Search Results (542)

As the core abrasive in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes, the morphology, size uniformity, and chemical reactivity of CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial factors determining the surface precision and yield of devices. In this work, a KNO₃–LiNO₃ eutectic molten salt was used as the reaction medium. By systematically adjusting key processing parameters (such as the type of cerium source, the species and dosage of surfactants, and calcination conditions), the regulatory effects of these factors on particle growth mechanisms were clarified. This adjustment enabled the controlled synthesis of spherical CeO₂ NPs with customized morphology, particle size, and surface defect states. The multi-stage reaction process of the precursor during calcination was identified by applying thermal analysis techniques, including TG-DSC and TG-FTIR. This process includes dehydration, ion exchange, and thermal decomposition. Microstructural analysis shows that the type and dosage of the cerium source and template agent significantly affect the uniformity of particle size and spherical morphology. Moreover, by using an optimized process with a heating rate of 6 °C/min and maintaining at 400 °C for 3 h, spherical CeO₂ NPs with an average particle size of 60 nm, uniform size distribution, and high sphericity were successfully synthesized via a single-step calcination process. Based on these findings, a further proposal was put forward regarding a crystal growth mechanism mediated by micelle-directed assembly and oriented attachment. This method only requires a single calcination step, has mild reaction conditions, and involves a simple process without the need for specialized equipment—features that show great potential for scalable production. It provides both a theoretical basis and experimental support for the controlled preparation of high-performance CeO₂ abrasives. Full article

Background/Objectives: Docetaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for several malignancies and is an established treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility, systemic toxicity, and the emergence of drug resistance limit its clinical benefit. Zein, a prolamin, forms micelles that enhance the solubility and delivery of hydrophobic drugs. As PEG length and ligand presentation govern micelle behavior, we investigated transferrin-functionalized PEGylated zein micelles as docetaxel nanocarriers and examined how PEG chain length (5 K vs. 10 K) and transferrin-mediated targeting affect delivery to prostate cancer cells. Methods: Docetaxel-loaded zein micelles bearing 5 K or 10 K PEG chains were prepared and conjugated to transferrin. Formulations were characterized for size, charge, morphology, critical micelle concentration, colloidal stability, drug loading and transferrin density. Cellular uptake and mechanisms were assessed in PC-3-Luc, DU145 and LNCaP cells by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and pharmacological inhibition. Anti-proliferative activity was determined by MTT assays. Results: Both PEG5K and PEG10K micelles formed micellar dispersions with low polydispersity and high encapsulation efficiency. PEG5K micelles achieved higher transferrin conjugation and drug loading. Transferrin-functionalized PEG5K micelles showed enhanced uptake in DU145 and LNCaP cells but lower internalization in PC-3-Luc cells. Inhibitor studies indicated receptor-dependent uptake via clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Free docetaxel remained the most potent. However, among nanocarriers, transferrin-targeted PEG5K micelles showed the greatest anti-proliferative efficacy relative to their non-targeted counterparts, whereas transferrin-targeted PEG10K micelles were less potent than the non-targeted PEG10K micelles across all three cell lines. Conclusions: PEG chain length and ligand presentation are key determinants of uptake and cytotoxicity of docetaxel-loaded zein micelles. Shorter PEG chains favor effective transferrin display and receptor engagement, whereas longer PEG likely induces steric hindrance and reduces targeting, supporting transferrin-conjugated PEG5K zein micelles (the lead formulation in this study) as a targeted delivery platform that improves performance relative to matched non-targeted micelles in vitro, while free docetaxel remains more potent in 2D monolayer assays. Full article

