Search Results (12,171)

Vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are key drivers in the development of cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress further amplify inflammatory cascades, emphasising the need for targeted strategies that restore endothelial homeostasis at the subcellular level. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) donors, such as AP39, offer cytoprotective benefits but are limited by short half-life and rapid release of the active compound, H₂S. We developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating AP39 (PLGA-AP39) to achieve sustained, mitochondria-targeted H₂S delivery. Nanoparticles were characterised by size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release kinetics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to TNF-α to induce inflammation, followed by treatment with free AP39 or PLGA-AP39. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β levels. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using a Seahorse XFe24 Analyser, membrane potential assays, and mitochondrial ROS detection. Moreover, we investigated vascular function by analysing capillary-like tube formation and wound closure in response to treatments. PLGA-AP39 nanoparticles displayed a uniform size (~227 nm), low PDI, and high encapsulation efficiency (>78%). Sustained AP39 release was observed over seven days. Treatment with PLGA-AP39 significantly restored TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction and reduced TNF-α-induced release of IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β compared to untreated controls. Seahorse analysis revealed restoration of maximal respiration and increased spare respiratory capacity. Encapsulated AP39 also preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced mitochondrial ROS production, demonstrating enhanced protection against inflammation-induced metabolic dysfunction. This work establishes a novel nanoparticle-based strategy for prolonged, mitochondria-specific H₂S delivery to counteract vascular inflammation and enhance endothelial bioenergetics. The results from this work are pioneering in the generation of a novel delivery method for H₂S donors employing PLGA and represent a promising therapeutic avenue for treating chronic vascular inflammatory disorders. Full article

Natural antibacterial food packaging materials endowed with environmental responsiveness are garnering substantial research interest in sustainable food preservation. This study reports the development of a pH-responsive antimicrobial composite film through encapsulation of eugenol—a natural phenolic compound—within zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The engineered eugenol@ZIF-8 system demonstrated pH-dependent release characteristics, with cumulative release reaching 32.2% at pH 6 versus merely 0.61% at pH 7 over 4 h. Subsequent integration of this nanocarrier into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) matrix yielded a multifunctional composite film for active food packaging applications. The characterization of film revealed that while eugenol@ZIF-8 incorporation slightly compromised mechanical strength (tensile resistance decreased by 18.7%) and flexibility (elongation at break reduced to 54.3% of control), it significantly enhanced hydrophobicity (water contact angle increased to 92.5°) and thermal stability (decomposition temperature elevated by 34 °C). The composite film demonstrated synergistic antibacterial efficacy through the combined action of Zn²⁺ ions, ZIF-8 nanostructures, and eugenol, achieving 88% inhibition against E. coli. Practical validation through fresh noodle preservation trials confirmed the material’s effectiveness, with the optimized formulation (PVA-HACC-2% eugenol@ZIF-8, PHEZ2) extending shelf life by >5 days compared to conventional packaging. This work establishes a novel strategy for engineering intelligent ZIF-based packaging systems that respond to food spoilage microenvironments, offering significant potential for reducing food loss. Full article

Polysaccharide–protein composite hydrogels have demonstrated remarkable potential in targeted gastrointestinal delivery owing to their excellent biocompatibility, adjustable physicochemical characteristics, and intelligent responsiveness. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms and diverse applications of these composite hydrogels in gastrointestinal targeted delivery, with a particular emphasis on their stimuli-responsive release behaviors triggered by internal and external factors such as pH, enzymes, magnetic fields. Special attention is also given to their advantages in protecting sensitive bioactive ingredients, including curcumin, EGCG, probiotics. Furthermore, this review highlights their capabilities in achieving high encapsulation efficiency, smart controlled release and targeted delivery, while also presenting current challenges associated with material stability, targeting precision, large-scale production, and clinical translation. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, focusing on the development of multi-response system design, innovative biomaterials, advanced manufacturing technology applications, and AI-assisted optimization. These directions aim to provide theoretical foundations and technical strategies for advanced research and practical applications of polysaccharide–protein composite hydrogels in a targeted gastrointestinal delivery system. Overall, this review underscores the significant promise of polysaccharide–protein composite hydrogels as intelligent gastrointestinal delivery platforms and provides a systematic reference for their rational design and future translational development. Full article

