Search Results (337)

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents 10–20% of breast cancers and is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression, leaving cytotoxic chemotherapy as the main systemic treatment. However, rapid development of resistance, via drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, apoptosis evasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and tumor microenvironment protection, limit long-term efficacy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics can silence key resistance drivers, but their clinical potential is hindered by instability, poor biodistribution, and off-target effects. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems offer solutions by protecting siRNA, enhancing tumor accumulation, enabling targeted intracellular release, and permitting co-delivery with chemotherapeutics for synergistic effects. We conducted a narrative review in PubMed from database inception to August 2025. The included studies demonstrated that lipid, polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid nanocarriers can achieve efficient target knockdown, reverse drug resistance mechanisms, and significantly enhance antitumor responses in resistant TNBC models. Several platforms also reduced metastatic spread and improved survival in vivo. While preclinical results are compelling, clinical translation remains limited by incomplete safety profiling and heterogeneity in delivery efficiency. This review synthesizes mechanistic insights and delivery innovations, outlining a roadmap for translating siRNA-loaded nanocarriers into effective therapies for chemoresistant TNBC. Full article

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials for medical, environmental, and industrial purposes. However, conventional synthesis routes often involve the use of toxic chemicals and environmentally harmful conditions. To overcome these limitations, green synthesis strategies have been developed as sustainable alternatives through the use of natural reducing and stabilizing agents. In this study, Citrus sinensis leaf extract, which exhibits high antioxidant capacity, was investigated for green synthesis of CuONPs, followed by their subsequent incorporation into a chitosan polymeric matrix. The optimal synthesis conditions were achieved at a pH of 7.0 using copper(II) acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O) at a concentration of 10.0 g L⁻¹ and a calcination temperature of 300 °C. The resulting CuONPs exhibited a heterogeneous morphology, with average particle sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm, and demonstrated satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of these NPs into chitosan yielded composite materials with enhanced antimicrobial performance, highlighting the added value of polymer–NP hybrid systems. Although these composite materials were not evaluated under realistic operational conditions, the optimized green protocol provides a robust methodological basis for future studies targeting water disinfection and other environmentally relevant technologies. Full article

Silica-supported zinc (II)–Schiff-base complexes were prepared through a simple and high-yield immobilization strategy and evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide. Silica gel and silica nanoparticles were employed as supports to assess the influence of support morphology and textural properties on catalytic performance. Comprehensive characterization by AAS, BET, SEM, and SEM–EDS confirmed effective anchoring of the Zn complexes, homogeneous metal distribution, and support-dependent textural modifications. The supported catalysts were active in the bulk ROP of racemic and enantiopure lactide, affording PLA with high conversions and moderate dispersities. Silica-gel-supported systems exhibited high and reproducible activity over a wide range of conditions, whereas catalysts supported on silica nanoparticles showed a stronger dependence on reaction time and ligand electronic effects, highlighting the key role of the support in modulating active site accessibility and chain growth. Microstructural and thermal analyses confirmed the formation of atactic PLA from rac-lactide and stereoregular PLLA from L-lactide. Overall, this study demonstrates that silica-supported zinc(II)–Schiff-base complexes constitute an effective and versatile heterogeneous platform for lactide ROP and underscore the importance of support properties in the rational design of sustainable catalysts for biodegradable polyester synthesis. Full article

