Latest ArticlesSolar interfacial evaporation (SIE), is currently one of the most potential water supply technologies in the remote, insular, and disaster-stricken areas. However, the existence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water deteriorates the distillate quality, threatening human health. Herein, we constructed a carbon-based bimetallic (C/FeCo) photothermal membrane by electrospinning technique. Results illustrated that the membrane can catalytically degrade VOCs during SIE with persulfate (PDS) mediation. PDS, as well as phenol, was mainly reacted on the interface of the photothermal membrane instead of in the bulk solution. The interception efficiency of phenol achieved nearly 100% using the C/FeCo membrane during SIE. Hydroxyl radical (•OH), sulfate radical (SO4•−), superoxide radical (O2•−), and singlet oxygen (1O2) were identified as the main active substances to degrade VOCs. We also conducted SIE experiments using actual river water to evaluate the practical performance of the C/FeCo membrane. This work holds the promise of VOCs interception during SIE and enlarges the application of solar distillation in water/wastewater treatment.
The utilization of solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is highly important in addressing the energy crisis and water scarcity, primarily because of its affordability and minimal energy usage. Enhancing the performance of solar energy evaporation and minimizing material degradation during application can be achieved through the design of novel photothermal materials. In solar interfacial evaporation, photothermal materials exhibit a wide range of additional characteristics, but a systematic overview is lacking. This paper encompasses an examination of various categories and principles pertaining to photothermal materials, as well as the structural design considerations for salt-resistant materials. Additionally, we discuss the versatile uses of this appealing technology in different sectors related to energy and the environment. Furthermore, potential solutions to enhance the durability of photothermal materials are also highlighted, such as the rational design of micro/nano-structures, the use of adhesives, the addition of anti-corrosion coatings, and the preparation of self-healing surfaces. The objective of this review is to offer a viable resolution for the logical creation of high-performance photothermal substances, presenting a guide for the forthcoming advancement of solar evaporation technology.
Hydrocarbons (HCs), as major poisoning substances, have a crucial influence on NH3-SCR catalysts. In this work, the effects of C3H6 on fresh and hydrothermally aged Cu-SSZ-39 catalysts with different copper contents were investigated. All catalysts suffered a deactivation above 250 ℃, especially between 300-400 ℃, which was mainly related to the reaction between NH3 and C3H6. However, the hydrothermally aged and the high-copper-loaded Cu-SSZ-39 catalysts could achieve a recovery of NH3-SCR performance at high temperatures. Such activity recovery was attributed to the oxidation of C3H6 by CuxOy species, which therefore inhibited the reaction between NH3 and C3H6. As a result, more NH3 could be available for the NH3-SCR reaction and the Cu-SSZ-39 catalysts could maintain a good catalytic activity. Based on these findings, we proposed that high loaded Cu-SSZ-39 catalysts with a little CuOx formed are preferred for application.
Herein, we describe a nickel-catalyzed reductive decarboxylative difluoromethylation reaction of alkenes using inexpensive and easy-to-handle difluoroacetic anhydride (DFAA)/pyridine N-oxide reagent system. A variety of C(sp3)-CF2H containing compounds were prepared through a hydrodifluoromethylation process. Besides, various gem–difluoroalkenes bearing CF2H group were synthesized via defluorinative reductive cross-coupling process from trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes using this new reaction system. Difluoroacetic anhydride has been then extended to other common alkyl anhydrides, and the corresponding hydroalkylation and defluoroalkylation processes have been successfully achieved. This method features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance as well as high efficiency.
3-Deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) is widely distributed in bacteria, and the synthesis of Kdo-containing oligosaccharides is important for the development of novel antibiotics and immunological agents. We have recently developed a strategy to achieve α-stereocontrolled glycosylation using a C3-p-tolylthio-substituted Kdo phosphite donor. The wide substrate scope and high reactivity of the donors enabled the efficient synthesis of a series of Kdo-containing glycosides with complete α-stereoselectivity and without the formation of 2,3-ene byproducts. In this study, we improved the method by replacing the leaving group diethyl phosphite with fluoride, which enhanced the stability of the donor and led to cleaner reaction. Furthermore, the substrate range was expanded by synthesizing a series of Kdo O/C/S/N-glycosides, which also opened up a new avenue for the synthesis of CMP-Kdo synthase inhibitors.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) not only directly eradicates tumor cells but also boosts immunogenicity, promoting antigen presentation and immune cell infiltration. However, the robust antioxidant defense mechanisms within tumor cells significantly weaken the efficacy of photodynamic immunotherapy. Herein, a supramolecular hybrid nanoassembly is constructed by exploring the synergistic effects of the photodynamic photosensitizer (pyropheophorbide a, PPa) and the ferroptosis inducer (erastin). The erastin-mediated inhibition of system Xc− significantly downregulates glutathione (GSH) expression, amplifying intracellular oxidative stress, leading to pronounced cell apoptosis, and promoting the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Additionally, the precise cooperation of PPa and erastin enhances ferroptosis efficiency, exacerbating the accumulation of lipid peroxides (LPOs). Ultimately, LPOs serve as a "find me" signal, while DMAPs act as an "eat me" signal, collectively promoting dendritic cell maturation, enhancing infiltration of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and eliciting a robust immune response. This study opens new horizons for enhancing tumor immunotherapy through simultaneous ferroptosis-PDT.
