Search Results (268)

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

This review critically examines the effects of moisture absorption on the mechanical and fatigue properties of natural fiber composites (NFCs), with a focus on tensile strength, elastic modulus, and long-term durability. Moisture uptake can cause reductions in tensile strength of up to 40% and in elastic modulus by 20–30% depending on fiber type, mass fraction (typically in the range of 30–60%), and surface treatments. The review highlights Ithat while surface modifications (e.g., alkaline and silane treatments) significantly mitigate moisture-induced degradation, their effectiveness is highly sensitive to the processing conditions. Additionally, hybridization strategies and optimized fiber orientations show promise in enhancing fatigue resistance under humid environments. Despite substantial progress, major challenges remain, including the lack of standardized testing protocols and the limited understanding of multiscale aging mechanisms. Future research directions include developing predictive models that couple moisture diffusion and mechanical deterioration, implementing advanced in situ monitoring of damage evolution, and exploring novel bio-based treatments. By addressing these gaps, NFCs can become more reliable and widely adopted as sustainable alternatives in structural applications. Full article

Outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs), naturally secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, have gained recognition as a versatile platform for the development of next-generation vaccines. OMVs are essential contributors to bacterial pathogenesis, horizontal gene transfer, cellular communication, the maintenance of bacterial fitness, and quorum sensing. Their intrinsic immunogenicity, adjuvant properties, and scalability establish OMVs as potent tools for combating infectious diseases and cancer. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology have further expanded the utility of OMVs, enabling the incorporation of multiple epitopes and antigens from diverse pathogens. These developments address critical challenges such as antigenic variability and co-infections, offering broader immune coverage and cost-effective solutions. This review explores the unique structural and immunological properties of OMVs, emphasizing their capacity to elicit robust immune responses. It critically examines established and emerging engineering strategies, including the genetic engineering of surface-displayed antigens, surface conjugation, glycoengineering, nanoparticle-based OMV engineering, hybrid OMVs, and in situ OMV production, among others. Furthermore, recent advancements in preclinical research on OMV-based vaccines, including synthetic OMVs, OMV-based nanorobots, and nanodiscs, as well as emerging isolation and purification methods, are discussed. Lastly, future directions are proposed, highlighting the potential integration of synthetic biology techniques to accelerate research on OMV engineering. Full article

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) magnetic composite, developed via in situ formation of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles embedded within a chloropropyl-modified mesoporous silica layer. This hybrid composite retains the high adsorption capacity of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) while benefiting from the easy magnetic separation enabled by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The mesoporous silica forms a protective porous coating around the magnetic nanoparticles, significantly enhancing its chemical stability and preventing clumping. Beyond protection, the mesoporous silica layer provides a high-surface-area scaffold that promotes the uniform in situ growth of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe). Functionalization of the silica surface with chloride groups enables strong electrostatic interactions between the magnetic component and metal organic framework (MOF), ensuring a homogeneous and stable hybrid structure. The new composite’s capacity to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was systematically investigated. The adsorption data showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model for both ions, the maximum adsorption capacities calculated being 214.6 mg g⁻¹ for Pb(II) and 181.6 mg g⁻¹ Cd(II). Furthermore, the kinetic behavior of the adsorption process was accurately described by the pseudo-second-order model. These findings confirm the effectiveness of this composite for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions, demonstrating its potential as an efficient material for environmental remediation. The combination of magnetic recovery, high adsorption capacity, and stability makes this novel composite a promising candidate for heavy metal removal applications in water treatment processes. Full article

The presence of pesticides in surface waters has been widely reported worldwide and represents a significant problem that raises concerns on local, regional, national, and international scales. Among these, metolachlor is one of the most widely used herbicides to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in various crops. Despite the existing research, data on the effects of metolachlor on the nervous system of fishes, remain limited. The present study aims to investigate the impact of metolachlor during embryonic development on the formation of the nervous system and the subsequent inflammatory response in zebrafish (Danio rerio), focusing specifically on larvae at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf). To achieve this, transgenic zebrafish lines marking neuronal populations Tg(Hu:GFP), glial cells Tg(gfap:GFP), and circulating macrophages Tg(mpeg:GFP) were employed. Following exposure to sub-lethal doses of metolachlor, we observed a significant decrease in GPF-positive cells marking the neuronal population, accompanied by an increase in apoptotic cells within the brain region. Additionally, treated embryos exhibited a marked neuroinflammatory response, characterized by astrogliosis and the specific accumulation of microglia/macrophage-positive cells in the head region. In situ hybridization and real-time PCR analyses revealed a significant downregulation of the neurogenin-1 (ngn1) transcript and a noticeable upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (il1b). Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that metolachlor, even at early developmental stages, can have detrimental effects on both the formation of the nervous system and the regulation of immune responses. Full article