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN) is a natural organic compound known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, its susceptibility to environmental degradation has restricted its practical application. This study aimed to microencapsulate CIN using soy protein isolate hydrolysates and maltodextrin as wall materials through emulsion preparation and spray drying, and to characterize the microstructure, controlled-release properties, antibacterial efficacy, and preservation performance of the resulting microcapsules. Under optimized condition, the encapsulation efficiency reached 70.72%. The microcapsules displayed smooth spherical structures, improved thermal stability, and an average particle size of 291.01 ± 33.64 nm. They demonstrated enhanced storage stability and sustained-release characteristics. Furthermore, the microcapsules exhibited significant antibacterial and antioxidant activity, which effectively delayed lipid and protein oxidation in pork loin for up to 6 days. Collectively, the results confirm the successful encapsulation of CIN and indicate the strong potential of these microcapsules for food industry applications requiring preservative and controlled-release functions. Full article

Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is a valuable nutraceutical; however, it is highly susceptible to oxidation. Encapsulation represents an effective strategy to enhance the storage stability of AKO. This study explored a novel approach for encapsulating AKO using sodium alginate (ALG) and gelatin (GLN) to improve its stability, and multiple parameters were systematically evaluated, including oil-loading efficiency, surface oil content, particle size, water activity, and thermal stability. Additionally, core-material retention efficiency, acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were measured after accelerated oxidation. The results demonstrated that the optimal encapsulation conditions consisted of an ALG:GLN ratio of 2:1, a 9% CaCl₂ coagulation bath, 750 μm nozzle size, followed by freeze-drying. Under these conditions, the microcapsules achieved an oil-loading efficiency of 62.63% and a surface oil content of 19.21%. The water activity of the microcapsules was 0.516. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that AKO microcapsules encapsulated with ALG/GLN exhibited higher thermal stability (~300 °C) compared to those encapsulated with ALG alone (~280 °C). When AKO or its microcapsules were subjected to accelerated oxidation at 65 °C, compared to ALG-encapsulation alone, the ALG/GLN encapsulation system significantly reduced the oxidation indicators of the oil, such as acid value (24%), peroxide value (26%), and anisidine value (28%). In conclusion, incorporating GLN into ALG-based microcapsules significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of AKO and prolonged its shelf life. Full article

We report a comprehensive spectroscopic, microscopic, and device-level investigation of the ambient-driven degradation of PTQ10:IDIC bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJ-OSCs), up to 500 h. The power conversion efficiency dropped from 9.51% to 7.69% (≈19% relative loss), primarily due to a decrease in short-circuit current density (J_SC 15.93 to 13.82 mA cm⁻²), while the open-circuit voltage remained largely stable (0.92 to 0.90 V). Atomic force microscopy reveals surface smoothing upon ageing, with the root-mean-square roughness decreasing from 4.29 to 3.45 nm, and the UV–vis absorption spectra show negligible changes, indicating preserved bulk light-harvesting capability. In contrast, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates pronounced surface compositional evolution, with a decrease in oxygen (5.18 to 3.18%) and a substantial increase in fluorine content (3.23 to 7.23%), consistent with fluorine-rich surface segregation or reorientation. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy further reveals a 0.48 eV reduction in surface work function, indicative of surface dipole modification and near-surface electronic reorganization. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ambient ageing primarily impacts interfacial chemistry and morphology rather than bulk optoelectronic properties, highlighting interfacial engineering and encapsulation as effective strategies for improving long-term device stability. Full article

