Search Results (366)

Maritime corrosion is a global problem often retarded through protective coatings containing corrosion inhibitors (CIs). ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDH) have been used to immobilize CIs, which can reduce their early leaching and, thus, foster long-term corrosion protection. However, the environmental behavior of these nanomaterials remains largely unknown, particularly in the context of global changes. The present study aims to assess the environmental behavior of four anti-corrosion nanomaterials in an ocean acidification scenario (IPCC SSP3-7.0). Three different concentrations of the nanostructured CIs (1.23, 11.11, and 100 mg L⁻¹) were prepared and maintained at 20 °C and 30 °C in artificial salt water (ASW) at two pH values, with and without the presence of organic matter. The nanomaterials’ particle size and the release profiles of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, and anions were monitored over time. In all conditions, the hydrodynamic size of the dispersed nanomaterials confirmed that the high ionic strength favors their aggregation/agglomeration. In the presence of organic matter, dissolved Al³⁺ increased, while Zn²⁺ decreased, and increased in the ocean acidification scenario at both temperatures. CIs were more released in the presence of humic acid. These findings demonstrate the influence of the tested parameters in the nanomaterials’ environmental behavior, leading to the release of metals and CIs. Full article

The vast majority of viruses causing human and animal diseases are enveloped—their virions contain an outer lipid bilayer originating from a host cell. Small molecule antivirals targeting the lipid bilayer cover the broadest spectrum of viruses. In this context, we consider the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of membrane-targeting antivirals. They can affect virions by (1) physically modulating membrane properties to inhibit fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane, (2) physically affecting envelope lipids and proteins leading to membrane damage, pore formation and lysis, (3) causing photochemical damage of unsaturated membrane lipids resulting in integrity loss and fusion arrest. Other membrane-active compounds can target host cell membranes involved in virion’s maturation, coating, and egress (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and outer membrane) affecting these last stages of viral reproduction. Both virion- and host-targeting membrane-active molecules are promising concepts for broad-spectrum antivirals. A panel of approved antivirals would be a superior weapon to respond to and control emerging disease outbreaks caused by new viral strains and variants. Full article

Background/Objectives: As novel synergistic strategy for heart failure (HF), this study explores the formulation and characterization of liposomal systems co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin—DAPA and empagliflozin—EMPA) and curcumin (Cur). Methods: To enhance liposomal membrane stability and achieve sustained, controlled drug release, oleanolic acid (OA) was incorporated into the lipid bilayer, while the liposomal surface was coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Results: The resulting liposomes exhibited favorable physico-chemical properties (particle size ~170 nm, low PDI, negative zeta potential), high encapsulation efficiencies (up to 97%), and spherical morphology as confirmed by STEM. XRD and DSC analyses indicated successful API incorporation and amorphization within the lipid matrix, while PVP coating provided slight improvements in thermal stability. Trehalose proved to be an effective cryoprotectant, preserving liposome integrity after freeze-drying. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained and delayed drug release, especially in PVP-coated and OA-containing formulations. Conclusions: All these findings highlight the promise of PVP-coated, OA-stabilized liposomal formulations co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors and Cur as biocompatible, multifunctional platforms for targeted HF therapy. Full article

To date, one of the main problems associated with the engineering application of metallic materials is corrosion protection. To increase their durability and reduce damage, a variety of protection methods have been studied and applied. In recent decades, coating techniques have become increasingly important. Among these coatings, Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) have shown unique properties, such as ion exchange, high adhesion, and hydrophobicity, particularly useful for biomedical applications. In this review, after a detailed exposition of the LDHs’ synthesis processes, the most recent corrosion protection methods are illustrated. Intercalation of corrosion inhibitors and release kinetics of intercalates are presented. Although this work is mainly focused on laboratory-scale investigations and fundamental research, the problems inherent to large-scale industrial manufacturing and application are outlined and briefly discussed. Full article

