) and toll-like receptor-7 agonist imiquimod (R837) into thermosensitive liposome for simultaneous induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) and reversing of suppressive tumor microenvironment. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited NIR-triggered drug release, good photothermal conversion efficiency and phototoxicity towards CT26 colorectal cancer cells. In vivo results reveal that the R837/ICG@Lip could be effectively accumulated in CT26 subcutaneous tumors and the draining lymph nodes. More importantly, R837/ICG@Lip-mediated low-temperature photothermal therapy triggers ICD, promotes the maturation of host dendritic cells (DCs), and subsequently amplifies adaptive antitumor T-cell responses, resulting in 'Cold to Hot' transition. Besides directly affecting immune cells, the secretion of some immune-related cytokines further indirectly boosted anti-cancer immunity. After combining with the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor, the systemic antitumor immune response was further augmented, achieving best tumor inhibition effects. Thus, low-temperature mediated photoimmunotherapy targeting multiple antitumor immune pathways boost synergistic antitumor immunity of tolerance tumors.
Binding of non-activated alkyl halides (2–20) in water-soluble cavitand (1) through supramolecular forces is here reported, with emphasis on the role of size and polarizability of the halogen atom in the formation of intramolecular C-H hydrogen bonds in confined spaces. Rare reverse affinity in water (RI < RBr < RCl) is surprisingly observed for the more water-soluble short alkyl halides in dynamic open-ended containers. Competitive bindings and theoretical calculations confirm the unusual selectivity and the presence of C-H hydrogen bonds in non-activated systems for the first time, pointing out the importance and effect of subtle forces on molecular recognition in confined spaces.
Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is defined as the wastewater that contains high concentrations of organics, nutrients and oil and grease generated from the production process of palm oil. Therefore, proper discharge and management of POME is important to avoid deleterious impact on the environment. In fact, solid waste generation is a precursor for its disposal issues as most of the solid waste generated in developing nations is dumped into landfills. This has led to the threat posed by the generation of landfill leachate (LL). LL is a complex dark coloured liquid consisting of organic matter, inorganic substances, trace elements and xenobiotics. Hence, it is essential to effectively treat the landfill leachate before discharging it to avoid contamination of soil, surface & groundwater bodies. Conventional treatment methods comprises of physical, biological and chemical treatment, however, microalgal-based treatment could also be incorporated. Furthermore, with the benefits offered by microalgae in valorisation, the application of microalgae in POME and leachate treatment as well as biofuel production, is considerably viable. This paper provides an acumen of the microalgae-based treatment of POME and LL, integrated with biofuel production in a systematic and critical manner. The pollutants assimilation from wastewater and CO2 biosequestration are discussed for environmental protection. Cultivation systems for wastewater treatment with simultaneous biomass production and its valorisation, are summarised. The study aims to provide insight to industrial stakeholders on economically viable and environmentally sustainable treatment of wastewaters using microalgae, and eventually contributing to the circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that signals for excess β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Although people have made great attempts to control the aggregation of Aβ, no effective medications have been produced yet. Due to its excellent temporal and spatial selectivity, photodynamic treatment has been gradually employed and interfered in the aggregation process of Aβ, with some achievement. To enhance the research and application of photodynamic therapy in Alzheimer's disease, this paper reviews the progress of small-molecule photosensitizers in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in recent years and outlines existing tactics and potential obstacles.
The expression of β-lactamase, particularly metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) in bacteria has caused significant resistance to clinically important β-lactam antibiotics, including life-saving carbapenems. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents to combat antibiotic resistance. However, the cytotoxic AMPs has been one of the major concerns for their applications in clinical practice. Herein, we report a novel cephalosporin-caged AMP, which shows significantly reduced cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, and antibacterial activity but turns highly active against bacteria upon specific hydrolysis by the antimicrobial resistance-causative β-lactamase. Further investigations demonstrate this β-lactamase-activatable AMP selectively inactivates resistant bacterial pathogens over susceptible bacteria. This strategy should be applicable to other AMPs as a potential solution for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by β-lactamase-expressing pathogenic bacteria.
LiMn2O4 (LMO) is the substance of choice for small and medium-sized energy storage materials in daily life. In this work, Li3InCl6 (LIC) is prepared on the surface of LiMn2O4 by hydrothermal method using InCl3 and LiCl as raw materials. This method stabilizes the LMO crystal structure by uniformly coating the LIC on the LMO surface and effectively maintains the morphology of LMO crystals during the cycling process. SEM and EDS analysis confirm the morphology and homogeneity of the synthesized material LIC on the LMO surface. The prepared material is put into a battery, and the charge-discharge test is carried out at 0.5 C and 1 C. The results show that the LIC surface-modified samples exhibit more than 6% higher cycling performance than the unmodified samples after long cycling.
Pillar[5]arene–modified amphiphilic peptides with varying numbers of guanidiniocarbonylpyrrol (GCP) moieties have been successfully synthesized, which can self-assemble to multivalent cationic superstructures in aqueous solutions. These assembled peptides can condense DNA into various compact multimolecular aggregates to achieve successful intracellular DNA delivery and demonstrate great potential for gene transfection. Transfection efficiencies of the self-assembled superstructures have been evaluated in vitro with HeLa and HEK 293T cells. We demonstrate that GCP moiety could enhance the cell transfection ability, owing to its excellent binding towards cytomembrane. It was also found that subtle structure difference in peptides 2 and 3 could result in distinct transfection efficacy, which makes it possible to gain an in-depth understanding of their structure-activity relationship. This work presents a good example of rational structural design in achieving effective gene transfection vectors.
The design of adhesive materials with strong adhesion capacity at low temperatures is a great challenge. Herein, we report a low-molecular-weight supramolecular adhesive that exhibits good adhesion performance to various surfaces at low temperatures (from −18 ℃ to −80 ℃). Moreover, this supramolecular adhesive has good adhesion ability in the presence of water.
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