Metabolism is a general term for a series of ordered chemical reactions in an organism used to maintain life, mainly divided into anabolic and catabolic metabolism. Nucleic acid therapy can not only precisely up-regulate and down-regulate the expression of target genes but also correct mutated disease-causing genes, which demonstrates irreplaceable and outstanding advantages in the treatment of metabolism-related diseases and has been applied to the clinical treatment of metabolism-related diseases. In this review, we introduce the structures of several major nucleic acid drugs and the mechanism of nucleic acid therapy. Subsequently, we describe the mechanisms of various biomolecular and tissue metabolisms and the etiology of metabolic disorders, classified according to metabolic substrates. We analyze the signal pathways and potential targets affecting the metabolism of each substrate and describe the nucleic acid drugs applied to these targets and their delivery technologies. This review aims to provide new ideas and targets for treating these diseases by investigating the role played by metabolism in developing diseases and providing guidance for the selection and design of nucleic acid drugs.
As hydrogen energy technologies gain momentum, the role of renewable energy in facilitating sustainable hydrogen production is becoming increasingly critical. As a hydrogen production method, water electrolysis has attracted much attention from researchers due to its operational simplicity, the high purity of the hydrogen generated, and its potential for achieving zero carbon emissions throughout the process. Numerous studies has been manipulated on platinum (Pt)-based catalysts, which exhibit superior performance in hydrogen evolution reactions. Within this category, Pt nanoclusters stand out due to their unique attributes, such as quantum size effects and unique coordination environments. These features enable them to outperform both Pt metal atoms and nanoparticles in hydrogen evolution reactions regarding activity and stability. Here, we primarily delve into the reaction mechanisms underlying Pt nanocluster-based hydrogen catalysts, with particular emphasis on the interactions between the metal catalysts and their associated support materials. We provide an exhaustive summary of the strategies employed in the synthesis, the structural analyses conducted, and the performance metrics observed for Pt nanocluster catalysts when paired with various supporting materials. In closing, we explore the future potential and challenges facing Pt nanocluster-based catalysts in the context of industrial water electrolysis, along with emerging avenues for their design and optimization.
Diabetic liver injury is a widespread complication of diabetes and carries a high risk to liver function. Therefore, early diagnosis of diabetic liver injury is of great significance for providing quality of life for diabetic patients. Most of the activated dual-modal probes are usually activated by single factor stimulation, which greatly reduces the diagnostic accuracy of liver injury. Here, a novel cysteine (Cys)/homocysteine (Hcy) and viscosity-enhanced dual-modal probe DAL was developed for the first time to monitor diabetic liver injury and its repair process. In the presence of Cys/Hcy, the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) signals of the probe DAL were activated, with further signal enhancement in high viscosity environments. This Cys/Hcy and viscosity cascade probe exhibits heightened sensitivity and enhanced anti-interference capabilities, contributing to the advancement of liver injury diagnosis accuracy. In addition, the probe DAL shows exceptional mitochondrial targeting ability, enabling sensitive monitoring of Cys/Hcy and viscosity alterations within mitochondria. Based on NIRF/PA dual-modal imaging technology, the probe was successfully used for the first time in a mouse diabetic liver injury model to evaluate the extent of liver damage and the repair process by tracking the levels of Cys/Hcy and viscosity. Therefore, the two-factor activated dual-modal probe developed in this study provides a powerful instrument for accurate diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of complications related to diabetes.
Systemic administration of the anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate (MTX) for a long period of time may lead to therapeutic tolerance, various adverse effects, and potential harm to the immune system. Therapeutic nano-delivery carriers constructed based on biologically active phenols provide a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic effect of anti-rheumatic drugs. Caffeic acid, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties, holds significant potential in the treatment of diverse inflammatory conditions. In this paper, we first constructed a nano-delivery platform for MTX using caffeic acid-based polyphenol polymer Ph-CaA-OH (PCOH), and investigated the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at low drug administration doses (2.5 mg/kg). PCOH nanoparticles (NPs) could inhibit lipopolysaccharidesstimulated macrophage inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and pro-inflammatory differentiation in vitro. In vivo imaging revealed the rapid accumulation and sustained presence of PCOH NPs at inflamed joints in collagen induced-arthritis (CIA) mice. Therapeutic evaluation of CIA mice demonstrated that MTX@PCOH NPs were superior to free MTX in reducing the progression of RA and decreasing the expression of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines without significant toxic effects. By enhancing drug aggregation at inflammatory joints and capitalizing on the synergistic effects of active carriers, MTX@PCOH NPs effectively minimized the required drug dosage and mitigated toxic side effects in RA treatment. The application of PCOH NPs to RA treatment provides a new strategy for the development of safer and more effective anti-RA nanomedicines.
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