Search Results (310)

In this study, a pH-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) drug carrier was developed utilizing boric acid-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as the substrate. The carrier was engineered for controlled drug release, with capecitabine (CAPE) being selected as the template molecule due to its structural characteristics and clinical relevance. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated the pH-responsive release behaviors of the fabricated carrier, highlighting its promising applicability in the controlled release of pharmaceutical compounds containing cis-diols, particularly for site-specific therapy where pH variations serve as physiological triggers. Full article

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

Background/Objectives: The incorporation of bioactive molecules into mesoporous carriers is a promising strategy to improve stability, solubility, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report for the first time the encapsulation of the synthetic chalcone 4-Cl into KIT-6 mesoporous silica and evaluate its cytotoxicity, toxicological profile, and pharmacological activities (antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic) using an in vivo zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Methods: Zebrafish were orally dosed with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg) and mortality was recorded for 96 h. For analgesia, zebrafish pretreated with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, KIT-6, or morphine received a tail stimulus (0.1% formalin). Locomotor activity (quadrant crossings) was monitored for 30 min to assess analgesia (neurogenic: 0–5 min; inflammatory: 15–30 min). For inflammation, abdominal edema and weight gain were assessed 4 h after intraperitoneal carrageenan (1.5%). Zebrafish (n = 6/group) received 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Controls received ibuprofen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or 3% DMSO. Weight was measured hourly for 4 h post-carrageenan (difference between baseline and hourly weights). Results: Physicochemical characterizations confirmed successful encapsulation without compromising the ordered structure of KIT-6, as evidenced by a significant reduction in surface area and pore volume, indicating efficient drug incorporation. In vivo assays demonstrated that the 4-Cl/KIT-6 formulation maintained the pharmacological activities of the free chalcone, reduced toxicity, and, notably, revealed a significant anxiolytic effect for the first time. Conclusions: These findings highlight KIT-6 as a promising platform for chalcone delivery systems and provide a solid basis for future preclinical investigations. Full article

To address critical technical challenges in coalbed methane fracturing, including the uncontrollable release rate of conventional breaker agents and incomplete gel breaking, this study designs and fabricates an intelligent controlled-release breaker system based on paraffin-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle carriers. Three types of mesoporous silica (MSN) carriers with distinct pore sizes are synthesized via the sol-gel method using CTAB, P123, and F127 as structure-directing agents, respectively. Following hydrophobic modification with octyltriethoxysilane, n-butanol breaker agents are loaded into the carriers, and a temperature-responsive controlled-release system is constructed via paraffin coating technology. The pore size distribution was analyzed by the BJH model, confirming that the average pore diameters of CTAB-MSNs, P123-MSNs, and F127-MSNs were 5.18 nm, 6.36 nm, and 6.40 nm, respectively. The BET specific surface areas were 686.08, 853.17, and 946.89 m²/g, exhibiting an increasing trend with the increase in pore size. Drug-loading performance studies reveal that at the optimal loading concentration of 30 mg/mL, the loading efficiencies of n-butanol on the three carriers reach 28.6%, 35.2%, and 38.9%, respectively. The release behavior study under simulated reservoir temperature conditions (85 °C) reveals that the paraffin-coated system exhibits a distinct three-stage release pattern: a lag phase (0–1 h) caused by paraffin encapsulation, a rapid release phase (1–8 h) induced by high-temperature concentration diffusion, and a sustained release phase (8–30 h) attributed to nano-mesoporous characteristics. This intelligent controlled-release breaker demonstrates excellent temporal compatibility with coalbed methane fracturing processes, providing a novel technical solution for the efficient and clean development of coalbed methane. Full article

Prostate cancer is a serious, life-threatening condition among men, usually requiring long-term chemotherapy. Due to its high efficacy, bicalutamide, a non-steroidal anti-androgen, has widespread use. However, its poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, and nonspecific systemic exposure limit its application. To overcome these obstacles, our study explored the potential of non-carboxylated and carboxylated mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCN) as advanced drug carriers for bicalutamide (MCN/B and MCN-COOH/B). The physicochemical properties and release behaviour were thoroughly characterized. Functionalization with carboxylic groups significantly improved wettability, dispersion stability, as well as loading efficiency due to enhanced hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. Moreover, all systems exhibited sustained and near-infrared (NIR) triggered drug release with reduced burst-effect, compared to the release of free bicalutamide. Higher particle size and stronger drug–carrier interactions determined a zero-order kinetics and notably slower release rate of MCN-COOH/B compared to non-functionalized MCN. Cytotoxicity assays on LNCaP prostate cancer cells demonstrated that both MCN/B and MCN-COOH/B possessed comparable antiproliferative activity as free bicalutamide, where MCN-COOH/B exhibited superior efficacy, especially under NIR exposure. These findings suggest that MCN-COOH nanoparticles could be considered as a prospective platform for controlled, NIR-accelerated delivery of bicalutamide in prostate cancer treatment. Full article

