Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry (JNSC) reports breakthrough research in all aspects of nanoscience at the interfaces of chemistry, biology, biotechnology, materials science, physics, and engineering. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry publishes high-quality peer reviewed research, perspectives, and review articles. With our broad scope, we welcome research from all areas across the natural sciences, biomedicine and engineering. Topics covered in this open access journal include, but are not limited to the following: Target drug and gene delivery Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Cancer therapy Diagnosis and Bioimaging Electrochemical detection and sensing Food industry and packaging Environments (catalyst, coatings, and water treatment) Energy (fuel cells, capacitor, laser) This journal operates on an open access model and charges an Article Processing Charge (APC) to cover the costs of publication and ensure free and permanent access to published articles. We are committed to supporting researchers worldwide and offer APC waivers for authors from low- and middle-income countries, as well as in cases of financial hardship. Waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and do not influence editorial decisions. For more information on APCs and waiver eligibility, please visit our APC & Waivers Policy page. Journal DOI: 10.57647/jnsc Journal Abbreviation: J. Nanostruct. Chem. Journal Title Acronym: JNSC Journal Owner: Islamic Azad University Publisher: Islamic Azad University, Co-publishing, OICC Press, UK DIRECTOR and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Omid Moradi, PhD
Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Alpha–Fetoprotein Using an Aptamer–Functionalized Graphene–Gold Nanocomposite for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening
Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma remains challenging, as clinically meaningful biomarker levels are often extremely low and conventional serological methods still suffer from insufficient sensitivity and specificity. In this work, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for alpha-fetoprotein was developed using a graphene–gold nanocomposite directly formed on a glassy carbon electrode through one-step electrochemical co-deposition. During 20 cyclic-voltammetry deposition cycles, reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles were generated simultaneously, yielding a rough, highly conductive interface with evenly dispersed nanodomains and a mean particle size of 25 ± 4 nm. The surface roughness reached 18.6 nm, over 20 times greater than that of the unmodified electrode, which favored efficient immobilization of the thiolated AFP aptamer via Au–S bonding. The staged interfacial construction was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: charge-transfer resistance dropped from 152 Ω for the bare electrode to 38 Ω after nanocomposite formation, then rose to 1180 Ω after AFP binding. Under optimized conditions, differential pulse voltammetry produced a linear response over 0.1 pg mL⁻¹–100 ng mL⁻¹, with R² = 0.998 and a detection limit of 0.03 pg mL⁻¹ calculated by the 3σ/S method. Triplicate calibration data showed small error bars, while the platform also exhibited good selectivity, a 3.8% inter-electrode relative standard deviation, 92.5% signal retention after 30 days at 4 °C, and recoveries of 97.8%-104.2% in diluted serum. These results demonstrate a simple and robust nanostructured interface for ultrasensitive AFP analysis and highlight its promise for early HCC screening.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yangjun Liu, Hongyan Xiao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mo₃C₂ Nanosheet-Enhanced Ditercalinium Biosensor: Insights into Redox and Intercalation Processes
In the present study, an electrochemical sensing framework was developed for identifying Ditercalinium, a therapeutic medication. The Mo3C2 MXene material was fabricated by precisely removing the aluminum component from Mo3AlC2 MAX structures and analyzed via SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FT-IR plus EDS techniques. The data obtained from these analyses confirm that the nanolayers were successfully synthesized, showing the expected morphology and structure, indicating that the Mo3C2 MXene was effectively fabricated for further applications. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Mo3C2 MXene and ds-DNA (Salmon sperm) showed higher sensitivity than that of bare GCE; therefore, the detection threshold for Ditercalinium became lower. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to verify that bis-intercalation binds to ds-DNA molecules; the drug prefers to bind between C-G base pairs with an interaction free energy of -10.2 kcal/mol. The preferred binding mode contributes to the formation of a stable Ditercalinium-DNA complex and strengthened the anti-cancer effect via this mechanism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhangming Lei, Beibei Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhanced Fracture Toughness and Impact Resistance in Nanocellulose-Modified Concrete