Alginate, primarily sodium alginate, is a biopolymer derived from brown algae or bacterial sources that forms hydrogels via ionic crosslinking with certain divalent cations. Its incorporation into soils, earthen materials, cementitious composites, and asphalt mixtures improves mechanical performance and durability. This review collates recent advances in alginate-based treatments for geotechnical and construction applications, highlighting how alginate dosage, substrate type, gelation method, mixing strategy, and curing regime influence mechanical strength, physical properties, and self-healing efficiency. In soil stabilization, alginate treatments increase unconfined compressive strength (UCS) by 0.2–1.5 MPa in sand, with some studies reporting increases of over 2 MPa. Reported UCS improvements in alginate-treated clayey soils generally fall within the range of 50–150% compared to untreated samples, although isolated studies document increases exceeding 200%, depending on material composition and curing conditions. In cementitious systems, alginate-based capsules and hydrogels facilitate self-healing, achieving high closure rates of 70–100% for microcracks <0.4 mm, with some studies achieving complete sealing of macrocracks up to 4 mm while also recovering significant mechanical strength. Depending on dosage and formulation, alginate can also serve as a viscosity-modifying admixture, increasing the plastic viscosity and yield stress of the fresh mix, with this thickening effect becoming pronounced at dosages above approximately 0.1 w/w% by cementitious binder mass. For asphalt pavements, alginate-encapsulated rejuvenators facilitate high healing efficiency under cyclic loading and thermal cycling; rheological tests confirm elevated complex modulus and improved viscoelastic response. This review also synthesizes an explanatory framework for the divergent results found in the literature, advocates for standardized experimental protocols and material characterization, and outlines future research directions to advance alginate as a suitable alternative to conventional stabilizers. Full article

Antibodies are a cornerstone of antiviral immunity, yet conventional recombinant antibody production remains costly and time-consuming. mRNA technology, based on synthetic mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, offers an alternative strategy by enabling direct in vivo expression of therapeutic antibodies. This review examines recent advances in the development of mRNA-encoded antibodies for antiviral applications. We outline key technological principles, including mRNA construct design, delivery platforms, and pharmacokinetic properties, and compare this approach with established protein-based antibody therapies. We then summarize preclinical studies targeting a broad spectrum of viral pathogens, which collectively demonstrate rapid antibody expression, high serum concentrations, and strong prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in animal models. Finally, we discuss the translation of this platform toward clinical application, highlighted by the completion of Phase I evaluation of Moderna mRNA-1944 against chikungunya virus. Together, these studies position mRNA-encoded antibodies as a flexible and rapidly deployable platform for passive immunization against emerging viral threats. Full article

Black shale represents a distinctive and critical mineral resource in China, harboring approximately 90% of the nation’s recoverable vanadium reserves while concurrently containing abundant strategic metal elements such as nickel and molybdenum. However, the complex occurrence states of vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum within black shale pose significant challenges to their efficient extraction. Conventional metallurgical processes—including calcination-leaching and hydrometallurgical leaching—primarily target vanadium recovery, exhibiting limited efficiency for comprehensive utilization of valuable metals. Against the backdrop of green metallurgy and carbon neutrality objectives, bioleaching techniques have garnered extensive research attention. This study developed a specialized consortium of ore-leaching microorganisms, designated WZ-Q, tailored to the mineralogical characteristics of black shale, demonstrating effective leaching capabilities for vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum. Furthermore, the enhancing effects of Fe²⁺, elemental sulfur (S⁰), and pyrite as energy substrates on bioleaching efficiency were investigated. Upon incorporating these energy materials, maximum leaching efficiencies reached 66.5% for vanadium, 82.5% for nickel, and 29.7% for molybdenum. Analysis through leaching process monitoring and multi-characterization of both raw ore and residues revealed that supplemental energy substrates intensify shifts in solution potential and pH, thereby promoting elemental oxidation and mineral decomposition. Nevertheless, critical impediments to leaching efficiency include the encapsulation of target elements within silicate matrices and incomplete dissolution of oxidized species. Subsequent research should prioritize methodologies to intensify silicate mineral dissolution and enhance the release of oxidized compounds during microbial leaching processes. Full article

