Search Results (46)

Background/Objectives: Achieving effective hemostasis is a vital step in wound healing, particularly in cases of severe bleeding caused by surgical procedures or trauma. This study focuses on the development of chitosan-based dressings enriched with Heparin (hep)-loaded poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) nanoparticles to combine hemostatic and anticoagulant properties. Methods: Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable carbohydrate with inherent antibacterial and hemostatic properties, was chemically modified with 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) to enhance its swelling ability and hemostatic activity. PBSu nanoparticles were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsification method and loaded with Hep to achieve controlled anticoagulant release. The dressings of the modified chitosan derivatives with the nanoparticles which were systematically characterized for morphology, chemical structure, swelling ability, loading capacity, and Hep release kinetics. Results: This dual-function system is designed to decouple local surface hemostasis from thrombotic processes: the chitosan matrix provides rapid topical hemostasis, while controlled heparin release from the nanoparticles aims to modulate excessive fibrin deposition, support microvascular perfusion, and exploit the pro-healing benefits of low-dose heparin reported in advanced wound dressings, particularly in high-risk or thrombotic-prone patients. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated their potential for promoting rapid hemostasis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the integration of modified chitosan and Hep-loaded nanoparticles is a promising strategy for advancing wound care and hemostatic technologies. Full article

Porous Cu/Cu₂O catalytic materials with a unique pore structure were successfully synthesized via a one-step solvothermal method using Cu-MOF-74 as the intermediate, followed by induced collapse and oxidation. The structural properties and catalytic performance of the as-prepared Cu/Cu₂O materials in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) combined with in situ thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The results show that the specific surface area of the Cu/Cu₂O material is 46.6697 m²/g, and the average pore diameter is 9.4608 nm. Owing to the synergistic effect of Cu⁰/Cu⁺ dual sites on promoting electron transfer during AP thermal decomposition, the Cu/Cu₂O catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity. Specifically, at a heating rate of 20 °C/min, the addition of 2 wt% Cu/Cu₂O reduces the high-temperature decomposition temperature of AP from 473.1 °C to 321.1 °C (a decrease of 151.0 °C), lowers the thermal decomposition activation energy from 296.63 kJ/mol to 253.21 kJ/mol (a reduction of 43.42 kJ/mol), and increases the heat release by 617.8 J/g compared to pure AP. TG-MS analysis revealed that Cu/Cu₂O accelerates the decomposition of AP by adsorbing and activating NH₃ and HClO₄ generated in the low-temperature decomposition stage, facilitating the formation of reactive intermediates such as ClOₓ and promoting the oxidation of nitrogen-containing species. This study demonstrates that the porous Cu/Cu₂O material synthesized by the one-step solvothermal method is a promising catalyst for enhancing the thermal decomposition performance of AP in solid propellants. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a key oxidant for green chemical processes, yet its catalytic utilization and activation efficiency remain limited by material instability and uncontrolled radical release. Here, we report a dual-functional, hollow conductive polymer nanostructure that enables selective modulation of H₂O₂ reactivity through interfacial physicochemical design. Hollow polypyrrole nanospheres functionalized with carboxyl groups (PPy@PyCOOH) were synthesized via a one-step Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ oxidative copolymerization route, in which H₂O₂ simultaneously served as oxidant, template, and reactant. The resulting structure exhibits enhanced hydrophilicity, rapid redox degradability (>80% optical loss in 60 min (82.5 ± 4.1%, 95% CI: 82.5 ± 10.2%), 10 mM H₂O₂, pH 6.5), and strong electronic coupling to reactive oxygen intermediates. Subsequent tannic acid–copper (TA–Cu) coordination produced a conformal metal–polyphenol network that introduces a controllable Fenton-like catalytic interface, achieving a 50% increase in ROS yield (1.52 ± 0.08-fold vs. control, 95% CI: 1.52 ± 0.20-fold) while maintaining stable photothermal conversion under repeated NIR cycles. Mechanistic analysis reveals that interfacial TA–Cu complexes regulate charge delocalization and proton–electron transfer at the polymer–solution boundary, balancing redox catalysis with energy dissipation. This work establishes a sustainable platform for H₂O₂-driven redox and photo-thermal coupling, integrating conductive polymer chemistry with eco-friendly catalytic pathways. Full article