Magnesium alloys are lightweight metals but suffer from high corrosion susceptibility due to their chemical reactivity, limiting their large-scale applications. To enhance corrosion resistance, this work combines Li–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with triethylenetetramine (TETA) inhibitors to form an efficient corrosion protection system. Electrochemical tests, SEM, FT-IR, XPS, and 3D depth-of-field microscopy were employed to evaluate TETA-modified Li–Al LDH coatings at varying concentrations. Among them, the Li–Al LDHs without the addition of a TETA corrosion inhibitor decreased significantly at |Z|_{0.01 Hz} after immersion for 4 h. However, the Li–Al LDHs coating of 23.5 mM TETA experienced a sudden drop at |Z|_{0.01 Hz} after holding for about 60 h, and the Li–Al LDHs coating of 70.5 mM TETA also experienced a sudden drop at |Z|_{0.01 Hz} after holding for about 132 h. By contrast, at the optimal concentration (47 mM), after 24 h of immersion, the maximum |Z|_{0.01 Hz} reached 7.56 × 10⁵ Ω∙cm²—three orders of magnitude higher than pure Li–Al LDH coated AZ31 (2.55 × 10² Ω∙cm²). After 300 h of immersion, the low-frequency impedance remained above 10⁵ Ω∙cm², demonstrating superior long-term protection. TETA modification significantly improved the durability of Li–Al LDHs coatings, addressing the short-term protection limitation of standalone Li–Al LDHs. Li–Al LDHs themselves have a layered structure and effectively capture corrosive Cl⁻ ions in the environment through ion exchange capacity, reducing the corrosion of the interface. Furthermore, TETA exhibits strong adsorption on Li–Al LDHs layers, particularly at coating defects, enabling rapid barrier formation. This inorganic–organic hybrid design achieves defect compensation and enhanced protective barriers. Full article

Marine biofouling, the process of marine microorganisms, algae, and invertebrates attaching to and forming biofilms on ship hulls, underwater infrastructure, and marine equipment in ocean environments, severely impacts shipping and underwater operations by increasing fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and corrosion risks, and by threatening marine ecosystem stability via invasive species transport. This study reports the development of a hydrogel-metal-organic framework (MOF)-quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) antifouling coating on 304 stainless steel (SS) substrates. Inspired by mussel adhesion, a hydrophilic bionic hydrogel was first constructed via metal ion coordination. The traditional metal ion source was replaced with a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with 2-(5H)-furanone (HF, a QSI) without altering coating formation. Physicochemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, and the diffraction of x-rays (XRD) confirmed successful HF loading into ZIF-8 with intact crystal structures. Antifouling tests showed HF@ZIF-8 enhanced antibacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (97.28%) and Escherichia coli (>97%) and suppressed Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 pigment synthesis at 0.25 mg/mL (sub-growth concentration). The reconstructed PG/PVP/PEI/HF@ZIF-8 coating achieved 72.47% corrosion inhibition via synergistic anodic protection and physical shielding. This work provides a novel green approach for surface antifouling and drag reduction, highlighting MOF-loaded QSIs as promising additives to enhance the antifouling performance of hydrogel coatings, anti-corrosion performance, and QSI performance for sustainable marine engineering applications. Full article

Composite protective coatings are critical for material durability but face challenges like fragmented knowledge and scalability issues. Existing research lacks the systematic integration of nanomaterial properties with macroscale performance and standardized evaluation protocols for hybrid systems. This study uses CiteSpace to analyze 18,363 publications (2015–2025) from Web of Science, visualizing collaborative networks, keyword clusters, and citation bursts. China leads global research output (8508 publications), with the USA and India following, while materials science, chemistry, and physics dominate disciplines. Key themes include nanocomposite coatings (e.g., graphene oxide, MXene), corrosion resistance mechanisms, and sustainable technologies, with citation bursts highlighting nanocomposites and surface functionalization. The study reveals interdisciplinary synergies in 2D nanomaterial-polymer systems, thereby improving barrier properties and enabling stimuli-responsive inhibitor release, yet it identifies gaps in lifecycle sustainability and industrial scalability. By constructing a holistic knowledge framework, this work bridges theory and application, quantifying interdisciplinary linkages and pinpointing frontiers like smart, multifunctional coatings. This study integrates data-driven insights to facilitate cross-sector collaboration. It delivers a strategic framework to tackle global challenges in material durability, sustainability, and practical application. Full article

Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is involved in various cancers and is an attractive target. The RING domain of MDM2 has been discussed as an alternative target to stabilize p53. Designing drugs to target the RING domain of MDM2 is an alternative approach to preventing MDM2-mediated deactivation of p53. In this study, we obtained a human VH single-domain antibody and revealed its regulatory effects and mechanisms. The RING domain of MDM2 was synthesized using a chemical synthesis method, and antibodies against the MDM2 RING domain were screened from a human VH single-domain antibody library and expressed intracellularly. A nuclear localization sequence was designed to ensure intrabody efficiency. The binding activity of the individually cloned antibodies was detected using ELISA. MTT and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the reactions related to intrabody in vitro. The combination and its influence on MDM2 were detected using immunoprecipitation assays, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting. The effects on apoptosis-related mitochondrial pathways downstream of p53 were examined using Western blotting. The influence on cell cycle distribution and cyclin-related proteins was detected using flow cytometry and Western blotting. A549 cell xenografts were constructed to assess the effect of intrabodies on growth in vivo. The molecular mechanisms of MDM2 and p53 were studied using Western blotting. Eight individual cloned antibodies were positive compared to the signals on the BSA-coated plates, especially intrabodies VH-HT3. In A549 and MCF-7 cell lines, VH-HT3 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. VH-HT3 co-localized with MDM2 in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The specific combination of VH-HT3 triggered no significant effect on MDM2 activity for p53 degradation but upregulated the levels of factors downstream of p53, especially those in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, VH-HT3 induced cell cycle arrest, and the expression of cyclin-related proteins was consistent with this observation. VH-HT3 also retarded the growth of A549 xenografts in vivo. Further tests suggested that VH-HT3 inhibited MDM2 function by increasing HIPK2 levels and activating p53 at the Ser46 site. VH-HT3, prepared from a human VH single-domain antibody library, inhibited p53 activity and produced a tumor-suppressive effect. The intrabody VH-HT3 is a candidate for the development of novel MDM2 inhibitors. Full article