Technologies for functional coatings are evolving rapidly, with electrospark alloying (ESA) emerging as a promising method for surface modification due to its efficiency and localized impact. This review analyzes the fundamental principles of ESA and the effects of process parameters on coating characteristics and highlights its advantages and limitations. Particular attention is given to hybrid ESA-based technologies, including combinations with laser treatment, plastic deformation, vapor deposition, and polymer-metal overlays. These hybrid methods significantly improve coating quality by enhancing hardness, adhesion, and structural integrity and reducing roughness and defects. However, the multi-parameter nature of these processes presents optimization challenges. This review identifies knowledge gaps related to process reproducibility, control of microstructure formation, and long-term performance under service conditions. Recent breakthroughs in combining ESA with high-energy surface treatments are discussed. Future research should focus on systematic parameter optimization, in situ diagnostics, and predictive modeling to enable the design of application-specific hybrid coatings. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), formed by the self-assembly of metal ions/clusters and organic linkers, have attracted considerable attention due to their well-exposed active sites, exceptionally high porosity, and diversified pore architectures. MOF-derived materials obtained through high-temperature pyrolysis or composite structural design not only inherit the porous framework advantages of their precursors but also demonstrate significantly enhanced electrical conductivity and structural stability via the formation of carbon-based frameworks and in situ transformation of metallic species. However, conventional MOF-derived materials struggle to address persistent technical challenges in contemporary energy storage systems, particularly those requiring ultralong cycling stability and ultrahigh-rate capability under practical operating conditions. The integration of MXene, characterized by its abundant surface functional groups (-O, -OH, -F) and exceptional electrical conductivity, with MOF-derived materials presents a viable strategy to address these challenges. Multidimensional nanocomposites constructed through in situ growth and self-assembly techniques synergistically integrate MXene’s conductive network scaffolding effect with the structural tunability of MOF-derived frameworks. This unique architecture enables the following: (i) enhanced exposure of electroactive sites, (ii) optimized ion diffusion kinetics, (iii) mechanical integrity maintenance, collectively boosting the applicability of MXene/MOF hybrids in advanced energy storage systems. This review summarizes the synthesis methods, energy storage performance, and applications of multidimensional nanostructured MXene/MOF-derived composites. Finally, it discusses the opportunities and challenges for MXene/MOF-derived composites in future energy storage applications. Full article

The rapid advancement of modern megapolises has led to a dearth of surface space, and, in response, engineers have begun to trial substitutes below ground level. Shafts are generally used to provide temporary access and permanent work to the subsurface for tunnelling, as well as for lifts or ventilation purposes. In urban areas, one important design issue is the prediction of the excavation-induced displacements by open caisson shaft construction. Settlements and ground movements associated with open caisson shafts are influenced by the choice of construction method, soil composition, and excavation geometry. Compared with other geotechnical construction events, for instance, tunnelling, the literature relating to the ground deformations induced from open caisson shafts are comparatively limited. This review offers an evaluation of several case studies that utilize experimental and computational modeling techniques to provide clearer insights into earth pressure distribution and induced surface and subsurface soil displacements, as well as the associated ground deformations during open caisson shaft construction. The modeling test results are compared to the state of the practice ground deformation prediction theories and measured results from field monitoring data. Findings indicate that the lateral earth pressure distribution aligns closely with the theoretical predictions based on Terzaghi’s and Berezantzev’s models, and lateral earth pressure diminishes gradually until the onset of active wall displacement. Current modeling techniques generally fail to properly represent in situ stress states and large-scale complexities, emphasizing the need for hybrid approaches that combine physical and numerical methodologies. In future studies, modern approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring (e.g., PINNs, ACPP), multi-field coupling models (e.g., THMC), and transparent soil testing, hold profound potential for real-time prediction, optimization, and visualization of soil deformation. Numerical–physical coupling tests will integrate theory and practice. Improving prediction reliability in complicated soil conditions such as composite and heterogenous strata using different modeling techniques is still unclear, and further investigation is therefore needed. Full article