Plastic microfibers (PMFs) increasingly accumulate in wastewater treatment plants, impairing sludge dewatering and raising operational costs. This study combines a bibliometric analysis (2000–2025) with a critical review of the recent mechanistic literature to map the evolving research landscape on PMF–extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) interactions. The bibliometric trajectory (R² = 0.9786) underscores a paradigm shift towards a molecular understanding of the sludge matrix. Our synthesis of recent experimental studies reveals that PMF-induced interference is often driven by the selective adsorption of hydrophobic extracellular proteins, with one study reporting up to 32.5% sequestration. This has been linked to deteriorated dewatering, such as a 45% increase in capillary suction time (CST) under controlled conditions. Proteomic studies have identified more than 40 extracellular proteins with altered expression, directly linking PMFs to impaired sludge rheology. However, this review critically assesses the underlying evidence, highlighting significant methodological heterogeneity, a lack of standardized protocols, and a reliance on laboratory-scale models as key limitations that prevent broad generalization. By identifying these gaps, this work reframes the PMF–EPS research agenda, emphasizing the need for harmonized methods and multi-omics integration to transform mechanistic insights into robust biotechnological solutions for sustainable sludge management within a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), engineered phytosomes, bioinspired polymeric plant-based nanoparticles (PBNPs), hybrid phyto-inorganic nanocomposites, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, self-assembled nanoarchitectures, and multifunctional composites represent a rapidly advancing class of sustainable, nature-inspired nanocarriers. These platforms combine exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and renewable sourcing with tunable drug loading, targeted delivery, and controlled release properties. This review synthesizes translational advances from 2020 to 2026, covering scalable isolation/bioprocessing (bioreactors, elicitation), multi-parametric physicochemical/multi-omics characterization, rational engineering/hybridization, and rigorous in vitro/in vivo assessments of uptake, biodistribution, pharmacokinetic (PK), and efficacy. Phytosomes and PBNPs markedly enhance oral bioavailability and targeted delivery of lipophilic phytochemicals, while PDEVs offer unique immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulatory activities. Hybrid and green-synthesized systems provide structural stability, redox modulation, and synergistic effects, and self-assembled/multifunctional composites address solubilization barriers with stimuli-responsive design. Early-phase human studies on grapefruit-, ginger-, turmeric-, and ginseng-derived PDEVs report excellent short-term safety, favorable PK, and preliminary bioactivity signals, with no observed immunogenicity or dose-limiting toxicities; however, these trials remain exploratory, constrained by small sample sizes and safety-focused endpoints. Despite challenges, including methodological heterogeneity, variable yields, long-term safety uncertainties (notably for inorganic hybrids), and regulatory ambiguities, emerging strategies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-engineered plant line; artificial-intelligence-driven process optimization; standardized guidelines, and integrated clinical, intellectual property, and commercialization frameworks are progressively addressing these barriers. Collectively, these advances position plant-derived nanocarriers as immunologically privileged, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic and mammalian platforms, laying the foundation for a sustainable era of precision phytomedicine. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial byproducts as sources of functional polysaccharides is a promising strategy for developing sustainable materials. In this study, cellulose was extracted and purified from rice husk and apple pomace through sequential alkaline and bleaching treatments. Then it was chemically modified via TEMPO-mediated oxidation to obtain cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) with cellulose yields ranging from 23.8 to 32.4% for rice husk and 9.3–13.8% for apple pomace. Owing to its higher recovery and structural regularity, rice husk was selected for surface modification with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The resulting TOCNFs exhibited an average width of 8 nm and a carboxyl content of 0.48 mmol g⁻¹. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen determination (1.72 mg g⁻¹) confirmed the presence of aminosilane functionalities. APTES-modified TOCNFs were incorporated as active components to develop hybrid poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) adhesives synthesized via in situ heterogeneous water-based polymerization. The influence of TOCNF surface chemistry and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on latex particle size, rheological behavior, and adhesive performance was systematically investigated. Latex particle size increased from 193 nm (PVA-SDS) to 625 nm with TOCNF-APTES and decreased to 247 nm upon SDS addition. Rheological analysis revealed pronounced shear-thinning behavior associated with the formation of percolated nanofibrillar networks, with low-shear viscosity increasing up to 477 Pa·s for TOCNF–APTES and decreasing to 370 Pa·s with SDS. Lap-shear testing (ASTM D905) showed substantial improvements in adhesive strength, reaching up to 250 kPa compared to PVA-SDS. These results demonstrate that surface-modified CNFs act not only as mechanical reinforcements but also as interfacially active components governing polymerization behavior, rheology, and adhesive performance. This exploratory study provides a proof-of-concept for the development of sustainable wood adhesives from agro-industrial byproducts. Full article

Paint manufacturing wastewater contains complex mixtures of solvents, resins, surfactants, pigments, and polymeric additives that result in high chemical oxygen demand (COD), toxicity, and poor biodegradability. Conventional physicochemical treatment provides limited removal of dissolved organics, and the pollutant-level behavior of paint effluents during biological treatment remains insufficiently characterized. This study addresses this gap by evaluating a sequential anaerobic–aerobic batch process treating three distinct synthetic paint wastewater samples. This study is a comparative investigation of sequential biological treatment across multiple paint wastewater variants, combined with high-resolution LC–MS to track compound-level transformations. Treatment performance was assessed through COD removal, biogas generation, pH and redox behavior, and LC–MS profiling of organic contaminants. The anaerobic stage achieved 70–95% COD removal depending on wastewater type. Aerobic polishing increased overall removal efficiencies, while PWW3 exhibited reduced stability during extended operation. LC–MS analysis showed substantial decreases in the number and intensity of chromatographic peaks and demonstrated degradation of phthalates, glycol ethers, organophosphate plasticizers, and solvent-derived compounds. The study provides integrated performance- and pollutant-level assessment of sequential anaerobic–aerobic treatment of paint wastewater and demonstrates the influences of wastewater heterogeneity in biological degradation pathways. Full article