Endogenous inhibitors can inhibit seed germination, and GA₃ can promote seed germination. Whether GA₃ can affect the changes in endogenous inhibitors has not been clarified. In order to study the effect of GA₃ on the endogenous inhibitors in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) seeds, the systematic separation method and gas chromatography–mass pectrometry (GC-MS) method were used to determine the endogenous inhibitors using cabbage (Brassica rapa var. glabra Regel) as a bioassay model to validate the inhibitory activity in sainfoin seeds, and then the optimal concentration of GA₃ was determined to promote seed germination. The results showed that endogenous inhibitors existed in the pod coat, seed coat, and seed embryo of sainfoin seeds, with the methanol and ethyl acetate phases showing the highest degree of inhibition. The organic compounds were mainly organic acids, phenols, lipids, and alkanes. The levels of changes in germination indicators, storage substances, and antioxidant enzymes determined that 600 mg/L GA₃ was the optimum concentration to promote germination of sainfoin seed. It was also found that 600 mg/L GA₃ reduced the relative content of endogenous inhibitors and changed the content of endogenous hormones. In summary, the presence of endogenous inhibitors may be one of the reasons for the low germination rate of sainfoin seeds, with 3-methoxycatechol and 4-nitrosodiphenylamine playing a major role. GA₃ can reduce the relative content and types of endogenous inhibitors to promote the germination of sainfoin seeds. Our experimental results provide the basis for subsequent exploration of the mechanism of specific endogenous inhibitors and the identification of deeper molecular mechanisms. Full article

The insufficient corrosion resistance and high interfacial contact resistance (ICR) of 316L stainless steel (316L SS) severely limit its application as bipolar plates (BPs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, a graphite/carbon black/PVDF composite coating was first developed by hot rolling on the surface of 316L SS to enhance both corrosion resistance and conductivity. By incorporating 5 wt% polyaniline (PANI) as a corrosion inhibitor, the optimized RP5 coating exhibited further improvements in corrosion resistance. The potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed that the RP5 coating achieved a corrosion current density of 0.977 μA·cm⁻², representing a two-orders of magnitude reduction compared to bare 316L SS (34.1 μA·cm⁻²). The coating also exhibits a satisfactory interfacial contact resistance (ICR) of 8.20 mΩ·cm² at 1.5 MPa, meeting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2025 targets (<10 mΩ·cm²). Additionally, the RP5 coating exhibited superior hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 96.5°, which is advantageous for water management within PEMFCs. The results confirm that the RP5 coating achieves an optimal balance between high conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and improved hydrophobicity, making it a promising solution for advancing PEMFC bipolar plates’ performance. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. Common treatments following surgical resection include PD-1-targeting checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab), as 20% of tumors are PD-L1 positive with or without systemic chemotherapy. Over the last several years, our laboratory has developed nano-immune conjugates (NIC) in which hydrophobic chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel (PTX) and SN38, the active metabolite of irinotecan, are made water soluble by formulating them into albumin-based nanoparticles (nab) that are hydrophobically linked to various IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, creating an antigen-targetable nano-immune conjugate. To date, we have successfully tested PTX containing NICs linked to either VEGF- or CD20-targeted antibodies in two phase I clinical trials against multiple relapsed ovarian/uterine cancer or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, respectively. Herein, we describe a novel NIC created with either PTX or SN38 that is coated with anti-PD-L1-targeting antibodies for the treatment of a preclinical model of TNBC. In vitro testing suggests that the chemotherapy drug and antibody retain their toxicity and ligand binding capability in the context of the NIC. Furthermore, both the PTX and SN-38 NIC demonstrate superior anti-tumor efficacy relative to antibody and chemotherapy drugs alone in a PD-L1 + MDA-MB-231 human TNBC xenograft model, which could translate clinically to patients with TNBC. Full article