Nanoemulsions (NEs) offer a promising strategy for delivering lipophilic cannabidiol (CBD) to protect skin from particulate matter (PM)-induced damage. In this study, CBD-loaded oil-in-water NEs based on Brij^® O10 (polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether) and olive oil were prepared by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method and characterized. A 20% w/w Brij^® O10 formulation (B20) remained clear and stable for 30 days. CBD solubility was markedly enhanced in Brij^® O10 micelles and further increased in NEs, exceeding theoretical predictions and indicating synergistic solubilization in the oil–surfactant system. CBD incorporation lowered the PIT and induced nonlinear changes in droplet size with oil content. All formulations exhibited nanoscale droplets by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, moderately low zeta potentials consistent with nonionic steric stabilization, and maintained physical stability despite increased turbidity at higher oil levels. In a full-thickness human ex vivo skin model exposed to PM, both blank and CBD-loaded NEs reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in PM-exposed skin, with CBD-loaded NEs providing additional reductions and uniquely restoring procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP) relative to their blanks. Overall, PIT-based CBD NEs enhance CBD solubilization and protect human ex vivo skin from PM-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. Full article

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to optimize the microfluidizer-based preparation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles (PLGANM), increasingly used for parenteral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs but typically exhibiting poor physical stability when produced by conventional methods. Method: By systematically tuning microfluidization (MFZ) parameters, we demonstrate an efficient strategy to enhance PLGANM stability and ensure robust, scalable manufacturing, relevant for long-term storage and clinical translation applications. The influence of several key factors designed by Central Composite Design (CCD), including the amount of PLGA and Tween 80, homogenization pressure, and number of passes of MFZ on the size, polydispersity (measured by DLS), and hence stability of the PLGANM, was analyzed for 60 days. 60 PLGANMs produced by the MFZ method (PMFZ) were compared with the PLGANM consisting of equivalent amounts of PLGA and T80 produced using the traditional oil-in-water method (POW). Desired limits were set to minimize standard deviations for Z-average, Zeta Potential, and PDI. Results: Coded variables for optimized PMFZ (OPMFZ) were found to be 82.96 mg PLGA, 6.78 mL 5% T80, 11,000 psi pressure, and 1 pass. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that microfluidization, when guided by a QbD framework, offers precise control over particle attributes and enables reproducible production of stable PLGANM. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, with the highest incidence and mortality among women. Early precise diagnosis and the development of efficient treatment regimens remain major clinical challenges. Harnessing the programmable size, surface chemistry, and tumor microenvironment (TME) responsiveness of nanomaterials, there is tremendous potential for their applications in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy. In the diagnostic arena, nanomaterials serve as core components of novel contrast agents (e.g., gold nanorods, quantum dots, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) and biosensing platforms, substantially enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging modalities—such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging (FLI)—and enabling high-sensitivity detection of circulating tumor cells and tumor-derived exosomes, among various liquid biopsy biomarkers. In therapy, nanoscale carriers (e.g., liposomes, polymeric micelles) improve tumor targeting and accumulation efficiency through passive and active targeting strategies, thereby augmenting anticancer efficacy while effectively reducing systemic toxicity. Furthermore, nanotechnology has spurred the rapid advancement of emerging modalities, including photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and immunotherapy. Notably, the construction of theranostic platforms that integrate diagnostic and therapeutic units within a single nanosystem enables in vivo, real-time visualization of drug delivery, treatment monitoring, and therapeutic response feedback, providing a powerful toolkit for advancing breast cancer toward personalized, precision medicine. Despite challenges that remain before clinical translation—such as biocompatibility, scalable manufacturing, and standardized evaluation—nanomaterials are undoubtedly reshaping the paradigm of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Full article