To investigate the improvement effect of sodium polyacrylate on the shear strength of silty clay, this study explores the curing treatment of silty clay using sodium polyacrylate. Liquid-plastic limit tests and triaxial shear tests were conducted to examine the impact of sodium polyacrylate on the liquid-plastic limits and shear strength of silty clay, as well as to determine the optimal dosage. Additionally, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed to further reveal the micro-mechanism of sodium polyacrylate’s action. The results show that as the sodium polyacrylate content increases, the liquid-plastic limits of silty clay increase significantly. Compared to untreated samples, when the sodium polyacrylate content is 7%, the liquid limit and plastic limit increase by 132.7% and 167.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the cohesion of the modified samples increases with the sodium polyacrylate content, while the internal friction angle first increases and then decreases. When the sodium polyacrylate content rises from 0% to 7%, the cohesion and internal friction angles of the modified samples increase by 522.9% and 70.6%, respectively. Through comprehensive analysis of the experimental results, it was determined that the optimal dosage of sodium polyacrylate is 5%. Microstructural analysis indicates that sodium polyacrylate interacts with soil particles through hydrogen bonding and ion bridging, filling the pores between particles and encapsulating their surfaces. This improves the pore structure of the soil and enhances the bonding strength between particles. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of sodium polyacrylate in soft soil improvement. Full article

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are still impeded by the intrinsically sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) and by the instability or prohibitive price of state-of-the-art noble metal catalysts. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as versatile sacrificial templates for next-generation air–cathode electrocatalysts. By programming pyrolytic or chemical conversion pathways, MOFs can be quantitatively transformed into hierarchically porous, heteroatom-doped carbon scaffolds that embed uniform metal, alloy, or metal-oxide nanodomains. The resulting architectures couple metallic conductivity with molecular-scale active site tunability, delivering exceptional ORR/OER activity, stability, and mass transport properties. This review critically examines the most recent advances in MOF-derived electrocatalysts for ZABs, establishing quantitative structure–composition–performance relationships across mono-, bi-, and multi-metallic systems. Emphasis is placed on deciphering how framework topology, metal–ligand coordination, and post-synthetic parameters dictate the density, electronic structure, and accessibility of surface-active moieties during catalyst evolution. We further dissect engineering strategies that enhance intrinsic activity via electronic modulation, bolster durability through encapsulation effects, and optimize hierarchical porosity for rapid O₂/water transport. This article concludes by outlining unresolved challenges and future research directions, including atomically precise active site construction, multi-scale compositional control, long-term reversibility under realistic ZABs cycles, scalable and green synthesis, providing a roadmap for translating MOF-derived catalysts from laboratory curiosities to commercially viable air–cathode materials. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of high-temperature gas channeling in injection–production wells of karst-fractured reservoirs by developing a high-temperature-resistant resin–gel plugging system capable of withstanding up to 150 °C. The system employs an AMPS/NVP copolymer (molar ratio 3:1) as the polymer matrix, reinforced with phenolic resin to enhance the crosslinked network. Additionally, a polyamide microcapsule was utilized to encapsulate the gel breaker, enabling controlled release. The optimized formulation consists of 0.5% NEP, 0.5% DEP, 0.6% HMTA, 0.3% catechol, and 25% resin curing agent. Experimental results demonstrate that the system exhibits excellent stability at 150 °C, with a G′ ≥ 125 Pa and compressive strength > 18 MPa. It also displays strong contamination resistance, showing a viscosity reduction of <9.7% and a storage modulus retention rate > 87% after mixing with drilling fluid. Furthermore, the gel-breaking performance is controllable, achieving a gel-breaking rate ≥ 99.7% within 21 days. Under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions (150 °C), the system demonstrates a plugging efficiency > 92% for simulated fractures with widths ranging from 0.1 to 2 mm. This technology effectively suppresses gas channeling in complex high-temperature formations, making it suitable for gas injection wells in karst-fractured reservoirs. It also holds promise for extension to shale gas wells and geothermal reservoir sealing applications. Full article