The final trigger of oocyte maturation is a pivotal step in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Different molecules and protocols—including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), the dual trigger, the double trigger, and emerging agents such as kisspeptin—have been investigated to optimize oocyte competence, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). HCG remains the most widely used trigger, but its pharmacological profile is associated with a significant risk of OHSS. GnRHa has emerged as an alternative in antagonist cycles, abolishing the risk of severe OHSS but often requiring tailored luteal phase support. Several strategies, including hCG, GnRHa, and combined approaches, have shown improvements in specific outcomes such as the oocyte maturity (MII) rate, fertilization rate, embryo development parameters, and, in selected contexts, a reduction in OHSS risk. Kisspeptin represents a promising option; however, its use remains predominantly within the research setting, with clinical application still limited to early-phase or highly selected studies. Beyond the choice of molecule, the timing of trigger administration—adjusted to follicle size, estradiol concentrations, and progesterone levels—also influences oocyte competence and subsequent clinical outcomes. Triggering final oocyte maturation remains a multifaceted decision that should be individualized according to patient characteristics, ovarian response, and risk of OHSS. Although hCG remains the historical reference standard, accumulating but heterogeneous evidence suggests that GnRHa-based strategies, including dual-trigger protocols, may improve specific outcomes in selected patient subgroups. However, results across trials are inconsistent, particularly in poor responders, and any exposure to hCG maintains a residual risk of OHSS. Kisspeptin represents a promising but still experimental option, with current data largely limited to early-phase clinical studies in highly selected high-risk populations. Well-designed randomized trials are required to clarify the true impact of these strategies on live birth, to refine timing and dosing, and to better define which patients are most likely to benefit. Full article

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are the next-generation nanocarriers that integrate the mechanical strength and sustained-release capacity of polymeric cores with the biocompatibility and high drug-loading efficiency of lipid shells. Various design strategies and architectures that enhance encapsulation efficiency, stability, and targeted delivery of diverse therapeutic agents are reviewed. Commonly employed polymers, lipids, and surfactants that enable controlled drug release and enhanced pharmacokinetic performance are summarized in tabular form, while fabrication methods such as single-step, emulsification-solvent evaporation, and microfluidic techniques are discussed for their scalability and reproducibility. The therapeutic potential of LPHNPs in delivering poorly soluble drugs, phytochemicals, and genetic materials achieving synergistic therapeutic outcomes in oncological applications is comprehensively highlighted. The manuscript also includes details on ligand-based functionalization and the integration of imaging and stimuli-responsive elements to enhance targeted delivery and develop multifunctional theranostic LPHNPs systems. Furthermore, non-oncologic applications of LPHNPs in ocular, topical, and oral delivery are discussed, emphasizing their potential in treating inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune disorders with sustained release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Recent patents focusing on improved biocompatibility, dual-drug encapsulation, and mRNA delivery are summarized. However, challenges such as large-scale production, reproducibility, safety, and regulatory standardization must be addressed through quality by design approaches and advanced manufacturing technologies to fully realize the clinical and commercial potential of next-generation LPHNPs. Full article

Nanostructured TiO₂/Cu coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy by a two-step glow-discharge sputtering process and evaluated for their structural, electrochemical, and biological properties. Dual-acid etching produced microroughened substrates before TiO₂ layer deposition, followed by surface Cu sputtering with varied deposition times. Characterisation by AFM, OM, SEM/EDS, and XRD confirmed the formation of TiO₂ with Cu/Cu₂O-containing hybrid coatings with good adhesion to the substrate. Increasing Cu deposition enhanced surface hydrophobicity and copper ion release. EIS measurements proved that the coatings retained stable protective behaviour in simulated body fluid (SBF). Antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli showed up to 98% improved efficacy compared to bare Ti6Al4V, confirming the strong antimicrobial role of copper. However, MG63 osteoblast-like cells exhibited reduced viability even after pre-immersion in PBS, suggesting that cytotoxicity was associated not only with excess Cu ion release but also with direct interaction between cells and surface Cu nanostructures. Overall, the results indicate that TiO₂/Cu coatings provide excellent antimicrobial activity, good protection and strong adhesion, but their limited biocompatibility highlights the need for fine-tuned copper incorporation in future biomedical implant applications. Full article