Milk adulteration through centrifugation, which artificially reduces the somatic cell count (SCC), represents a significant challenge to food authenticity and public health. This fraudulent practice alters the native molecular architecture of milk, masking inflammatory conditions such as subclinical mastitis and distorting product quality. Conventional analytical and microscopic techniques remain insufficiently sensitive to detect the subtle physicochemical changes associated with centrifugation, highlighting the need for molecular-level, data-driven diagnostics. The dataset included 128 paired raw milk samples and approximately 25,000 bright-field micrographs acquired across multiple microscopes, of which 95% were confirmed to be of high quality. In this study, advanced machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) approaches were applied to identify centrifugation-induced alterations in raw milk microstructure. Bright-field micrographs (pixel size 0.27 µm) of paired unprocessed and centrifuged samples were obtained under standardized optical conditions and analyzed using convolutional neural networks (ResNet-18/50, Inception-v3, Xception, NasNet-Mobile) and hybrid attention architectures (MaxViT, CoAtNet). Model performance was evaluated using the harmonic average of recalls across five micrographs per sample (HAR₅). Human microscopy experts (n = 4) achieved only 18% classification accuracy—below the random baseline (25%)—confirming that centrifugation-induced modifications are not visually discernible. In contrast, DL architectures reached up to 97% accuracy (HAR₅, Xception), successfully identifying subtle molecular cues. Class activation and sensitivity analyses indicated that models focused not on milk fat globule (MFG) boundaries but on high-frequency nanoscale variations related to the reorganization of casein micelles and solid non-fat fractions. The findings strongly suggest that centrifugation adulteration constitutes a molecular reorganization event rather than a morphological alteration. The integration of optical microscopy with AI-driven molecular analytics establishes deep learning as a precise and objective tool for detecting fraudulent milk processing and improving food integrity diagnostics. Full article

This study elucidates the interfacial adsorption behavior of a series of short-chain extended anionic surfactants C₈P_xE_yC (sodium ethylhexyl polyoxypropylene x-polyoxyethylene y-carboxylate) on quartz surfaces, with a focus on the regulatory role of polyoxyethylene (EO) and polyoxypropylene (PO) groups. The results indicate that there is a two-stage adsorption process for C₈P_xE_yC molecules on the quartz surface. In the first adsorption stage, C₈P_xE_yC molecules adsorb at the interface primarily via hydrogen bonding with their hydrophobic tails oriented to water and thereby reducing quartz hydrophilicity before the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The second adsorption stage appears at the CMC, and a saturated monolayer forms via hydrogen bonding. When further increasing the concentration, C₈P_xE_yC molecules interact with the pre-adsorbed monolayer by hydrophobic interactions to establish a loose bilayer structure. As the hydrophilic heads of C₈P_xE_yC orient to water, the surface hydrophilicity of quartz enhances after CMC. The PO/EO chain length critically governs the adsorption behavior of C₈P_xE_yC. Specifically, longer PO chains enhance the molecular size and hydrophobicity of C₈P_xE_yC, leading to a decreased saturation adsorption amount. Conversely, longer EO chains improve the hydrophilicity of C₈P_xE_yC, promoting C₈P_xE_yC molecules to stay in water and consequently decreasing the interfacial adsorption amount of C₈P_xE_yC. This structure–activity relationship of C₈P_xE_yC molecules guides the design of extended surfactants for applications requiring precise wettability control. Full article

Polyelectrolyte-based complexes have attracted attention, as the interaction of the oppositely charged components results in nanoparticle formation through an easy but highly efficient method, avoiding the use of strong solvents, extreme temperatures, and toxic chemicals. Sodium oleate (NaOL) is a widely used surfactant in the pharmaceutical industry due to its availability, eco-friendliness, and low cost. In the present study, the neutral-cationic block copolymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)–b–quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)) is mixed with the anionic surfactant sodium oleate for the formation of nanoscale polyelectrolyte complexes through electrostatic interactions. Different weight ratios of copolymer to surfactant are studied. Then, the co-solvent protocol was implemented, and curcumin is successfully loaded in the formed particles for drug delivery applications. The size and morphology of the macromolecular complexes are examined via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM). The methods that we have used have indicated that the polymer–surfactant complexes form spherical complexes, worm-like and vesicle-like structures. When curcumin was introduced, encapsulation was effectively achieved into micelles, giving rise to vesicle-like shapes. The success of curcumin encapsulation is confirmed by Ultraviolet–Visible absorption (UV–Vis) and fluorescence (FS) spectroscopy. POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)–sodium oleate polyelectrolyte complexes revealed promising attributes as efficient drug carrier systems for pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Reverse micelles (RMs) are versatile nanostructures traditionally formed in low-polarity organic solvents, but the need for greener alternatives has limited their broader applicability. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that a hydrophobic Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES), prepared from a simple 1:1 mixture of camphor and menthol (CM), can act as the continuous external phase for RM formation. Remarkably, CM dissolves the benchmark surfactant sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT) at concentrations up to 0.5 M without co-surfactants and supports water solubilization up to W₀ = [H₂O]/[AOT] = 5, yielding thermodynamically stable systems. 1H and DOSY NMR analyses reveal clear structural rearrangements of the micellar interface, confirm the encapsulation of water in the polar core, and provide quantitative evidence of size modulation as a function of W₀. The resulting CM/AOT/water assemblies represent the first example of NADES-based reverse micelles, offering an easily prepared, sustainable, and biocompatible platform. This breakthrough opens new perspectives for the development of green self-assembled systems with promising applications in areas such as food technology, pharmaceuticals, and nanomedicine. Full article

