Latest ArticlesA 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+.
Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral element for human and other animals, and has been proved to improve plant growth and development and tolerance to different abiotic stresses. Selenium biofortification is considered to be a key strategy to increase the selenium content of edible parts of crops, which is helpful for improving human health. In this work, foliar fertilization with different concentrations and selenium forms was carried out on two wheat varieties at the flowering stage to compare the selenium enrichment effect of Na2SeO3, methylselenized selenocysteine (MSC), methylselenized glucose (MSG) and methylselenized lactide (MSL) in wheat grains. Surprisingly, MSG was found to be the preferable fertilizer. After the application of MSG, the highest selenium content in wheat gains reached 6 mg/kg in this experiment, and the average selenium content was 2–4 times versus that of Na2SeO3 application. Since MSG has high utilization rate and is easily available at relatively low cost, it can be employed as a potential selenium source for selenium biofortification to enhance the added value of agricultural industry.
The origin of regioselectivity in meta-selective C-H borylation of benzamides directed by hydrogen bond interaction between ligand and substrate is elucidated through combined computational and experimental studies. We discover that a non-directed pathway, in which the urea moiety in ligand recognizes the O atom in Bpin instead of substrate, competes with the directed pathway and erodes the meta-selectivity. The non-directed pathway is sensitive to steric repulsion between Bpin and urea, and thus can be impeded by introducing a bulky substituent into the urea moiety. Accordingly, we optimize the ligand and improve the meta-selectivity in the Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation of some previously reported unsuccessful arenes.
Poor tumor accumulation remains a serious challenge for nanomedicines to achieve ideal antitumor outcomes. The different size preferences for systematic circulation, tumor retention and deep permeation have attracted great attention when designing antineoplastic nano-delivery system. Herein, we developed a nano-system which can shrink its size in tumor microenvironment to achieve better tumor retention and penetration. In this work, the cationic bovine serum albumin-protected, doxorubicin-loaded gold nanoclusters (CAuNC-DOX) and amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are connected by Fe2+ and are further coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to obtain a core-satellite MSN-Fe-CAuNC-DOX@HA nano system (MFADH). When reaching the tumor site, the HA shell, which endows the system with both good biocompatibility and preferable tumor targeting ability, was disintegrated, followed by acid-stimulated release of small-sized pharmacological unit—CAuNC-DOX for further tumor penetration. As demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo results, MFADH showed excellent antitumor effect, providing a proof of concept for the feasibility of shrinkable nanoplatforms in tumor treatment.
Herein, we report the first atroposelective C(sp2)–H bond acyloxylation enabled by a phosphine oxide directing group. Uniquely, this transformation is shown to proceed through an eight-membered palladacycle intermediate, as opposed to the kinetically and thermodynamically favored five-membered palladacycle intermediate. Additionally, L-pGlu-OH, a cheap and abundant chiral amino acid derivative, was identified as the best chiral ligand to promote this atroposelective remote CH functionalization reaction.
Clusteroluminescence (CL) materials, as an emerging class of luminescent materials with unique photophysical properties, have received increasing attention owing to their great theoretical significance and potential for biological applications. Although much progress has been made in the design, synthesis and application of CL materials, there is still a big challenge in the emission mechanism. So far, through-space interaction has been proposed as the preliminary mechanism of the corresponding clusterization-triggered emission (CTE) effect, but a systematic theory is still needed. This review summarizes the current mechanistic understanding of CL materials including organic/inorganic small molecules, and polymers with/without isolated aromatic structures. In addition, some strategies to achieve high quantum yield, adjustable emission color, and persistent room temperature phosphorescence in CL materials are also summarized. At last, a perspective of the mechanism and application of CL materials are demonstrated, which inspire the researchers working on the development of new kinds of functional materials.
Available online An efficient method for the synthesis of multi-substituted cyclic imides was developed with cyanoesters and diaryliodonium salts. This method proceeds through a cascade of N-arylation-acylation and rearrangement to give target heterocycles in good yields (up to 99%). This method has the major advantages of a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility. The strategy was also extended to the fused cyclic imides, such as malonimides, succinimides and glutarimides.
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.
Considering the earth powered by intermittent renewable energy in the coming future, solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) will play an indispensable role in efficient energy conversion and storage on demand. The thermolytic and kinetic merits grant SOEC a bright potential to be directly integrated with electrical grid and downstream chemical synthesis process. Meanwhile, the scientific community are still endeavoring to pursue the SOEC assembled with better materials and operated at a more energy-efficient way. In this review article, at cell level, we focus on the recent development of electrolyte, cathode, anode and buffer layer materials for both steam and CO2 electrolysis. On the other hand, we also discuss the next generation SOEC operated with the assistant of other fuels to further reduce the energy consumption and enhance the productivity of the electrolyzer. And stack level, the sealant, interconnect and stack operation strategies are collectively covered. Finally, the challenges and future research direction in SOECs are included.