Search Results (488)

An efficient synthetic method for the preparation of self-assembling conjugated organic materials with a silazane anchor group based on direct hydrosilylation reaction is reported. A novel organic semiconductor molecule, NH(Si-Und-BTBT-Hex)₂, consisting of a polar silazane anchor group linked through undecylenic (Und) aliphatic spacers to conjugated blocks based on benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) and solubilizing hexyl (Hex) end groups, was synthesized. Its self-organization on the air-water interface and solid substrates into ultrathin layers obtained by the Langmuir–Schaefer or Langmuir–Blodgett methods was investigated. Monolayer organic field-effect transistors manufactured from NH(Si-Und-BTBT-Hex)₂ showed operation in the p-type mode. Full article

Peptide-based biomaterials have emerged as versatile tools for pharmaceutical drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and tunable sequences, yet a comprehensive overview of their categories, mechanisms, and optimization strategies remains lacking to guide clinical translation. This review systematically collates advances in peptide-based biomaterials, covering peptide excipients (cell penetrating peptides, tight junction modulating peptides, and peptide surfactants/stabilizers), self-assembling peptides (peptide-based nanospheres, cyclic peptide nanotubes, nanovesicles and micelles, peptide-based hydrogels and depots), and peptide linkers (for antibody drug-conjugates, peptide drug-conjugates, and prodrugs). We also dissect sequence-based optimization strategies, including rational design and biophysical optimization (cyclization, stapling, D-amino acid incorporation), functional motif integration, and combinatorial discovery with AI assistance, with examples spanning marketed drugs and research-stage candidates. The review reveals that cell-penetrating peptides enable efficient intracellular payload delivery via direct penetration or endocytosis; self-assembling peptides form diverse nanostructures for controlled release; and peptide linkers achieve site-specific drug release by responding to tumor-associated enzymes or pH cues, while sequence optimization enhances stability and targeting. Peptide-based biomaterials offer precise, biocompatible and tunable solutions for drug delivery, future advancements relying on AI-driven design and multi-functional modification will accelerate their transition from basic research to clinical application. Full article

Studying nanoscale self-assembly in real time using external stimuli unlocks new opportunities for dynamic and adaptive materials. While electrostatic self-assembly is well-established, real-time monitoring of its structural evolution under light irradiation remains largely unexploited. In this study, we employ light-responsive azobenzene dyes (Acid Yellow 38, AY38) and pH-sensitive polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers to investigate the kinetics of electrostatic self-assembly under UV irradiation. Using a custom in situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) setup, we track the real-time morphological transformations of self-assembled structures with sub-minute resolution. We introduce two distinct pathways: method A (pre-irradiated cis-AY38 for controlled, slow kinetics) and method B (direct UV-induced self-assembly, fast kinetics). The results reveal that trans-cis isomerization kinetics dictate the rate of self-assembly, influencing aggregate stability, ζ-potential evolution, and final morphology. Structural analysis using dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) and SANS elucidates a transition from spherical to ellipsoidal morphologies governed by electrostatic and dipole-dipole interactions. These findings establish photoisomerization-driven self-assembly as a robust mechanism for tunable nanoscale architectures, paving the way for adaptive photonic materials, targeted drug delivery, and reconfigurable nanostructures. Full article

Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to invasion by foreign pathogens and is closely linked to many diseases. Chronic inflammation, if not properly controlled, can pose serious health risks and even threaten life. Currently, the main anti-inflammatory drugs are classified into steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but both have significant side effects that limit their clinical applications. α-Hederin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, is derived from various plants, including Pulsatilla chinensis, Hedera helix, and Nigella sativa. It has been reported that α-hederin can be used to treat both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, it has poor water solubility and low bioavailability. This study shows that α-hederin can directly self-assemble into a hydrogel through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, called He-Gel. The mechanical properties of He-Gel were further characterized using rheological and microrheological methods. Its self-assembly mechanism was comprehensively elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic analyses and computational chemistry. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that He-Gel exhibits lower cytotoxicity and more excellent anti-inflammatory activity compared to free α-hederin. In conclusion, this research provides a solution for the further development of α-hederin. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on polymers as drug carriers, this preparation method is both green and economical. More importantly, it highlights that direct self-assembly of natural small molecules represents a promising strategy for anti-inflammatory therapy. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides have been increasingly recognized as potential anticancer agents, with the KLA peptide (KLAKLAK₂) being one of the most well-known and successful examples. The research interest in the KLA peptide is attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by disrupting the mitochondrial membrane. However, the KLA peptide exhibits poor cellular uptake and it lacks targeting specificity, limiting its clinical potential in cancer therapy. In this review, recent advances in nano-engineered delivery platforms for overcoming the limitations of KLA peptides and enhancing their anticancer efficacy are discussed. Specifically, various nanocarrier systems that enable targeted delivery, controlled release and/or improved bioavailability, including pH-responsive nanosystems, photo-chemo combination liposomes, self-assembled peptide-based nanostructures, nanogel-based delivery systems, homing domain-conjugated KLA structures, inorganic-based nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanocarriers, are highlighted. Additionally, synergistic strategies for combining KLA with chemotherapeutic agents or immunotherapeutic agents to overcome resistance mechanisms in cancer cells are examined. Finally, key challenges for the clinical application of these nanotechnologies are summarized and future directions are proposed. Full article