The manufacturing of detergent products such as laundry detergents or household cleaners is of increasing interest to the chemical industry. Surfactants and fatty acids are the most important ingredients in detergent formulations, as they are responsible for the cleaning power and the antimicrobial efficiency of the cleaning product. Computational tools can play a key role in the design and performance optimization of detergent products as they allow for quick and efficient screening of candidate surfactants in detergent formulations. In the present study, an automated fragmentation and parametrization protocol is utilized to investigate the adsorption of candidate fatty acid surfactants towards bacterial inner membranes. The effect of the surfactant size, concentration, and tendency for micelle formation on the degree of their adsorption on the inner membrane is examined. Analysis demonstrates that surfactant–inner membrane interaction weakens with surfactant size and aggregation tendency, as confirmed by pertinent experimental and simulation studies. The outcome of this study demonstrates that the adopted multiscale protocol allows for an accurate and cost-effective description of the systems examined at timescales much shorter than those required in laboratory experiments and atomistic simulations. Full article

Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent green tea polyphenol, possesses significant therapeutic potential, but its clinical application is limited by poor gastrointestinal stability and low oral bioavailability. To address this, a novel herbal nanomedicine-based delivery system was developed utilizing D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and Poloxamer 407. Objectives: This study aims to develop and characterize EGCG-loaded TPGS/Poloxamer 407 micelles, evaluating their physicochemical properties, storage stability, in vitro drug release profile, in vivo oral bioavailability, and preliminary tolerability observation. Methods: The micelles were prepared using the film hydration method followed by lyophilization. Results: The optimized 2:2 TPGS-to-poloxamer 407 weight ratio yielded EGCG-loaded micelles, displaying a mean particle size of 15.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.16, a zeta potential of −17.7 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 82.7%, and a drug loading capacity of 7.6%. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined to be 0.00125% w/v. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the micelles’ uniform spherical morphology. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. EGCG formulation remained stable for at least six months when stored at 4 °C. No adverse clinical signs were noted during the 28-day tolerability observation. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in mice revealed a significant elevation in oral bioavailability, achieving a 2.27-fold increase in area under the curve (AUC) and a 1.8-fold increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to free EGCG. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of the TPGS/poloxamer 407-based micelle system as a promising oral delivery platform for EGCG, enhancing its stability and pharmacokinetic performance. Full article

In response to the limitations of hyaluronic acid (HA)—such as its high cost, short durability, and instability—in anti-aging aesthetic applications, this study developed a novel injectable micelle system, with a triple network structure. It is the particle size of approximately 400 nm and the elevated potential that enhance the crosslinking density and mechanical strength of the hydrogel. Importantly, following ultrafiltration and purification processes, the material’s hemolysis rate measured by spectrophotometry was only 3.25%, and endotoxin levels measured by the LAL assay were less than 0.5 EU/mL (test conditions: 37 °C, pH = 7, detection limit: 0.125 EU/mL). Building on this safe and stable material platform, we further designed an antibacterial wound dressing by functionalizing γ-PGA with penicillin or benzalkonium chloride. It reduced the cellular activity of Staphylococcus aureus by 78.9% and 84.2%, respectively. The outstanding safety profile, combined with customizable functionality, positions this γ-PGA-based platform as a promising multifunctional biomaterial meeting practical standards for both aesthetic medicine and wound care applications. Full article

