Search Results (1,665)

Background/Objectives: Inadequate characterization of protective antigens poses a significant challenge to the development of vaccines for African swine fever (ASF), particularly for antigen-dependent formulations such as subunit, mRNA, and recombinant viral vector vaccines. To address this, we aimed to screen African swine fever virus (ASFV) antigens and enhance their immunogenicity using a nanoparticle delivery platform. Methods: Here, six ASFV antigens (p30, p54, pE120R, pH124R, pE184L, and CD2v) were purified and used to immunize pigs individually. The effects of antibodies induced by these six antigens on ASFV replication or hemadsorption was evaluated in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). These six antigens were, respectively, conjugated to ferritin via SpyTag/SpyCatcher to prepare six ferritin nanoparticles. A cocktail of the six mixed antigens or a cocktail of the six mixed nanoparticles was used to immunize pigs separately, and the differences in induced humoral and cellular immune responses were compared. Results: Antibodies generated against p30, p54, pE120R, pH124R, and pE184L in immunized pigs significantly inhibited ASFV replication in PAMs, while anti-CD2v antibodies specifically obstructed the hemadsorption of ASFV. Notably, immunization with a cocktail of these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles elicited a stronger virus-inhibitory antibody response compared to immunization with a cocktail of antigen monomers. Furthermore, nanoparticle immunization induced robust cellular immunity, evidenced by elevated serum IFN-γ, increased numbers of ASFV-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells, and an expanded CD8⁺ T cell population. Conclusions: Our study identifies a set of promising ASFV antigen candidates and demonstrates that ferritin nanoparticle delivery synergistically enhances both humoral and cellular immune responses against ASFV, providing a rational strategy for multi-antigen ASF vaccine design. Full article

Multicomponent mixed lanthanide oxide (MMLO) nanoparticles possess considerable potential as multimodal imaging agents because they integrate diverse excellent optical and magnetic properties within a single nanoparticle. Herein, we present triply and quadruply mixed lanthanide oxide nanoparticles, namely, gadolinium (Gd)/dysprosium (Dy)/europium (Eu) oxide (GDEO), Gd/Dy/terbium (Tb) oxide (GDTO), and Gd/Dy/Eu/Tb oxide (GDETO) nanoparticles. Gd³⁺ can strongly induce positive (T₁) contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dy³⁺ and Tb³⁺ can generate negative (T₂) contrast in MRI, and Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ emit visible photons that are applicable to fluorescence imaging (FI). All the nanoparticles were grafted with hydrophilic, biocompatible polyacrylic acid (PAA) to enhance colloidal stability and biocompatibility and further grafted with small amounts of an organic photosensitizer, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA), to obtain a high absolute fluorescent quantum yield (QY) with an extended fluorescent lifetime (τ). All PAA-MMLO and PAA/PDA-MMLO nanoparticles exhibited nearly monodispersed particle-size distributions with average particle diameters of ~2 nm and displayed considerably higher longitudinal (r₁) and transverse (r₂) water proton spin relaxivities than commercial molecular MRI contrast agents. The PAA/PDA-GDEO, PAA/PDA-GDTO, and PAA/PDA-GDETO nanoparticles exhibited high absolute QYs of 45, 29, and 61%, respectively, and long τ values of 1–2 ms, making them suitable for time-delayed noise-free fluorescence signal detection. These findings confirm the high potential of PAA-MMLO nanoparticles as T₁ and/or T₂ MRI contrast agents and PAA/PDA-MMLO nanoparticles as both T₁ and/or T₂ MRI and FI agents. Full article