The increasing complexity and digitization of scientific research require Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) that are adaptable, sustainable, and compliant across heterogeneous laboratory environments. In response to the limitations of proprietary, inflexible, and cost-intensive ELN solutions, this study systematically derives comprehensive requirements and proposes a modular solution concept for self-configurable ELNs that is explicitly platform-agnostic and broadly accessible. The methodological approach combines a structured requirements analysis with a modular architectural design, followed by theoretical validation through stepwise implementation walkthroughs on Microsoft SharePoint and Google Workspace. These walkthroughs demonstrate the feasibility of deploying self-configurable ELN modules using widely available low-code/no-code tools and native platform extensibility mechanisms. Based on a rigorous literature-driven analysis, key requirements, including modularity, usability, regulatory compliance, interoperability, scalability, auditability, and cost efficiency, are explicitly mapped to concrete architectural features within the proposed framework. The results show that essential ELN functionalities can, in principle, be realized across diverse digital platforms, enabling researchers and local administrators to independently assemble, configure, and adapt ELNs to their specific operational and regulatory contexts. Beyond technical feasibility, the proposed approach fundamentally democratizes ELN deployment and substantially mitigates vendor lock-in by leveraging existing digital infrastructures. Identified limitations, particularly with respect to advanced workflow orchestration and real-time data integration, delineate clear directions for future development. Overall, this work provides a systematic theoretical validation of a modular, self-configurable ELN concept, establishing it as a robust, scalable, and future-ready foundation for digital laboratory infrastructures. Full article

Multi-acceptor and all-acceptor polymers solve the fundamental challenge of achieving unipolar electron transport without compromising stability in n-type polymer field-effect transistors. By systematically replacing electron-rich donors with acceptor units, these architectures push LUMO levels below −4.0 eV and HOMO levels below −5.7 eV. Consequently, electron mobilities exceeding 7 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, on/off ratios approaching 10⁷, and months-long ambient operation can be achieved. This review connects the molecular architecture to device function. We assert that short-range π-aggregation matters more than crystallinity—tight π-stacking over 5–10 molecules drives transport in rigid backbones. Device optimization through interface engineering (e.g., amine-functionalized self-assembled monolayers reduce the threshold voltages to 1–5 V), contact resistance minimization, and controlled processing transform the intrinsic material potential into working transistors. Current challenges, such as balancing the operating voltage against stability, scaling synthetic yields, and reducing contact resistance, define near-term research directions toward complementary circuits, thermoelectrics, and bioelectronics. Full article

This review presents a critical and comparative analysis of carbon-based electrochemical sensing platforms for the determination of heavy metal ions in water, with emphasis on Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺. The growing discharge of industrial and mining effluents has led to persistent contamination of aquatic environments by toxic metals, creating an urgent need for sensitive, rapid, and field-deployable analytical technologies. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and MXene, have emerged as key functional components in modern electrochemical sensors due to their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. Based on reported studies, typical detection limits for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) on glassy carbon and thin-film electrodes are in the range of 0.4–1.2 µg/L. For integrated thin-film sensing systems, limits of detection of 0.8–1.2 µg/L are commonly achieved. MXene-based platforms further enhance sensitivity and enable Hg²⁺ detection with linear response ranges typically between 1 and 5 µg/L, accompanied by clear electrochemical or optical signals. Beyond conventional electrochemical detection, this review specifically highlights self-sustaining visual sensors based on MXene integrated with enzyme-driven bioelectrochemical systems, such as glucose oxidase (GOD) and Prussian blue (PB) assembled on ITO substrates. These systems convert chemical energy into measurable colorimetric signals without external power sources, enabling direct visual identification of Hg²⁺ ions. Under optimized conditions (e.g., 5 mg/mL GOD and 5 mM glucose), stable and distinguishable color responses are achieved for rapid on-site monitoring. Overall, this review not only summarizes current performance benchmarks of carbon-based sensors but also identifies key challenges, including long-term stability, selectivity under multi-ion interference, and large-scale device integration, while outlining future directions toward portable multisensor water-quality monitoring systems. Full article