Rapidly pinpointing the origin of accidental chemical gas releases is essential for effective response. Prior vision pipelines—such as 3D CNNs, CNN–LSTMs, and Transformer-based ViViT models—can improve accuracy but often scale poorly as the temporal window grows or winds meander. We cast recursive backtracking of concentration fields as a finite-horizon, multi-step spatiotemporal sequence modelling problem and introduce Recursive Backtracking with Visual Mamba (RBVM), a Visual Mamba-inspired, directionally gated state-space backbone. Each block applies causal, depthwise sweeps along ${\mathrm{H}}^{\pm }$, ${\mathrm{W}}^{\pm }$, and ${\mathrm{T}}^{\pm }$ and then fuses them via a learned upwind gate; a lightweight MLP follows. Pre-norm LayerNorm and small LayerScale on both branches, together with a layer-indexed, depth-weighted DropPath, yield stable stacking at our chosen depth, while a 3D-Conv stem and head keep the model compact. Computation and parameter growth scale linearly with the sequence extent and the number of directions. Across a synthetic diffusion corpus and a held-out NBC_RAMS field set, RBVM consistently improves Exact and hit $\le 1$ over strong 3D CNN, CNN–LSTM, and ViViT baselines, while using fewer parameters. Finally, we show that, without retraining, a physics-motivated two-peak subtraction on the oldest reconstructed frame enables zero-shot dual-source localization. We believe RBVM provides a compact, linear-time, directionally causal backbone for inverse inference on transported fields—useful not only for gas–release source localization in CBRN response but more broadly for spatiotemporal backtracking tasks in environmental monitoring and urban analytics. Full article

Background: Informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling practices release a complex mixture of pollutants, particularly heavy metals, into the environment. Chronic exposure to these contaminants has been linked to a range of health risks, but the molecular underpinnings remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the alterations in metabolic profiles due to e-waste exposure and linked these metabolites to systemic biological effects. Methods: We applied untargeted high-resolution metabolomics using dual-column LC-MS/MS and a multi-step analysis workflow combining MS1 feature detection, MS2 annotation, and chemical ontology classification, to characterize urinary metabolic alterations in 91 e-waste workers and 51 community controls associated with the Agbogbloshie site (Accra, Ghana). The impacts of heavy metal exposure in e-waste workers were assessed by establishing linear regression and four-parameter logistic (4PL) models between heavy metal levels and metabolite concentrations. Results: Significant metal-associated metabolomic changes were identified. Both linear and nonlinear models revealed distinct sets of exposure-responsive compounds, highlighting diverse biological responses. Ontology-informed annotation revealed systemic effects on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress pathways, and xenobiotic biotransformation. This study demonstrates how integrating chemical ontology and nonlinear modeling facilitates exposome interpretation in complex environments and provides a scalable template for environmental biomarker discovery. Conclusions: Integrating dose–response modeling and chemical ontology analysis enables robust interpretation of exposomics datasets when direct compound identification is limited. Our findings indicate that e-waste exposure induces systemic metabolic alterations that can underlie health risks and diseases. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with silane quaternary ammonium compounds (SiQACs) were synthesized and utilized as carriers for thymus essential oil (TO), a green bio-antifouling agent. The synthesis of MSNs functionalized with SiQACs was carried out in a single step, with clear advantages in terms of simplicity of the process, high yield (94%) and saving of reagents and solvents for the MSN purification. After loading with TO, this innovative dual-action antifouling system was able to integrate the intrinsic biocidal properties of SiQACs with the release of TO from MSN pores, resulting in an engineered material with prolonged efficacy. The antifouling compounds incorporated into the nanoparticles accounted for 42% of the total weight. The biocidal performance was evaluated by monitoring the growth inhibition of Chlorella sorokiniana, a microalga commonly associated with stone biodeterioration. Additionally, these nanoparticles were embedded in a commercial silane-based protective coating and applied to tuff stone samples to assess their ability to mitigate biofilm formation over extended periods. Results demonstrated the system’s high potential for durable protection against microbial colonization and biofilm growth on stone surfaces. Full article