Organic–inorganic hybrid flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) have garnered considerable interest owing to their exceptional power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stable operational characteristics. However, F-PSCs continue to exhibit significantly lower PCE than their rigid counterparts. Herein, we employed 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzylamine hydrochloride (CMBACl) treatment to grow in situ two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films. Through comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) mapping, we demonstrated that CMBACl treatment enabled the in situ growth of two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films via chemical interactions between CMBA⁺ cations and undercoordinated Pb²⁺ sites. The organic cation (CMBA⁺) bound to uncoordinated Pb²⁺ ions and residual PbI₂, while the chlorine anion (Cl⁻) filled iodine vacancies in the perovskite lattice, thereby forming a high-quality 2D/3D heterojunction structure. The CMBACl treatment effectively passivated surface defects in the perovskite films, prolonged charge carrier lifetimes, and enhanced the operational stability of the photovoltaic devices. Additionally, the hybrid 2D/3D architecture also improved energy band matching, thereby boosting charge transfer performance. The optimized flexible devices demonstrated a PCE of 23.15%, while retaining over 82% of their initial efficiency after enduring 5000 bending cycles under a 5 mm curvature radius (R = 5 mm). The unpackaged devices retained 94% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h under ambient conditions with a relative humidity (RH) of 45 ± 5%. This strategy offers practical guidelines for selecting interface passivation materials to enhance the efficiency and stability of F-PSCs. Full article

In this study, we developed a multifunctional graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoprobe co-loaded with antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX). The nanoplatform was strategically functionalized with folic acid ligands to enable folate receptor-mediated tumor targeting. Upon cellular internalization, the antisense PNA component selectively hybridized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA through sequence-specific recognition, inducing structural detachment from the GO surface. This displacement restored the fluorescence signal of previously quenched fluorophores conjugated to the PNA strand, thereby enabling the real-time in situ detection and quantitative fluorescence imaging of intracellular hTERT mRNA dynamics. The antisense PNA component effectively reduced the hTERT mRNA level and downregulated telomerase activity via an antisense gene regulation pathway, while the pH-responsive release of DOX induced potent cancer cell apoptosis through chemotherapeutic action. This combinatorial therapeutic strategy demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy compared to single-modality treatments, achieving a 60% apoptosis induction in HeLa cells through coordinated gene silencing and chemotherapy. This study establishes GO as a promising dual-drug nanocarrier platform for developing next-generation theranostic systems that integrate molecular diagnostics with multimodal cancer therapy. Full article

Combining carbon materials with oxides in a hybrid electrode is an effective way to control supercapacitor performance in terms of balancing energy and power density with cycling stability. However, it is still unclear how the mixing method of each component affects the supercapacitor performance. In this study, the influence of mixing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with ilmenite-type nickel-manganese oxide (NiMnO₃) on the capacitive behaviour of the resulting composites is investigated. Two preparation methods are compared: mechanical mixing and ultrasonication. The capacitive characteristics were evaluated in hybrid supercapacitors using 6M KOH electrolyte. The bulk, surface, and morphological changes of the composites after long-term cycling were probed by EIS and ex situ XRD, XPS, and SEM analyses. It is established that the composites obtained by mechanical mixing exhibit better performance due to the stable contact between rGO and NiMnO₃ particles, favourable surface reactions with KOH and preserved morphology of rGO. These findings indicate that efficient hybrid electrodes can be achieved without relying on costly synthesis techniques such as hydrothermal or ultrasonic treatments. Full article