Utilization of natural processes can reduce the complexity and production cost of any device by limiting the necessary steps in the production scheme, especially when it comes to fibers with periodic changes in refractive index. One such process is the nematic–isotropic phase separation of liquid crystal-based composite confined in 1D space. In this paper, we analyze the behavior of polymer-stabilized liquid crystal-based self-assembled periodic structures in an external electric field. We performed a detailed analysis regarding the reorientation of liquid crystal molecules under two orthogonal directions of the external electric field applied to the examined sample. It was demonstrated that the period of the polymerized structure remains constant until full reorientation, as the electric field induces the formation of new periodic defects in LC orientation. Consequently, the structure’s effective birefringence changes quite drastically, and this observed change depends on the direction of the electric field vector. The obtained results seem promising when it comes to application of the proposed periodic structures as voltage or electric field sensors operating as long-period fiber gratings or fiber Bragg gratings for the visible or near-infrared spectral regions. Full article

Metallic biomaterials play essential roles in modern medical devices, but their long-term performance depends critically on protein adsorption and subsequent cellular responses at material interfaces. This review examines the molecular mechanisms governing these interactions and discusses surface modification strategies for controlling biocompatibility. The physicochemical properties of oxide layers formed on metal surfaces—including Lewis acid-base chemistry, surface charge, surface free energy, and permittivity—collectively determine protein adsorption behavior. Titanium surfaces promote stable protein adsorption through strong coordination bonds with carboxylate groups, while stainless steel surfaces show complex formation with proteins that can lead to metal ion release. Surface modification strategies can be systematically categorized based on two key parameters: effective ligand density (σ_eff) and effective mechanical response (E_eff). Direct control approaches include protein immobilization, self-assembled monolayers, and ionic modifications. The most promising strategies involve coupled control of both parameters through hierarchical surface architectures and three-dimensional modifications. Despite advances in understanding molecular-level interactions, substantial challenges remain in bridging the gap between surface chemistry and tissue-level biological performance. Future developments must address three-dimensional interfacial interactions and develop systems-level approaches integrating multiple scales of biological organization to enable rational design of next-generation metallic biomaterials. Full article

The synthesis of biocidal peptide materials using simple, low-cost, solvent-free methods is a crucial challenge for developing new antimicrobial approaches. In this study, we produced proteinoid nanostructures through simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly thermal reactions between glutamic acid (Glu) and tyrosine (Tyr) in various molar ratios. Mechanistically, the thermal cyclization of glutamic acid into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) facilitated the formation of short peptide chains containing pGlu as the N-terminus moiety and subsequent L-tyrosine or glutamic acid residues, which self-assembled into nanometric spheroidal structures that exhibit blue emission. Spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence) and mass (LC-MS) analyses confirmed the formation of mixed pGlu-/Tyr/Glu peptides. All products exhibit dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 mg mL⁻¹ for the GluTyr 1:1 and 2:1 proteinoids. The outcomes observed following 24 h exposure of the HEK293 cell line to the materials indicate their suitability for integration into hybrid systems for antimicrobial surfaces. This work is the first to demonstrate a direct antibacterial activity of proteinoids obtained by thermal condensation, opening up the possibility of designing a new class of synthetic antimicrobial peptides. Full article