This study examined the ability of a coating made from nano-CeO₂-doped montmorillonite (NCM) nanoclay to inhibit corrosion on carbon steel when immersed in a 1 M HCl solution. The coating was produced by combining CeO₂ nanoparticles with montmorillonite nanoclay, and its characteristics were analyzed using SEM and XRD techniques. The corrosion inhibition effects were assessed through weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) methods. The findings indicated that the NCM nanoclay serves as an effective inhibitor, exhibiting a mixed-type behavior that impedes both the anodic and cathodic reactions on the steel surface in an acidic environment. The investigation demonstrated that the NCM coating achieved remarkable inhibition efficiencies of 95% (using the weight loss method) and 99% (using the PDP method) in the acidic solution. SEM was utilized to capture images of the surface at various phases of the corrosion inhibition process for mild steel. XRD was employed to analyze the structural properties of the coating’s nanoparticles. This modified and eco-friendly NCM nanoclay has enhanced the corrosion resistance of mild steel in acidic environments. Full article

Poor seed germination obtained in sour cherry breeding programs results in a limited number of seedlings. This makes breeding inefficient: the resulting hybridization is low in relation to human labor input. That is why a study was conducted to investigate the influence of different methods of treating seeds of three sour cherry cultivars—‘Wanda’, ‘Wroble’, and ‘Lutowka’—on their germination and the growth of the obtained seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The tested methods of seed treatment included different durations of the stratification period at 5 °C, and several variants of removing the sources of germination inhibitors present in the stones (endocarps), seed coats, and endosperm, and in the cotyledons of embryos. The highest number of germinated seeds/embryos was obtained by removing the seed coat attached to the endosperm and subjecting the exposed embryos to a temperature of 20 °C after stratifying them for a period of 90 days. The percentage of germinated seeds/embryos obtained by this method was as high as 80%–90%, and their germination occurred within 10–15 days, whereas with the traditional stratification of seeds in endocarps at 5 °C, a large number of seeds did not germinate, even after 150 days of stratification. This method produced 20–25 cm tall seedlings within five months. By contrast, the final germination percentage of the seeds in the Control Treatment was from 16.4% to 54.4%, and a large proportion of seeds had still not germinated after five months. Seedlings obtained from seeds stratified for 90 days grew better than those obtained from seeds stratified for a shorter time. The developed method makes it possible to obtain a larger number of sour cherry seedlings, thus increasing the efficiency of creative breeding. Moreover, obtaining a higher germination percentage over a shorter period shortens the breeding cycle, which contributes to reducing the costs of sour cherry breeding. Full article

The inducible enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the subsequent synthesis of eicosanoids initiated by this enzyme are important molecular players in bone healing. In this pilot study, the suitability of a novel selective COX-2 inhibitor bearing a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing moiety was investigated as a modulator of healing a critical-size bone defect in rats. A 5 mm femoral defect was randomly filled with no material (negative control, NC), a mixture of collagen and autologous bone fragments (positive control, PC), or polycaprolactone-co-lactide (PCL)-scaffolds coated with two types of artificial extracellular matrix (aECM; collagen/chondroitin sulfate (Col/CS) or collagen/polysulfated hyaluronic acid (Col/sHA3)). Bone healing was monitored by a dual-tracer ([¹⁸F]FDG/[¹⁸F]fluoride) approach using PET/CT imaging in vivo. In addition, ex vivo µCT imaging as well as histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed 16 weeks post-surgery. A significant higher uptake of [¹⁸F]FDG, a surrogate marker for inflammatory infiltrate, but not of [¹⁸F]fluoride, representing bone mineralization, was observed in the implanted PCL-scaffolds coated with either Col/CS or Col/sHA3. Molecular targeting of COX-2 with NO-coxib had no significant effect on tracer uptake in any of the groups. Histological and immunohistochemical staining showed no evidence of a positive or negative influence of NO-coxib treatment on bone healing. Full article

This review examines recent advances in corrosion inhibitor technologies, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that address both industrial efficiency and environmental safety. Corrosion is a ubiquitous problem, contributing to massive economic losses globally, with costs estimated between 1 and 5% of GDP in different countries. Traditional inorganic corrosion inhibitors, while effective, are often based on toxic compounds, necessitating the development of more environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternatives. The present work highlights innovative eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors derived from natural sources, including plant extracts and oils, biopolymers, etc., being biodegradable substances that provide effective corrosion resistance with minimal environmental impact. In addition, this review explores organic–inorganic hybrid inhibitors and nanotechnology-enhanced coatings that demonstrate improved efficiency, durability, and adaptability across industries. Key considerations, such as application techniques, mechanisms of action, and the impact of environmental factors on inhibitor performance, are discussed. This comprehensive presentation aims to contribute to updating the data on the development of advanced corrosion inhibitors capable of meeting the requirements of modern industries while promoting sustainable and safe practices in corrosion management. Full article