Thorium carbide (ThC${}_{2\pm x}$) nano-structured thin disc-like pellets were produced from thoria nanoparticles (ThO${}_2$-NP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). These composites are to be studied as a target material candidate for radioactive ion beam (RIB) production via nuclear reactions upon impact with high-energy proton beams on a stack of solid pellets. The ThO${}_2$-NP precursor was produced via precipitation of thorium oxalate from a thorium nitrate solution with oxalic acid and subsequent hydrothermal oxidation of the oxalate, creating the thoria nanoparticles. The ThO${}_2$-NP were then mixed with MWCNT in isopropyl alcohol and sonicated by two different methods to create a nanoparticle dispersion. This dispersion was then heated under medium vacuum to evaporate the solvent; the resulting powder was pressed into pellets and taken to an inert-atmosphere oven, where it was heated to 1650 ${}^{\circ }$C and carbothermally reduced to ThC${}_{2\pm x}$. The resulting pellets were characterized via XRD, SEM-EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. The resulting thorium pellets exhibited, at most, trace levels of the oxide precursor. Furthermore, the nanotube structures were still present in the final product and are expected to contribute positively towards faster radioisotope release times by lowering isotope diffusion times, which is required for the efficient extraction of the shortest-lived (<1 s half-life) radioisotopes. Full article

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are pivotal in designing functional optical films, but accurately modeling their properties is hindered by the limitations of classical effective medium theories, which break down for larger particles and complex morphologies. We introduce a robust, effective medium theory that overcomes these limitations by incorporating full Mie scattering solutions, thereby accounting for size-dependent and multipolar effects. Our model is comprehensively developed for unshelled, shelled, mixed, and hollow SNPs randomly dispersed in a host medium. Its accuracy is rigorously benchmarked against 3D finite-element method simulations. This work establishes a practical and reliable framework for predicting the optical response of SNP composites, significantly facilitating the rational design of high-performance coatings, such as anti-glare layers, with minimal computational cost. Full article

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), such as indium tin oxide (ITO), are essential for flexible electronics; however, conventional vacuum-based deposition is costly and thermally aggressive for polymers. This study investigated the surface functionalization of PET substrates with ITO thin film-based forced hydrolysis as a low-cost, reproducible alternative. $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{n}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ nanoparticles were synthesized by forced hydrolysis at 180 °C for 3 h and 6 h, yielding crystalline nanoparticles with a cassiterite phase and an average crystallite size of 20.34 nm. The process showed high reproducibility, enabling consistent structural properties without complex equipment or high-temperature treatments. The $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{n}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ sample obtained at 3 h was incorporated into commercial ${\mathrm{I}\mathrm{n}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ to form a mixed In–Sn–O oxide, which was subsequently deposited onto PET substrates by spin coating onto UV-activated PET. The resulting 1.1 µm ITO films demonstrated good adhesion (4B according to ASTM D3359), a low resistivity of 1.27 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m, and an average optical transmittance of 80% in the visible range. Although their resistivity is higher than vacuum-processed films, this route provides a superior balance of mechanical robustness, featuring a hardness of (H) of 3.8 GPa and an elastic modulus (E) of 110 GPa. These results highlight forced hydrolysis as a reproducible route for producing ITO/PET thin films. The thickness was strategically optimized to act as a structural buffer, preventing crack propagation during bending. Forced hydrolysis-driven PET sheet functionalization is an effective route for producing durable ITO/PET electrodes that are suitable for flexible sensors and solar cells. Full article

