Search Results (3)

In this study, a hollow tubulous-shaped In₂O₃ derived from MIL (MIL-68 (In)) exhibited an enhanced specific surface area compared to MIL. To further sensitize In₂O₃, ZnIn₂S₄ was grown in situ on the derived In₂O₃. The 40In₂O₃/ZnIn₂S₄ composite (1 mmol ZnIn₂S₄ loaded on 40 mg In₂O₃) exhibited degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) under visible light (80 mW·cm⁻², 150 min) that were 17.9 and 1.4 times higher than those of the pure In₂O₃ and ZnIn₂S₄, respectively. Moreover, the 40In₂O₃/ZnIn₂S₄ exhibited an obviously improved antibacterial performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an antibacterial rate of 99.8% after visible light irradiation of 80 mW cm⁻² for 420 min. The 40In₂O₃/ZnIn₂S₄ composite showed the highest photocurrent density, indicating an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Electron spin resonance results indicated that the 40In₂O₃/ZnIn₂S₄ composite generated both ·O₂⁻ and ·OH radicals under visible light, whereas ·OH radicals were almost not detected in ZnIn₂S₄ alone, suggesting the presence of a Z-scheme heterojunction between In₂O₃ and ZnIn₂S₄, thereby enhancing the degradation and antibacterial capabilities of the composite. This offers fresh perspectives on designing effective photocatalytic materials for use in antibacterial and antifouling applications. Full article

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare and severe disease caused by disruptions in the CTNS gene. Cystinosis is characterized by lysosomal cystine accumulation, vesicle trafficking impairment, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Additionally, cystinotic patients exhibit weakening and leakage of the proximal tubular segment of the nephrons, leading to renal Fanconi syndrome and kidney failure early in life. Current in vitro cystinotic models cannot recapitulate all clinical features of the disease which limits their translational value. Therefore, the development of novel, complex in vitro models that better mimic the disease and exhibit characteristics not compatible with 2-dimensional cell culture is of crucial importance for novel therapies development. In this study, we developed a 3-dimensional bioengineered model of nephropathic cystinosis by culturing conditionally immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cells (ciPTECs) on hollow fiber membranes (HFM). Cystinotic kidney tubules showed lysosomal cystine accumulation, increased autophagy and vesicle trafficking deterioration, the impairment of several metabolic pathways, and the disruption of the epithelial monolayer tightness as compared to control kidney tubules. In particular, the loss of monolayer organization and leakage could be mimicked with the use of the cystinotic kidney tubules, which has not been possible before, using the standard 2-dimensional cell culture. Overall, bioengineered cystinotic kidney tubules recapitulate better the nephropathic phenotype at a molecular, structural, and functional proximal tubule level compared to 2-dimensional cell cultures. Full article

Halloysite nanotubes with different outer surface/inner lumen chemistry (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) are natural objects with a 50 nm diameter hollow cylindrical structure, which are able to carry functional compounds both inside and outside. They are promising for biological applications where their drug loading capacity combined with a low toxicity ensures the safe interaction of these nanomaterials with living cells. In this paper, the antimicrobial properties of the clay nanotube-based composites are reviewed, including applications in microbe-resistant biocidal textile, paints, filters, and medical formulations (wound dressings, drug delivery systems, antiseptic sprays, and tissue engineering scaffolds). Though halloysite-based antimicrobial materials have been widely investigated, their application in medicine needs clinical studies. This review suggests the scalable antimicrobial nano/micro composites based on natural tubule clays and outlines research and development perspectives in the field. Full article