Efficient and localized singlet oxygen (SO) generation is essential for improving antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). In this study, a bis-imidazolium-based amphiphilic gelator is used, which self-assembles into a supramolecular gel in a water–ethanol medium and incorporates Rose Bengal (RB) as a photosensitizer. The gel network provides a confined environment that promotes SO formation under light irradiation. RB@Gel was characterized with respect to its morphology, degradation behavior, and swelling properties. Biopharmaceutical assessment included in vitro release, ex vivo permeation studies and Hen’s Egg Test–Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) assay. Rheological measurements confirmed a viscoelastic profile, indicating structural stability and suitability for localized therapeutic applications. SO production within the gel was quantified using tetrasodium 9,10-anthracenediyl-bis(methylene)dimalonate (NaABMA), showing higher efficiency than that of RB in solution. The RB@Gel exhibited significant aPDT against E. coli in a direct-surface contact assay. Overall, the RB@Gel provides a stable, suitable platform capable of efficient SO generation and potent antibacterial activity, highlighting its promise for localized aPDT applications. Full article

The advent of precision medicine has spotlighted subunit and peptide-based vaccines, which offer high safety but often require potent adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity. Self-assembled peptides have emerged as a promising adjuvant platform due to their ease of synthesis, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable structural properties. Recent advances highlight their potential in boosting vaccine efficacy, with self-assembled peptides forming highly ordered architectures that are conducive to immune system activation. This review discusses the key factors driving peptide self-assembly and explores their evolving role as innovative vaccine adjuvants, alongside challenges and future development directions. Full article

In recent years, oleosome-associated proteins (OPs) have gained increasing attention in the food and nutrition sectors due to their balanced amino acid composition and excellent functional properties. However, their low extraction yield, high hydrophobicity, and poor solubility hinder broader application in food systems. This review provides a concise overview of OPs’ structural features, current extraction strategies, and the impact of modification techniques on their structural and functional attributes. Special emphasis is placed on hybrid extraction methods that integrate physical treatments (e.g., ultrasound, heating, colloid milling) with traditional chemical approaches to enhance yield while preserving protein functionality. Furthermore, the review discusses how physical and chemical modifications effectively regulate OPs’ solubility, emulsifying capacity, aggregation behavior, and self-assembly characteristics. The regulatory mechanisms of different processing conditions on protein conformation and intermolecular interactions are summarized to guide functional optimization. Finally, the current technical challenges are outlined and future research directions are proposed, including the industrial scaling of hybrid extraction, precise control of structural modification, and application of OPs in emulsified and gel-based delivery systems. This work offers theoretical insight and practical guidance for the high-value utilization of OPs in food and related industries. Full article

The central purpose of this study is to develop and validate an advanced numerical model capable of simulating the vibrational behavior of the operator’s seat in a tractor-type agricultural vehicle designed for operation in protected horticultural environments, such as vegetable greenhouses. The three-dimensional (3D) model of the seat was created using SolidWorks 2023, while its dynamic response was investigated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Altair SimSolid, enabling a detailed evaluation of the natural vibration modes within the 0–80 Hz frequency range. Within this interval, eight significant natural frequencies were identified and correlated with the real structural behavior of the seat assembly. For experimental validation, direct time-domain measurements were performed at a constant speed of 5 km/h on an uneven, grass-covered dirt track within the research infrastructure of INMA Bucharest, using the TE-0 self-propelled electric tractor prototype. At the operator’s seat level, vibration data were collected considering the average anthropometric characteristics of a homogeneous group of subjects representative of typical tractor operators. The sample of participating operators, consisting exclusively of males aged between 27 and 50 years, was selected to ensure representative anthropometric characteristics and ergonomic consistency for typical agricultural tractor operators. Triaxial accelerometer sensors (NexGen Ergonomics, Pointe-Claire, Canada, and Biometrics Ltd., Gwent, UK) were strategically positioned on the seat cushion and backrest to record accelerations along the X, Y, and Z spatial axes. The recorded acceleration data were processed and converted into the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), allowing the assessment of vibration transmissibility and resonance amplification between the floor and seat. The combined numerical–experimental approach provided high-fidelity validation of the seat’s dynamic model, confirming the structural modes most responsible for vibration transmission in the 4–8 Hz range—a critical sensitivity band for human comfort and health as established in previous studies on whole-body vibration exposure. Beyond validating the model, this integrated methodology offers a predictive framework for assessing different seat suspension configurations under controlled conditions, reducing experimental costs and enabling optimization of ergonomic design before physical prototyping. The correlation between FEA-based modal results and field measurements allows a deeper understanding of vibration propagation mechanisms within the operator–seat system, supporting efforts to mitigate whole-body vibration exposure and improve long-term operator safety in horticultural mechanization. Full article