We investigated a novel natural dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) utilizing gadolinium ruthenate pyrochlore oxide Gd₂Ru₂O₇ (GRO) as a photoanode and compared its performance to the TiO₂-Gd₂Ru₂O₇ (TGRO) combined-layer configuration. The films were fabricated using the spin-coating technique, resulting in spherical grains with an estimated mean diameter of 0.2 µm, as observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This innovative photoactive gadolinium ruthenate pyrochlore oxide demonstrated strong absorption in the visible range and excellent dye adhesion after just one hour of exposure to natural dye. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of the pyrochlore phase, where Raman spectroscopy identified various vibration modes characteristic of the pyrochlore structure. Incorporating Gd₂Ru₂O₇ as the photoanode significantly enhanced the overall efficiency of the DSSCs. The device configuration FTO/compact-layer/Gd₂Ru₂O₇/Hibiscus-sabdariffa/electrolyte(I⁻/I₃⁻)/Pt achieved a high efficiency of 9.65%, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of approximately 3.82 V, and a current density of 4.35 mA/cm² for an active surface area of 0.38 cm². A mesoporous TiO₂-based DSSC was fabricated under the same conditions for comparison. Using impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements, we provided evidence of the mechanism of conductivity and the charge carrier’s contribution or defect contributions in the DSSC cells to explain the obtained Voc value. Through cyclic voltammetry measurements, we highlight the redox activities of hibiscus dye and electrolyte (I⁻/I₃⁻), which confirmed electrochemical processes in addition to a photovoltaic response. The high and unusual obtained Voc value was also attributed to the presence in the photoanode of active dipoles, the layer thickness, dye concentration, and the nature of the electrolyte. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mesoporous silica materials, particularly KIT-6, offer promising features, such as large surface area, tunable pore structures, and biocompatibility, making them ideal candidates for advanced drug delivery systems. The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate an innovative modified-release platform for metformin hydrochloride (MTF), using KIT-6 mesoporous silica as a matrix, to enhance oral antidiabetic therapy. Methods: KIT-6 was synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted sol-gel method and subsequently loaded with MTF via adsorption from alkaline aqueous solutions at two concentrations (1 and 3 mg/mL). The structural and morphological characteristics of the matrices—before and after drug loading—were assessed using SEM-EDX, TEM, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms (the BET method). In vitro drug release profiles were recorded in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids over 12 h. Kinetic modeling was performed using seven classical models, and a multifractal theoretical framework was used to further interpret the complex release behavior. Results: The loading efficiency increased with increasing drug concentration but nonlinearly, reaching 56.43 mg/g for 1 mg/mL and 131.69 mg/g for 3 mg/mL. BET analysis confirmed significant reductions in the surface area and pore volume upon MTF incorporation. In vitro dissolution showed a biphasic release: a fast initial phase in an acidic medium followed by sustained release at a neutral pH. The Korsmeyer–Peppas and Weibull models best described the release profiles, indicating a predominantly diffusion-controlled mechanism. The multifractal model supported the experimental findings, capturing nonlinear dynamics, memory effects, and soliton-like transport behavior across resolution scales. Conclusions: The study confirms the potential of KIT-6 as a reliable and efficient carrier for the modified oral delivery of metformin. The combination of experimental and multifractal modeling provides a deeper understanding of drug release mechanisms in mesoporous systems and offers a predictive tool for future drug delivery design. This integrated approach can be extended to other active pharmaceutical ingredients with complex release requirements. Full article