This study evaluated cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)- and cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-modified concrete as an admixture-assisted mixture-optimization system, with emphasis on fracture toughness, impact resistance, and the microstructural features associated with the measured performance. Eleven mixtures, including a control and ten nanocellulose-modified concretes containing 0.05-0.25 wt.% nanocellulose relative to cement, were investigated through fresh-property tests, compressive and flexural strength tests, three-point bending and wedge-splitting fracture tests, repeated drop-weight impact tests, and multiscale characterization by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and MIP. Because superplasticizer and defoamer dosages were adjusted to maintain castability and dispersion, the results are interpreted as practical mixture-optimization evidence rather than as a fully isolated causal test of nanocellulose alone. Under this design, both nanocellulose types improved fracture and impact performance up to 0.15 wt.%; the CNC-0.15 mixture showed the highest wedge-splitting fracture toughness (1.16 MPa·m¹/², +31.8%), fracture energy (195 N/m, +52.3%), and impact energy (308 J, +55.6%) relative to the control. These gains coincided with a denser hydration-related microstructure, smaller average pore diameter, lower harmful-macropore fraction, and improved matrix-aggregate interfacial compactness. The findings support an interpretation based on hydration regulation, pore refinement, interface stabilization, and crack-path modification, while also identifying the need for matched admixture-only control groups in future studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wenliang Ma, Guoyan Zhou, Qingyun Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Eu-MOF Nanoarchitectured Electrochemiluminescent Sandwich Immunosensor for ProGRP Quantification in Serum and Pleural Effusion
Effective clinical management of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) requires sensitive and matrix-tolerant quantification of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP). Herein, we report a nanoarchitectured electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sandwich immunosensor that combines a three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide/gold (3D-rGO@Au) capture interface with a luminescent europium metal-organic framework (Eu-MOF) signal probe labeled with Ab2 for ProGRP measurement in serum and pleural effusion. The Eu-MOF formed uniform octahedral particles and provided efficient antenna-effect-assisted ECL emission with K₂S₂O₈ as the coreactant, while the 3D-rGO@Au interface increased antibody loading and accelerated interfacial electron transfer. The assay achieved a detection limit of 0.035 pg mL⁻¹ over a broad linear range, showed satisfactory recovery in two clinical matrices, and agreed well with commercial ECLIA measurements. Beyond combining two previously reported material families, the main contribution of this work is the clinically oriented integration of a high-loading conductive interface, a Eu-MOF luminophore probe, mechanistic ECL/CV/EIS validation, and real-sample verification for ProGRP detection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Linlin Luo, Chao Xu, Sicong Jiang, Yuxuan Xing, Zhiqian Zhao, Shuo Li (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ultrasensitive SERS-Active Silver/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Label-Free Detection of Lung Cancer-Associated miRNA-21
This study reports an ultrasensitive Ag/graphene oxide (Ag/GO) hybrid substrate for label-free SERS detection of lung cancer-associated miRNA-21. Three Ag precursor loadings were evaluated to clarify how metal loading controls nanoparticle density, interparticle spacing, and hot-spot formation. The intermediate formulation, Ag/GO-2, provided the most favorable balance between morphological uniformity and plasmonic coupling, yielding an average Ag crystallite size of about 18.5 nm and an Ag loading of 35.6 wt% by ICP-MS, in good agreement with TGA. A 532 nm laser and 0.5 mW power were selected from a preliminary optimization study to maximize signal stability while minimizing photothermal perturbation of RNA. Using rhodamine 6G as a probe, Ag/GO-2 exhibited an enhancement factor of 2.4 x 107. For miRNA-21, the adenine band at 732 cm-1 showed a linear response from 10-7 to 10-13 M (R2 = 0.948) with a limit of detection of 15 fM. Specificity was verified against a single-base mutant, miR-21-3p, let-7a, miR-141, and BSA using full spectral fingerprints and multivariate PCA. The platform showed good spot-to-spot reproducibility (12.4% RSD), acceptable inter-batch reproducibility (<11% RSD), retained more than 85% of its initial activity after 30 days under dark sealed storage, and delivered 92.0-108.0% recovery in 1:10 diluted serum while maintaining detectable signals in 1:2 and undiluted serum. These results clarify the Ag-loading/structure/performance relationship and support the practical potential of Ag/GO substrates for liquid-biopsy-oriented nucleic-acid sensing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lei Xu, Jiaru Jiang, Li Zhang, Sicong Jiang, Guangyi Zhang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Machine Learning-assisted Smartphone-based Method for Rapid Quantification of Total Flavonoids by Quantum Dots
This study presents a rapid and instrument-free method for the quantification of total flavonoids, utilizing smartphone imaging and lightweight machine learning techniques. The methodology involves capturing fluorescence images of zinc-based quantum dots that are quenched by varying concentrations of quercetin, a representative flavonoid, using a smartphone camera. A pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model was developed, which can be fine-tuned with a minimal dataset to achieve accurate quantification of total flavonoids in specific plant samples. Using Euphorbia humifusa as a model plant, the method demonstrated a linear detection range of 5–500 μg/mL, with quantification errors ranging from 0.1 to 10 μg/mL. Compared to conventional methods, the detection limit was improved by a factor of 1.6, and the upper detection limit was also extended by a factor of 1.6. This approach provides simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and independence from specialized instruments, thereby offering a promising solution for on-site rapid detection of total flavonoids in plants.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ying Chen, Yiyu Qi, Ao Qian, Ao Qian, Jie Li, Jiaqi Guo, Yuchen He, Hassan Algadi, Juanna Ren, Bingnan Yuan, Zhanhu Guo, Yi Kuang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Machine Learning and Quantum-Inspired Optimization of Microwave-Synthesized High-Entropy Alloy Magnetic Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Diazinon Degradation