(1) Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in immune regulation, epithelial barrier integrity, and the host response to bacterial infections. However, the clinical benefits of zinc supplementation across different age groups remain uncertain, with heterogeneous findings and variable dosing strategies reported in the literature. (2) Objectives: To map and summarize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating zinc supplementation (either as treatment or prophylaxis) for bacterial infection outcomes in neonates, children, and adults, and to identify gaps requiring further research, including the use of zinc-based nanoparticles. (3) Eligibility Criteria: We included English-language RCTs that evaluated zinc supplementation and reported clinical outcomes related to bacterial infections. Observational studies, trials without infection-related outcomes, and studies not involving human participants were excluded. (4) Sources of Evidence: A MEDLINE (PubMed) search was conducted from 2000 to 1 November 2025 using predefined keywords related to zinc supplementation, neonates, children, adults, and bacterial infections. Reference lists of eligible articles were screened to identify additional studies. (5) Charting Methods: Data were charted for each included study, including population characteristics, zinc dosing and regimen, type of supplementation (therapeutic or prophylactic), main infection-related outcomes, and key findings. Data charting was performed independently and verified within the research team. (6) Results: A total of 51 RCTs were included: 10 in neonates, 32 in children, and 9 in adults. In neonates, therapeutic zinc supplementation as an adjunct to antibiotics showed heterogeneous results, with some studies reporting reductions in morbidity, inflammatory markers or mortality, while others found no significant differences in clinical outcomes. In children, zinc supplementation consistently reduced the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes and, in several trials, improved the resolution of respiratory infections. In adults, the evidence was limited but suggested potential benefits in selected populations, such as burn patients or those with zinc deficiency or immunologic dysfunction. Variability in zinc dosage, treatment duration, and outcome definitions limits direct comparison across studies. (7) Conclusions: Zinc supplementation appears to provide benefits in neonates and children, whereas evidence in adults remains mixed and inconclusive. Standardized, well-powered RCTs are needed to define optimal dosing strategies, identify populations most likely to benefit, and clarify the mechanisms underlying zinc’s anti-infective effects. Future research should consider the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and potential synergy with antibiotics, although clinical data remain still limited. Full article

Novel initiation systems for the production of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements based on low-toxicity tertiary amine initiators and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were investigated. Bicomponent systems formed by a solid component containing PMMA and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and a liquid component containing methylmethacrylate and low-toxicity aliphatic (dimethylamino-ethoxy-ethane) (DMEE) and aromatic (dimethylamino-benzaldehyde) (DMAB) tertiary amines were tested at two amine concentrations (0.75 and 3.75 wt%) and compared with the standard tertiary amine dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMT). The components were mixed in a 2:1 ratio (solid/liquid) for 60 s. Nanocomposites were prepared using nano-hydroxyapatite inserted into the PMMA-based polymer matrix at various concentrations between 1.0 and 3.75 wt%, aiming to increase the biocompatibility of bone cements applied in cranioplasty. The concentration of tertiary amines directly affects the reaction rate, and increasing the concentration accelerates the curing reaction. Thermal analyses (DSC and TGA) revealed that the produced polymers did not show significant changes in glass transition temperature (113 °C and 115 °C), nor in onset (150–158 °C) or peak degradation temperatures (353 °C and 355 °C). The reaction with the aliphatic amine proved to be slow, as no polymerization occurred within the time period stipulated in the study. However, drastic changes did take place when the cure occurred in the presence of nano-hydroxyapatite. The cure with DMAB (3.75 wt%) that presented an exothermic peak at 37 min (53 °C) showed a peak at 16 min (70 °C), and the cure with DMEE (3.75 wt%) a peak at 11 min (62.5 °C) after the addition of nano-hydroxyapatite. In conclusion, addition of nano-hydroxyapatite significantly influenced both the time and the temperature of cure reaction in all amines studied, expanding the possibility of using new initiators in polymerization systems for cranioplasty flaps. Full article

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are now the go-to method for delivering genetic medicines, backed by real-world use in patients. Things like which fats they are made of, their shape at the molecular level, how ingredients mix, and how they are built, matter a lot. This review attempts to take a close look at how different components, such as ionizable lipids, auxiliary lipids (DSPC, DOPE), cholesterol, and PEG-based lipids, affect the bioavailability of LNPs. It also focuses on key functions of LNPs, including packaging genetic material, escaping cellular traps, spreading in the body, and remaining active in the blood. New data show that lipids with the right handedness and highly sensitive chiroptical quality control can sharpen delivery accuracy and boost transport rates, turning stereochemistry into a practical design knob. Rather than simply listing results, we examine real-world examples that are already used to regulate gene expression, enhance mRNA expression, splenic targeting, and show great potential for gene repair, protein replacement, and DNA base-editing applications. Also, recent advances in AI-based designs for LNPs that take molecular shape into account and help speed up modifications to lipid arrangements and mixture configurations are highlighted. In summary, this paper presents a practical and scientific blueprint to support smarter production of advanced LNPs used in genetic medicine, addressing existing obstacles, balanced with future opportunities. Full article