The impact of counterion structure, especially variations in constitutional and stereochemical isomers, on the properties and performance of AABSs remains under-explored. This study investigates how structural variations, particularly the stereochemistry of diammonium cyclohexane (DACH) counterions, influence the self-assembly behavior of AABSs. Four AABSs: undecanoyl-glycine, -L-alanine, -L-valine, and -L-leucine, were paired with six DACH counterions representing cis/trans isomers of 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-DACH. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) were determined via conductimetry, and micellar sizes were measured using dynamic light scattering. The degree of counterion binding (β) was calculated to probe micelle stability, while geometry-optimized structures of the DACH isomers were obtained using density functional theory. Lastly, pH measurements were taken to probe the protonation of DACH counterions at their natural pH, where both the DACH counterion and AABS headgroups intrinsically behave as buffers. Results indicate that while surfactant hydrophobicity primarily dictates CMC in other AABS/DACH combinations, trans-1,3-DACH leads to consistently higher CMCs. This deviation likely arises from its structural conformation, which positions the amine groups an intermediate distance of ~4.4–4.5 Å apart, allowing a small fraction of divalently charged counterions to form strong electrostatic bridging pockets at the micelle interface. These interactions dominate over headgroup effects, leading to elevated and surfactant-independent CMC values. Regarding size and other unusual trends in the systems, cis- isomers formed slightly larger micelles, and trans-1,4-DACH induces abnormal aggregation in undecanoyl-glycine leading to temperature dependent gel formation. These findings highlight the significant influence of counterion structure on AABS behavior and support counterion design as a strategy for enhancing surfactant performance in sustainable applications. Full article

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been synthesized through sol–gel synthesis in basic conditions. Gemini surfactants having urea in the headgroups were used as pore-forming agents. The effect of the spacer length of the surfactant on the particle morphology was studied on the sub-micrometer and nanometer scales using nitrogen porosimetry, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), ultra-small-angle neutron scattering, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Depending on the spacer, spherical and/or cylindrical nanoparticles formed in different proportions, as revealed by statistical analysis of SEM micrographs. All prepared materials showed the hexagonal pore structure characteristic of the MCM-41 molecular sieves, with the exception of the sample prepared using the gemini surfactant with the shortest spacer length. The influence of the spacer length on the lattice parameter of the pore network, as well as the average size of the ordered domains, has been assessed by SAXS and TEM. Detailed analysis of the TEM images revealed a spread of the lattice parameter in a range of 10–20%. The broadening of the diffraction peaks was shown to be due to the combination of the effects of the finite domain size and the variance of the lattice parameter across the crystalline domains. The structural differences between the silica gels synthesized with the different surfactants were related to the variation of the micelle morphologies, reported in previous light scattering and small-angle scattering experiments. No connection could be revealed between the micelle shape and size and the pore sizes, showing that surfactants with a broad range of spacer lengths can equally well be used for the preparation of MCM-41 materials. Full article

Herein, a brief overview of the cyclodextrin structure is provided, along with its most important derivatives. The difference between the water molecules in the outer hydration shell of cyclodextrin and those in its hydrophobic cavities is discussed. The structural characteristics of surfactants, along with their structural differences, are presented. An insight into the formation of surfactant micelles was given in aqueous solution. A thermodynamic model for the formation of the inclusion complex between surfactants and cyclodextrin in a solution is presented, explaining the hydrophobic effect, which drives the formation of the inclusion complex at lower and room temperatures. The influence of the size of the cyclodextrin cavity and the structure of surfactants on the stoichiometry of the inclusion complex, as well as on the affinity of the surfactant to the hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrin, is discussed. The most important experimental methods used to study the cyclodextrin-surfactant inclusion complex are listed. Full article