Desulfovibrio vulgaris is an anaerobic microorganism belonging to the group of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). SRB form biofilms on metal surfaces in water supply networks, producing a microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). This process produces the deterioration of metal surfaces, leading to high economic costs and different environmental safety and health problems related to its chemical treatment. For that reason, rapid and accurate detection methods of SRB are needed. In this work, a new detection system for Desulfovibrio has been developed using gated nanoporous materials. The probe is based on hybrid nanoporous alumina films encapsulating a fluorescent molecule (rhodamine B), whose release is controlled by an oligonucleotide gate. Upon exposure to Desulfovibrio’s genomic material, a movement of the oligonucleotide gatekeeper happens, resulting in the selective delivery of the entrapped rhodamine B. The developed material shows high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting Desulfovibrio DNA in aqueous buffer and biological media. The implementation of this technology for the detection of Desulfovibrio as a tool for monitoring water supply networks is innovative and allows real-time in situ monitoring, making it possible to detect the growth of Desulfovibrio inside of pipes at an early stage and perform timely interventions to reverse it. Full article

In this review work, the different routes and methods for preparing hybrid materials based on nanostructured block copolymers (BCPs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are analyzed, as they can be potentially employed in different sectors like biomedicine, electronic or optoelectronic devices, data storing devices, etc. The first procedure for their preparation consists of the nanostructuring of BCPs in the presence of previously synthesized NPs by modifying their surface for increasing compatibility with the matrix or employing magnetic fields for NP orientation, which can also promote the orientation of nanodomains. Surface modification with surfactants led to the selective confinement of NPs depending on the interaction (mainly hydrogen bonding) degree and their intensity. Surface modification with brushes can be performed by three methods, including grafting from, grafting to, or grafting through. Those methods are compared in terms of success for the positioning and confinement of NPs in the desired domains, showing the crucial importance of brush length and grafting density, as well as of NP amount and modification degree in the self-assembled morphology. Regarding the use of external magnetic fields, the importance of relative amounts of MNPs and BCPs employed and that of the magnetic field intensity for the orientation of the NPs and the nearby BCP domains is shown. The second procedure, consisting of the in situ synthesis of NPs inside the nanodomains by a reduction in the respective metallic ions or employing metal-containing BCPs for the generation of MNP patterns or arrays, is also shown. In all cases, the transference of magnetic properties to the nanocomposite was successful. Finally, a brief summary of some aspects about the use of BCPs for the synthesis, encapsulation, and release of MNPs is shown, as they present potential biomedical applications such as cancer treatment, among others. Full article

The development of safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy storage systems has spurred growing interest in aqueous ZIBs. However, the poor cycling stability of cathode materials—mainly due to manganese dissolution and structural degradation—remains a major bottleneck. In this work, a porous MnO₂/PPy hybrid nanocomposite is successfully synthesized via an in situ co-precipitation strategy. The conductive PPy buffer layer not only alleviates Mn dissolution and buffers volume expansion during cycling but also enhances ion/electron transport and facilitates electrolyte infiltration due to its high surface area. Electrochemical evaluation reveals that the MnO₂/PPy electrode delivers excellent cycling stability, retaining 75% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g⁻¹. Comparative performance analysis shows that MnO₂/PPy exhibits superior capacity retention and rate capability, especially under high current densities and prolonged cycling. These results underscore the effectiveness of the PPy interfacial layer in improving structural integrity and electrochemical performance, offering a promising route for designing high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs. Full article

Photothermal catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) technology not only achieves artificial photosynthesis of fuels but also decreases greenhouse effects. The highly efficient photothermal DRM reaction depends on elaborate catalysts. Therefore, unraveling the relationship between property and catalytic efficiency of catalysts is crucial. In this study, a series of Rh-loaded Ga₂O₃-Nb₂O₅ (Rh/Ga_xNb_y) were designed via a simple in situ reduction strategy using Rh₂O₃/Ga₂O₃-Nb₂O₅ as a precursor. After an accurate material characterization, as a proof-of-principle, the photothermal efficiency could be attributed to (i) the amount of medium and strong basic sites on the catalyst surface; (ii) the number of electron–hole pairs upon visible light irradiation. Accordingly, this study used Rh/Ga_xNb_y as a model hybrid catalyst to clarify the relationship between the fundamental properties and photothermal catalytic DRM activities, thus providing guidance for the rational design and fabrication of efficient metal/semiconductor composite catalysts for DRM implementation. Full article