The present paper investigates the steady laminar flow and thermal mixing performance of non-Newtonian Al₂O₃ nanofluids within a two-layer cross-channel micromixer, employing three-dimensional numerical simulations to solve the governing equations across a low Reynolds number range (0.1 to 50). It also addresses secondary flows and thermal mixing performance with two distinct inlet temperatures for thin nanofluids. Additionally, it explores how fluid properties and varying concentrations of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles impact thermal mixing efficiency and entropy generation. Simulations were conducted to optimize performance by adjusting the power law index (n) across different nanoparticle concentrations (1–5%). The findings show that magnetohydrodynamics can enhance mixing efficiency by generating vortices and altering flow behavior, providing important guidance for improving microfluidic system designs in practical applications. Full article

This work presents a detailed analysis of polysulfone (PSF) based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) modified with NiMOF@MGO for water purification. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into the NiMOF@GO framework, with successful formation confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, BET, TGA, and SEM analyses. Membranes were prepared via phase inversion and modified with varying NiMOF@MGO contents. SEM, AFM, and contact angle analyses demonstrated enhanced membrane hydrophilicity with increasing MOF concentration, reducing the contact angle from 59.74° (0.05 wt%) to 49.70° (0.2 wt%). The highest flux of 117.85 L/m²·h was observed for the PMM-0.2 membrane. Heavy metal removal was most efficient at pH 6, with the PMM-0.1 membrane achieving 95.97% and 95.92% rejection for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺, respectively. In oil-water separation, PMM-0.1 exhibited optimal performance, with a water flux of 45.84 L/m²·h. Antifouling tests showed the PMM-0.2 membrane had the highest flux recovery of 85.97%, indicating improved fouling resistance. Overall, incorporation of NiMOF@MGO significantly enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, flux, selectivity and antifouling performance, demonstrating its potential for advanced water purification applications. Full article

Background: An efficient formulation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is often considered crucial in the successful development of nucleic acid therapeutics. This study explores the impact of varying the lipid and payload concentrations as starting materials on key LNP properties. Results: The outcomes of the study revealed that the desired particle properties could be retained even at a starting lipid mixture concentration of 70 mg/mL. Particle size remained largely unchanged despite changes in lipid mixture concentration, with polydispersity index values below 0.2. CryoTEM analysis revealed that LNPs prepared using higher lipid mixture concentrations were more uniform and more abundant in solid core morphologies. Buffer composition was shown to influence the LNP particle size, surface charge, and gene expression, as well as storage stability. In vivo studies in mice showed enhanced gene expression and biodistribution for LNPs formulated at higher lipid and RNA concentrations, with LNPs in Tris-sucrose eliciting superior gene expression compared to LNPs in PBS. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that intensified mixing processes based on confined jet-impingement allow the use of elevated starting material concentrations in LNP formulations, resulting in improved biological performance and stability of mRNA-LNPs, as well as enhanced scalability and throughput. Full article

This paper presents the experimental and computational results characterizing the phase formation of multielement nanoparticles synthesized by the electrically exploding joint-twisted wires. The joint-twisted wires with different element compositions are exploded to investigate the influence of immiscible elements on the phase states of the multielement nanoparticles. The element contents of the multielement nanoparticles deviate from their initial element proportions of the joint-twisted wires due to the non-synchronous exploding process. The silver element enriches the nanoparticle surface, while aluminum, iron, cobalt, and nickel elements show a homogeneous distribution within the nanoparticle. The phase segregation can be adjusted by changing the initial proportion of the silver element in the joint-twisted wires. The decrease in the proportion of silver in joint-twisted wires promotes the homogeneity of silver in the multielement nanoparticles with the phase structure transition from the BCC phase to the FCC phase. A molecular dynamics simulation suggests that both higher initial temperature and more uniform initial mixing conditions facilitate the homogeneous merging of all elements. This study helps with gaining a deep understanding of the phase formation of multielement nanoparticles synthesized by the electrically exploding joint-twisted wires. Full article