Additive Manufacturing (AM) and printing-based fabrication technologies have emerged as powerful enablers for next-generation electronic integration and packaging, addressing the growing limitations of conventional subtractive manufacturing techniques. As electronic systems continue to scale toward higher operating frequencies (10–110 GHz and beyond) and increased functional density (>10⁴ interconnects/cm²), traditional packaging approaches struggle with rigid design constraints, complex processing steps (>15–25 fabrication steps), high tooling costs ($10,000–$100,000 for mask and molds) and limited compatibility with heterogeneous integration. In this review, a comprehensive and critical overview of major additive manufacturing and printing technologies including aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, vat polymerization, fused filament fabrication (FFF) and nScrypt printing is presented from the perspective of electronic assembly and packaging. The fundamental working mechanisms, material compatibility, resolution limits, scalability, and reliability considerations of each technique are systematically discussed. From a manufacturing standpoint, AM reduces material waste by 50–90% compared to subtractive PCB processing and eliminates tooling costs, enabling low-volume prototyping with per-unit fabrication costs reduced by 30–70% for small batches (<100 units). Production throughput varies widely, from 1 to 20 cm²/min for high-resolution direct write systems to >100 cm²/min for scalable inkjet systems. Moreover, it is discussed how these technologies enable advanced packaging architectures such as printed signal crossovers, three-dimensional interconnects, ramps, and embedded chip assemblies. Recent research efforts and reported demonstrations are analyzed to highlight the advantages and current limitations of additive manufacturing for high-frequency, RF, and system-on-package (SoP) applications. Finally, future directions and remaining challenges are discussed, including advances in materials, custom and on-demand manufacturing, enhanced design freedom, integration of multifunctionality, cost-effectiveness, and smart packaging solutions. This review aims to serve as a reference for researchers and engineers seeking to leverage additive manufacturing for high-performance electronic integration and next-generation electronic packaging solutions. Full article

Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS; also referred to as bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, BVS) represent a promising approach in interventional cardiology, offering theoretical advantages such as temporary mechanical support followed by complete resorption. However, clinical experience has revealed challenges, including late-stage scaffold thrombosis and heterogeneous scaffold discontinuity during degradation, prompting investigation into host immune responses. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are network-like structures composed of decondensed chromatin decorated with antimicrobial proteins, have emerged as critical mediators of vascular inflammation and thrombosis. This review explores the intersection between NET biology and BRS performance, investigating how NETosis affects biocompatibility, degradation kinetics, and device-related complications. We discuss the molecular mechanisms that trigger neutrophil activation and NET formation in scaffold materials, the effect of NET components on polymeric and metallic scaffold degradation, and emerging biomarkers to monitor NET-mediated complications. We also evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting NET pathways, including DNase-based therapies, peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory coatings that can optimize next-generation BRS outcomes. Understanding the immunological environment surrounding bioresorbable vascular devices is crucial for developing scaffolds that deliver predictable degradation while minimizing adverse inflammatory responses. Full article

The textile industry is facing increasing pressure to improve its sustainability performance across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. A substantial share of textile production relies on polymer-based fibers, such as polyester, polyamide, and acrylics, whose production, use, and end-of-life management raise significant sustainability challenges. In this context, life cycle-based assessment tools have become essential for supporting informed decision-making and guiding the transition toward more circular textile systems. This review critically examines the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) within the textile sector, with a specific focus on polymeric textile materials and circular economy strategies. The analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of each methodology, emphasizing persistent challenges related to system boundary definition, data availability and quality, methodological heterogeneity, and limited comparability across studies. Particular attention is given to how methodological choices influence the robustness and interpretability of sustainability outcomes, especially when assessing circular solutions for polymer-based textiles. The review reveals that, despite their conceptual complementarity, LCA, LCC, and S-LCA are often applied in a fragmented manner, limiting their integration into holistic sustainability assessments. Overall, this work underscores the need for greater methodological alignment and integrated frameworks to enhance the decision-making relevance of life cycle-based tools and to effectively support sustainable and circular transitions in the textile industry. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most aggressive and treatment-refractory form of primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by rapid proliferation, intratumoral heterogeneity and resistance to current therapies. Despite therapeutic advancements in surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, clinical outcomes remain poor, underscoring the need for innovative molecular strategies. This review examines the therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technologies in GBM, highlighting their ability to model, dissect and potentially correct the genetic alterations that drive GBM tumorigenesis. Key molecular targets, such as EGFR, PTEN, TP53, NF1 and PIK3CA, are discussed within the context of GBM’s mutational and signaling landscape. We further outline emerging CRISPR applications in preclinical models, the current status of CRISPR-based clinical trials and the major barriers hindering translation, including off-target effects, immunogenicity and the challenge of delivering gene-editing systems across the blood–brain barrier. Particular emphasis is placed on delivery technologies, viral and non-viral vectors, including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric systems, inorganic nanocarriers and DNA nanostructures, which are rapidly evolving to improve precision, safety and CNS penetrance. Collectively, this review highlights CRISPR/Cas9 as a powerful tool whose integration with molecular neuro-oncology and precision medicine may ultimately shift GBM treatment toward more personalized and durable therapeutic interventions. Full article