Developments of nanostructured materials have a significant impact in various areas, such as energy technology and biomedical use. Examples include solar cells, energy management, environmental control, bioprobes, tissue engineering, biological marking, cancer diagnosis, therapy, and drug delivery. Currently, researchers are designing multifunctional nanodrugs that combine in vivo imaging (using fluorescent nanomaterials) with targeted drug delivery, aiming to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity. These fascinating nanoscale “magic bullets” should be available in the near future. Inorganic nanovehicles are flexible carriers to deliver drugs to their biological targets. Most commonly, mesoporous nanostructured silica, carbon nanotubes, gold, and iron oxide nanoparticles have been thoroughly studied in recent years. Opposite to polymeric and lipid nanostructured materials, inorganic nanomaterial drug carriers are unique because they have shown astonishing theranostic (therapy and diagnostics) effects, expressing an undeniable part of future use in medicine. This review summarizes research from development to the most recent discoveries in the field of nanostructured materials and their applications in drug delivery, including promising metal-based complexes, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, titanium, and tin, to tumor cells and possible use in theranostics. Full article

A composite photocatalyst of ceria–cadmium supported on mesoporous SBA-15 silica was synthesized and employed for the aqueous methylene blue (MB) degradation. The composites were prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation technique and a conventional sol–gel approach with triblock copolymer P123 as a structure-directing agent for SBA-15 preparation, enabling the uniform dispersion of CeO₂ and Cd species within the SBA-15 framework. The physicochemical properties of both CeO₂/SBA-15 and Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites were analyzed using small-angle and wide-angle XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption at 77 K, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The findings revealed that the SBA-15 support retained its well-ordered hexagonal mesostructure in both the ceria–SBA-15 and SBA-15-supported cadmium–ceria (Cd-CeO₂) composites. The highest degradation efficiency of 96.40% was achieved under optimal conditions, and kinetic analysis using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model indicated that the MB degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with a strong correlation coefficient (R² = 0.9925) and a rate constant (k) of 0.02532 min⁻¹. Under irradiation, the Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine components, owing to the synergistic interaction between ceria and cadmium, enhanced light absorption, and improved charge carrier separation. The recyclability test demonstrated that the degradation efficiency decreased slightly from 96.40% to 94.86% after three cycles, confirming the stability and reusability of Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites. The photocatalytic process demonstrated a favorable electrical energy per order (EE/O) value of 281.8 kWh m⁻³, indicating promising energy efficiency for practical wastewater treatment. These results highlight the excellent photocatalytic performance and durability of the synthesized Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites, making them promising candidates for facilitating the photocatalytic decomposition of MB and other dye molecules in water treatment applications. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly under stimuli-responsive settings. Polymer-modified MSNs provide increased stability, longer circulation times, and, most crucially, the capacity to respond to diverse internal (pH, redox potential, enzymes, and temperature) and external (light, magnetic field, and ultrasonic) stimuli. These systems allow for the site-specific, on-demand release of therapeutic molecules, increasing treatment effectiveness while decreasing off-target effects. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer-functionalized MSNs for stimuli-triggered drug delivery. Key polymeric modifications, including thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-responsive, and enzyme-degradable systems, are discussed in terms of their design strategies and therapeutic outcomes. The synergistic use of dual or multiple stimuli-responsive polymers is also highlighted as a promising avenue to enhance precision and control in complex biological environments. Moreover, the integration of targeting ligands and stealth polymers such as PEG further enables selective tumor targeting and immune evasion, broadening the potential clinical applications of these nanocarriers. Recent progress in stimuli-triggered MSNs for combination therapies such as chemo-photothermal and chemo-photodynamic therapy is also covered, emphasizing how polymer modifications enhance responsiveness and therapeutic synergy. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, including scalability, biosafety, and regulatory considerations, and provides perspectives on future directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation. Full article