Natural fiber-based composites are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fiber-reinforced materials. Herein, styrene-free unsaturated polyester (UPe) nanocomposites and flax-fabric laminates reinforced with vinyl-triethoxy-silane (VTES) functionalized zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO₂-VS) were studied. Nanoparticles were dispersed by high-shear mixing, and ZrO₂-VS was benchmarked against unmodified ZrO₂ and neat UPe. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tracked cure conversion; scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) evaluated structure-property relationships. ZrO₂-VS improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion, yielding higher tensile strength and storage modulus compared with unmodified ZrO₂. In flax-fabric laminates, ZrO₂-VS/UPe achieved a tensile strength of 72.2 ± 3.6 MPa, exceeding both unmodified ZrO₂/UPe and neat UPe controls. DMA showed pronounced increases in storage modulus across temperature with small, non-significant changes in Tg. These results highlight a low-styrene-hazard UPe matrix and natural fiber reinforcement pathway to improved mechanical performance via silane-mediated nanoparticle-matrix-fiber bridging. Full article

The primary goal of this study was to improve the rheological properties of water-based drilling mud using a combination of TiO₂-coated ZnO nanoparticles and activated carbon (AC) from banana peels. The TiO₂/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder under magnetic stirring and ultrasonic sonication to ensure uniform coating, followed by washing and controlled thermal treatment. NaOH-assisted chemical activation of banana peel produced activated carbon with better porosity and surface functionality than raw banana peel. The base water-based mud used in this study had different concentrations of both additives mixed in, and rheological parameters such as mud density, plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and gel strength were measured according to standard API methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for structural and morphological characterization, which proved the successful coating and uniform dispersion of TiO₂ on ZnO nanoparticles. The use of mixed additives resulted in a significant improvement in mud properties, such as viscosity, gel strength, and yield point, proving to be more effective in suspension capacity and overall rheological stability. The use of this hybrid bio-nanocomposite mud system is a very economical and eco-friendly way of enhancing the drilling fluid performance, thus proving to be a supporting factor in conducting drilling operations that are both safe and efficient. Additionally, this study provides a sustainable hybrid TiO₂-ZnO and activated carbon additive that results in synergistic improvement of drilling-mud rheology and stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance to worldwide public health highlights the urgent need not only for new anti-infective candidates, but also for innovative formulation strategies capable of mediating effective delivery of anti-infective compounds. The current study, therefore, aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of formulating lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) with dual loading of both core and shell compartments for combination anti-infective delivery. Methods: LPHNPs containing the antibiotic cefotaxime within a chitosan polymer core and the novel antimicrobial peptide RN7IN6 within a bacteria-mimicking lipid shell were produced by microfluidic mixing, and optimized with respect to parameters including total flow rate, flow rate ratio, and lipid concentration. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of cefotaxime and RN7IN6 co-incorporated in LPHNPs were assessed as a preliminary indicator of antibacterial efficacy. Results: Uniformly nanosized LPHNPs were produced, with maximized loading of cefotaxime and RN7IN6 within particle cores and shells, respectively. Empty LPHNPs showed an appreciable antibacterial activity, particularly against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, while RN7IN6 was indicated to enhance cefotaxime activity against E. coli when both actives were incorporated in LPHNPs. Conclusions: The current findings clearly demonstrate the feasibility of formulating LPHNPs for core-shell co-encapsulation and delivery of anti-infectives. The promising antibacterial efficacy of co-loaded LPHNPs warrants further in-depth investigation to determine the extent of co-loaded LPHNP applications as combination anti-infective delivery platforms. Full article