Culturing cells and micro-tissue samples in 3D bio-scaffolding structures is gaining popularity; however, precise control of tissue micro-environment in such systems remains challenging. We describe a family of new hybrid bio-scaffolds with 3D O₂-sensing ability, produced by simple means from readily available bio-scaffolding and O₂-sensing materials. Three different types of phosphorescent O₂-sensing materials—polymeric microparticles (MPs), supramolecular probe MitoXpress and nanoparticulate probes NanO2 and Nano-IR (NPs)—were integrated in Matrigel and agarose scaffolding materials and evaluated. Key working characteristics of such hybrid scaffolds, including heterogeneity, stability, cytotoxicity, optical signals and O₂-sensing properties, ease of fabrication and use, were compared. The results show superiority of the Matrigel hybrids with NanO2 and Nano-IR probes. Demonstration experiments were conducted with HCT116 cells and individual spheroids derived from these cells, culturing them in the Matrigel–NP hybrid scaffolds and monitoring oxygenation and local O₂ gradients on a time-resolved fluorescence plate reader and by phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM). Full article

Recent advances in polymeric composites emphasize the incorporation of natural and mineral fillers to enhance sustainability while maintaining mechanical performance. Studies have shown that lignocellulosic residues and nanostructured clays can improve stiffness and thermal stability, although interfacial compatibility remains a key challenge. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of epoxy composites reinforced with eucalyptus powder and montmorillonite clay, aiming to develop sustainable materials with reduced environmental impact. Formulations containing 5%, 10%, and 20% by volume of each particulate, as well as hybrid combinations, were produced and tested for impact, flexural, and compressive strength. Higher particulate contents were not explored, as fractions above 20% considerably increased viscosity, hindering proper mixing and specimen fabrication. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed irregular morphologies and heterogeneous dispersion of both fillers. The reduction in impact strength observed across all formulations was mainly attributed to poor interfacial adhesion and void formation, as no chemical or surface treatments were applied to enhance compatibility between the particulates and the epoxy matrix. Conversely, compressive strength improved at low filler contents (5–10%), suggesting a more efficient load transfer under compressive stress. Composites with up to 10% particulate presented a viable balance between mechanical performance and sustainability, showing potential for non-structural applications such as panels, coatings, and eco-friendly construction components. Overall, the results highlight the feasibility of using natural and mineral particulates as sustainable reinforcements, albeit with performance constraints at higher loadings. Full article

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited clinically relevant blood disorder. Although a deceptively simple monogenetic disorder, the associated complications have multiple downstream effects. In this review, we explore the many facets of SCD, with a particular focus on its impact on the vascular system. Despite progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of SCD, including Hemoglobin S polymerization, microvascular occlusion, and inflammation, there are still many questions surrounding the condition, especially predicting which affected individuals will acquire specific complications in order to personalize treatments. While current standard of care treatments, including hydroxyurea and chronic red blood cell transfusions, have been proven to be disease-modifying, newer therapies like crizanlizumab and voxelotor have only proven to manage symptoms. Newer gene therapies have been approved; however, it is not clear what impact these will have long-term on the end-organ complications of SCD. There is still a significant need to understand how we optimize and personalize therapies to improve outcomes for patients. This review highlights the importance of recognizing SCD as a vascular disease to understand its multi-organ complications and heterogeneity of effects. Full article

The biosynthesis of melanin in plants remains an enduring biochemical enigma. Unlike the well-characterized pathways of animals and fungi that produce the canonical “true melanins”, the enzymatic origins and physiological functions of melanin-like pigments in plants are poorly described. Recent advances in Juglans regia (walnut) have begun to illuminate this “dark metabolism,” revealing a dual polyphenol oxidase (PPO) system, constitutive JrPPO1 and stress-inducible JrPPO2, that orchestrates the oxidation of phenolics into amorphous, heterogeneous polymeric pigments. Functional studies demonstrate that JrPPO1 maintains tyrosine and redox homeostasis, while silencing triggers a lesion-mimic phenotype, highlighting the enzyme’s role in detoxifying reactive intermediates. In contrast, JrPPO2 responds to redox and pathogen stress, driving pigment formation as part of the defense response. The integration of biological evidence, encompassing genomics, genetics, and phenotyping, reveals that walnut pigmentation represents a genetically encoded, developmentally regulated adaptation balancing metabolic cost and oxidative protection. Decoding this system reframes melanin biosynthesis in plants as a strategic redox resilience mechanism, one that transforms potentially toxic phenolic oxidation into protective polymerization, bridging primary metabolism, defense, and evolution. Full article