Tannic acid (TA) possesses antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. However, its pH sensitivity, protein cross-linking properties, and susceptibility to oxidation restrict its application. To address these challenges, W/O/W multiple emulsified TA microcapsules were developed using soybean protein isolate (SPI) as the natural wall material emulsifier through a two-step emulsification and spray drying process. The encapsulation efficiency of the obtained TA microcapsules was 87.6%, and TA’s thermal stability was significantly improved. TA microcapsules effectively reduced the acidity and irritability of TA, eliminated protein flocculation, and enhanced biocompatibility. Notably, the cell viability of the TA microcapsule (>94%) was significantly higher than free TA (65.6%). The storage stability test revealed that the microcapsules maintained structural integrity, with a retention rate of 96% after 10 days of storage. In vitro release studies of TA microcapsules demonstrated a sustained-release effect within 24 h. Simulated digestion studies further elucidated the protective effect of microcapsules on TA during gastric digestion. These multi-structured microcapsules based on SPI effectively address the limitations associated with TA utilization and enhance its potential for dual oral/transdermal administration in biomedical and cosmetic applications. Full article

The smart capsule bubble tile (SCBT) is an innovative flooring solution that combines acupressure-based reflexology with electromagnetic wave stimulation to enhance well-being. Designed for smart buildings and healthcare applications, SCBT integrates traditional construction techniques with advanced healing technologies to create a health-conscious, eco-friendly flooring system. For durability and thermal performance, SCBT tiles are manufactured using conventional concrete methods, enhanced with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Each tile contains multiple pressure point capsules featuring a copper cap that emits electromagnetic waves when exposed to sunlight. This dual-function mechanism stimulates acupressure points on the feet, promoting better blood circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing relaxation. The heat release from the copper caps further improves thermal comfort and energy flow in the body, reinforcing the benefits of reflexology. The performance of SCBT tiles was extensively tested, demonstrating impressive physical and functional properties. They exhibit a flexural strength of 4.6 N/mm², a thermal emissivity of 0.878, a solar reflectance of 0.842, and a water absorption rate of 8.12%. In biomechanical assessments, SCBT showed significant benefits for balance and posture correction. Users experienced a 70.8% reduction in lateral stance ellipse area with eyes open and a 50.5% reduction with eyes closed, indicating improved stability and proprioception. By integrating acupressure and electromagnetic stimulation into flooring design, SCBT promotes a holistic approach to health. This technology supports energy efficiency in smart buildings and contributes to preventive healthcare by enhancing musculoskeletal health and reducing fatigue. SCBT represents a significant step in creating built environments supporting human well-being, merging traditional healing principles with modern material science. Full article

This work reports a kind of thermal and stress dual-induced nano-SiC-modified microcapsule that is applied to asphalt pavement to improve its self-healing performance. For this purpose, the microcapsules needed to contain a regenerator and be stable in an asphalt mixture. In addition, the microcapsules needed to have good wave-absorbing and temperature-raising properties to realize the dual-mechanism-induced release of microcapsules. In the first step in this study, heat-stressed double microcapsules were prepared. Then, the properties of the microcapsules—including basic properties, stability, mechanical properties, and wave-absorbing and temperature-raising properties—were tested. Finally, the self-healing mechanism of the microcapsules was observed. The results show that the nano-SiC-modified microcapsules have a high core content (87.6%), suitable particle size (average particle size of 53.50 µm), high thermal stability (mass loss of 2.92% at 150~170 °C), high construction stability (survival rate of more than 80%), high storage stability (loss rate of 2.35% at 49 d), and high mechanical properties (Young’s modulus and nano-hardness of 3.15 Gpa and 0.54 Gpa, respectively). Compared with microcapsules without nano-SiC, the thermal conductivity of the 10% nano-SiC-modified microcapsules increased by 21.6%, their specific heat capacity decreased by 10.45%, and their thermal diffusion coefficient increased by 36.96% after microwave heating for 6 min. Full article