This study aims to assess the rate and duration of rat brain retention after a single intranasal administration of indocyanine green (ICG) as an aqueous solution or encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Near-infrared fluorescence emission of ICG from the brain and visceral organs was measured at 1, 4, and 24 h, as well as at 1 and 2 weeks after administration. It was observed that both ICG formulations stained the olfactory bulbs and brainstem, the latter mainly in the basolateral region of the pons. Reduced staining was observed on day 7 after treatment, and the signal remains detectable on day 14. Additionally, while emission from ICG-labeled brains in water decreased after two weeks compared to day 7, in ICG-loaded nanoparticles, the emission was significantly higher on day 14. It is concluded that ICG is transported into the brain via both nose-to-brain delivery pathways—through and along olfactory or trigeminal nerves—and that ICG is a useful dye for in vivo studies due to its long-lasting emission and low toxicity. Furthermore, the suggested penetration of ICG-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles via these transport mechanisms makes them a useful carrier for brain delivery of substances that are rapidly eliminated from circulation or do not cross the blood–brain barrier. Full article

Glibenclamide (Gli), widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), shows low oral bioavailability, while curcumin (Cur) is limited by poor aqueous solubility and instability. This study reports the development of a niosomal co-delivery system combining hypoglycemic and antioxidant agents to improve formulation performance for T2DM. Gli and Cur were co-encapsulated into niosomal vesicles (NIOs) using the thin-film hydration method, followed by surface coating with chitosan (CS). The formulations were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, complemented by in vitro release studies under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The prepared NIOs exhibited particle sizes between 413.5 and 576.9 nm, with encapsulation efficiency strongly dependent on formulation composition. The optimized system showed high encapsulation efficiency for both Gli (98.95 ± 0.87%) and Cur (91.09 ± 2.00%). In vitro release studies demonstrated enhanced release compared with the physical mixture, providing gastric protection and sustained intestinal delivery. Release kinetics indicated controlled drug release governed by diffusion- and erosion-based mechanisms. Both uncoated and CS-coated NIOs displayed good physical and osmotic stability, with CS coating further reducing drug leakage. These results highlight the potential of niosomal systems for efficient Gli and Cur administration in T2DM. Full article

RNA-based interventions are particularly promising for next-generation therapeutic strategies and hold significant potential when integrated with diagnostic modalities. Among noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and represent compelling targets for cancer therapy. However, their clinical translation remains hindered by instability, off-target effects, and limited delivery efficiency. Here, we report the microfluidic synthesis of hybrid lipid–polymer nanoparticles (LiPoNs) that co-deliver an AntimiR-21 and the magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA). The LiPoNs were obtained using coupled Hydrodynamic Flow Focusing (cHFF), enabling precise control over lipid–polymer self-assembly and surpassing the compositional limitations reported with conventional micromixers. The resulting AntimiR-21–Gd-DTPA–LiPoNs exhibited an average hydrodynamic diameter of 124 nm, narrow polydispersity (PDI < 0.2), and encapsulation efficiency up to 60%. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, treatment with AntimiR-21–LiPoNs induced suppression of miR-21 and a corresponding decrease in migratory capacity, demonstrating effective functional delivery and gene expression modulation. These findings establish a versatile microfluidic platform for engineering multifunctional lipid–polymer nanostructures whose hybrid architecture combines the biocompatibility and membrane fusion capability of lipids with the structural robustness and controlled release properties of polymers, thereby advancing RNA-based theranostic design for precision oncology and related applications. Full article