As an important target for deep marine shale gas exploration, shale reservoirs near denudation areas have enormous resource potential. Based on the impression method, the sedimentary paleogeomorphology near the denudation area is identified as three units: the first terrace, the second terrace, and the third terrace. At the second terrace where Well Z212 is located, the thickness of the Longmaxi Formation first section is only 0.8 m, and the continuous thickness of the target interval is only 4.3 m, making it a typical thin shale reservoir. By integrating petrology, mineralogy and the seismic method, the thin shale reservoir is characterized. Compared to shale reservoirs far away from the denudation area, the Well Z212 (near denudation area) production interval (Wufeng Formation first section) has high porosity (6%–10%), moderate TOC (3%–4%), a high carbonate mineral content (10%–35%), and a high gas content (>7 m³/t). The correlation between the total porosity of shale and the density of high-frequency laminations is the strongest, indicating that the silt laminations have a positive effect on pore preservation. There is a significant positive correlation between carbonate content and the volume of mesopores and macropores, as well as the porosity of inorganic pores. It is suggested that carbonate minerals are the main carrier of inorganic pores in Well Z212, and the pores are mainly composed of mesopores and macropores. Under the condition of being far away from the fault zone, even near the denudation area, it has good shale gas preservation characteristics. The key development technologies consist of integrated geo-steering technology, acidification, and volume fracking technology. Based on geological characteristics, the fracturing process optimization of Well Z212 has achieved shale reservoir stimulation. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with silane quaternary ammonium compounds (SiQACs) were synthesized and utilized as carriers for thymus essential oil (TO), a green bio-antifouling agent. The synthesis of MSNs functionalized with SiQACs was carried out in a single step, with clear advantages in terms of simplicity of the process, high yield (94%) and saving of reagents and solvents for the MSN purification. After loading with TO, this innovative dual-action antifouling system was able to integrate the intrinsic biocidal properties of SiQACs with the release of TO from MSN pores, resulting in an engineered material with prolonged efficacy. The antifouling compounds incorporated into the nanoparticles accounted for 42% of the total weight. The biocidal performance was evaluated by monitoring the growth inhibition of Chlorella sorokiniana, a microalga commonly associated with stone biodeterioration. Additionally, these nanoparticles were embedded in a commercial silane-based protective coating and applied to tuff stone samples to assess their ability to mitigate biofilm formation over extended periods. Results demonstrated the system’s high potential for durable protection against microbial colonization and biofilm growth on stone surfaces. Full article

Vitamin E is important for ruminants’ health. To increase the rate of vitamin E resorption, the use of a carrier is recommended. One authorised porous feed additive is biochar. Biochar’s adsorption capacity is affected by its pore volume, which is determined, among other factors, by the biomass and the production process applied. For this purpose, the vitamin E adsorption capacity of ten commercial biochars with a varying surface area in the range of 2.6 to 20 nm was investigated. The results of these single-point batch experiments were compared to the theoretical results using a monolayer adsorption model. Our hypothesis was proven, as the theoretical model could predict the experimental adsorption capacity. This generally suggests that the number of trials required to identify optimal adsorbents can be reduced. A high percentage of vitamin E adsorption (>90%) was obtained with a short adsorption time of 10 min using an adsorbent dosage of 15.78 g/L and a vitamin E concentration of 1.70 g/L. The highest correlation of vitamin E adsorption existed for the mesopore class, ranging from 3.22 to 4.03 nm in Barrett–Joyner–Halenda surface area. This indicates the necessity of knowing the size of the adsorptive and the adsorbent in order to optimise sorption kinetics. Full article

This study aims to delve into the application potential of immobilized lipases in the catalytic synthesis of isoamyl acetate. Through a comparative analysis of various immobilization methods, including physical adsorption, encapsulation, covalent binding, and crosslinking, along with the utilization of nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica SBA-15, and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as carriers, the study systematically evaluates their enhancing effects on lipase catalytic performance. Additionally, solvent engineering strategies, encompassing the introduction of organic solvents, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, are employed to intensify the enzymatic catalytic process. These approaches effectively improve mass transfer efficiency, activate enzyme molecules, and safeguard enzyme structural stability, thereby significantly elevating the synthesis efficiency and yield of isoamyl acetate. Consequently, this research provides solid scientific rationale and technical support for the industrial production of flavor ester compounds. Full article

The overconsumption of fossil energy sources has resulted in serious environmental impacts and an ensuing energy crisis. Therefore, the search for a new alternative energy technology has become a focus of attention. The long-established Fischer–Tropsch synthesis technology and the recent CO₂ hydrogenation technology with unlimited potential seem to be among the ways to solve the above problems. Among them, the development of efficient Fe-based catalysts has become a key issue. Weaker interactions on carbon supports are more favourable for the formation of active phases in Fe-based catalysts than stronger metal–support interactions on conventional oxide supports. In this work, we systematically summarise the application of various types of carbon materials (carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbon, graphene, activated carbon, etc.) in CO_x hydrogenation reactions. The effects of different structural types of carriers on the dispersion of active sites are discussed. At the same time, the effects of different carrier preparation methods on catalytic performance are compared. In addition, the role of surface modifications to carbon materials in the promotion of active sites is discussed. Finally, we propose possible research directions based on the current problems in these catalytic systems. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of new carbon materials and their application in CO_x hydrogenation. Full article