Background: Recent developments in nanotechnology have provided efficient and promising methods for the treatment of diseases to achieve better therapeutic results and lower side effects. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanomaterials are emerging inorganic nanomaterials with excellent properties such as low toxicity and easy functionalization. TiO₂ with special nanostructures can be used as delivery vehicles for drugs, genes and antigens for various therapeutic options. The exploration of TiO₂-based drug delivery systems shows great promise for translating nanotechnology into clinical applications; Methods: Comprehensive data on titanium dioxide were collected from reputable online databases including PubMed, GreenMedical, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and National Intellectual Property Administration; Results: In this review, we discuss the synthesis pathways and functionalization strategies of TiO₂. Recent advances of TiO₂ as a drug delivery system, including sustained and controlled drug release delivery systems were introduced. Rigorous long-term systematic toxicity assessment is an extremely critical step in application to the clinic, and toxicity is still a problem that needs to be closely monitored; Conclusions: Despite the great progress made in TiO₂-based smart systems, there is still a great potential for development. Future research may focus on developing dual-reaction delivery systems and single-reaction delivery systems like redox and enzyme reactions. Undertaking thorough in vivo investigations is necessary prior to initiating human clinical trials. The high versatility of these smart drug delivery systems will drive the development of novel nanomedicines for personalized treatment and diagnosis of many diseases with poor prognosis. Full article

In this paper, microcapsules with acidic pH stimulus responsiveness were prepared through a one-step in situ polymerization method and a layer-by-layer assembly method. The effects of factors such as chitosan (CS) concentration, polymerization time, polymerization process temperature, and the number of polymerization layers on the performance of microcapsules were explored, and microcapsules with optimal performance were prepared and added to the epoxy coating. The morphology and structure of the microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential testing. The thermal stability and sustained release properties of the microcapsules were studied through thermogravimetric analysis and sustained release curve testing. Through scratch experiments, immersion experiments, salt spray experiments, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests, the impact of the added amount of microcapsules on the self-healing performance and anti-corrosion performance of the coating in complex environments was explored. The results show that the optimal preparation process of acidic pH-responsive microcapsules requires that the concentration of chitosan is 2 mg/mL, the polymerization time of the polyelectrolyte layer is 8 h, the heating temperature during the polymerization process is 75 °C, and the number of polyelectrolyte layers is three. The prepared acidic pH-responsive microcapsules have good morphology, pH sensitivity, and thermal stability. The average particle size is approximately 203 μm, the drug loading rate reaches 59.74%, and the encapsulation rate reaches 63.99%. The optimal added amount of the acidic pH-responsive microcapsule coating is 15 wt%. The coating has a dual-trigger mechanism underlying it stimulus response capability and has an obvious stimulus response to acidic pH. It can inhibit corrosion in non-scratch areas, and its anti-corrosion ability is significantly stronger than that of epoxy coatings and ordinary self-healing coatings. The coating has a stronger repair effect and anti-corrosion ability when the environmental pH becomes acidic. Full article

Nanoemulgels are novel formulations of great interest for their use as dual-release systems and as fat substitutes in foods. Lemon essential oil, with a large number of benefits due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and medicinal properties, and low methoxyl pectin, a natural polysaccharide capable of gelling by adding divalent ions such as calcium, are very appropriate ingredients to produce nanoemulgels with potential applications in industries such as cosmetics, agrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, or food. In this work, lemon-essential-oil-in-water nanoemulgels containing low methoxyl pectin derived from citrus peels were prepared following a three-step process that involves the preparation of a nanoemulsion, a pectin gel, and the mixture of both. In the first stage, the stirring time and the rotational rate employed during the mixing step were assessed. Once the preparation protocol was established, the pectin gel/nanoemulsion mass ratio was investigated. Different techniques were combined to evaluate the influence of the processing and the composition variables on the particle size distribution, mean diameters, flow curves, and physical stability of different emulgels obtained. It was found that the processing variables studied, stirring time, and rotational rate, do not influence the mean particle size of the emulgel, with values matching those of the starting nanoemulsion. However, 3 min and 200 rpm were selected for exhibiting the lowest TSI values. Regarding the composition, a higher content of pectin gel caused a higher viscosity, and therefore a higher physical stability, with the 75P/25E emulgel being the most stable. Aggregation of gel particles, because the pectin gel was really a sheared gel, was the main responsible contributor to the results obtained. This work highlights the importance of the preparation and formulation variables to develop stable, innovative formulations based on nanoemulgels. Full article