This study reports the synthesis of high-entropy alloy-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (HEA@MNP) photocatalysts and investigates their application for the photocatalytic degradation of diazinon pesticide under visible LED irradiation. The core-shell nanoarchitecture of Fe₃O₄ magnetic core and Co-Ni-Cu-Zn-Mn HEA-like shell was prepared using a co-precipitation method combined with a microwave-assisted functionalization technique. FTIR, SEM-EDX, PXRD, and TG did characterization of HEA@MNP. The HEA@MNP photocatalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with a high degradation efficiency of 97.4% for diazinon, good adsorption capacity of 169.5 mg/g, and excellent reusability retaining 93% retained efficiency after seven cycles without noticeable emission of heavy metal ions. For process modeling and optimization, a full-fledged machine learning framework with four algorithms (LSTM-XGBoost, Gaussian Process, Polynomial Ensemble, and Ultimate Ensemble) was established. Among the evaluated models, the Ultimate Ensemble achieved the highest test R² of 0.936; however, overfitting analysis (ΔRMSE% = 49.5%) revealed moderate model instability. The Polynomial Ensemble demonstrated the most robust generalization performance (ΔRMSE% = 7.7%, Generalization Score = 0.969), suggesting it may be more reliable for practical applications despite slightly lower test metrics. For the multi-objective optimization, a new quantum-inspired genetic algorithm (QGA) was designed, and it has proven to be very effective in the solution processes with computational efficiency compared to the traditional methods (31 iterations are needed to converge instead of 300). Application of the QGA optimization approach enabled a 21.6% reduction in catalyst loading while sustaining a degradation efficiency of 86.48%, thereby enhancing the overall cost-effectiveness of the process by approximately 28.5%, Herein, photocatalytic scavenging experiments were carried out and showed that holes generated during the irradiation process are responsible for the predominant oxidation, and hydroxyl/superoxide radicals are the secondary oxidants. This combination of advanced materials, machine learning, and quantum-inspired optimization represents an elegant platform for sustainable water treatment technologies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mostafa Khajeh, Mansour Ghaffari-Moghaddam, Jamshid Piri, Afsaneh Barkhordar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Engineering Gold Nanocluster/Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers to Boost Doxorubicin Transport and Cellular Uptake in Gastric Cancer Cells
A pH-responsive, fluorescence-traceable core–shell nanosystem was prepared by co-encapsulating bovine serum albumin–templated Au nanoclusters and doxorubicin within ionotropically crosslinked chitosan (TPP gelation) to enhance intracellular chemotherapy delivery. Formulation screening (CS:TPP 3:1–6:1) identified an optimal composition with a hydrodynamic diameter of 145 ± 5 nm, PDI 0.18, and a surface potential of +32.4 ± 1.2 mV; TEM resolved 2.1 ± 0.3 nm clusters and uniform spherical particles. The lyophilized carriers displayed mesoporosity (SBET 42.5 m2/g; pore volume 0.15 cm3/g; mean pore size 12.4 nm). High drug incorporation was achieved (encapsulation efficiency 82.3 ± 1.4%; loading capacity 12.6 ± 0.8%). Dialysis experiments revealed gated release, with ~22% (pH 7.4) versus ~65% (pH 5.0) at 24 h and ~35% versus ~88% at 72 h; acidic kinetics followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R2 = 0.985; n = 0.65). Hemolysis remained 1.2% at 100 μg/mL and <3.0% at 1000 μg/mL, and blank carriers preserved >90% viability at 500 μg/mL. In MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells, the formulation lowered 48 h IC50 from 1.85 ± 0.12 to 0.92 ± 0.08 μg/mL and from 2.10 ± 0.15 to 1.15 ± 0.10 μg/mL, respectively. Uptake quantification showed a 4 h mean fluorescence intensity of 717 a.u. versus 280 a.u. for free drug, and apoptosis increased to 59.0% (early apoptosis 35.6%) compared with 40.6% (22.1%) for free drug. Confocal imaging showed time-dependent cytoplasmic-to-nuclear redistribution with persistent cluster fluorescence, supporting tracking. Together, these results suggest that enhanced cell-surface association driven by the cationic shell, combined with endo/lysosomal acidification–triggered reler exposure while limiting premature leakage under physiological pH.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yong He, Jinshi Chen, Cheng-San Wong (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Viscoelastic Janus Nanohydrogels for IL-1β Binding: Synthesis, Structure, and Release Kinetics
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine central to the pathogenesis of numerous autoinflammatory and chronic inflammatory diseases. Current systemic anti-IL-1β therapies, while effective, are associated with significant side effects, necessitating the development of materials for localized immunomodulation. This study reports the design, synthesis, and comprehensive characterization of a novel, dual-function Viscoelastic Janus Nanohydrogel (VJNH) platform for the simultaneous sequestration of IL-1β and controlled release of an anti-inflammatory therapeutic. VJNHs were synthesized with an asymmetric Au@SiO₂ inorganic core; the gold (Au) face was functionalized with a high-affinity DNA aptamer for IL-1β capture, while the silica (SiO₂) face served as an anchor for a viscoelastic hydrogel shell. This shell was formed via dynamic Schiff base (C=N) chemistry between aldehyde-functionalized hyaluronic acid (oHA) and amine-rich gelatin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the asymmetric Janus morphology and spatially segregated surface chemistry. Rheological analysis demonstrated the ECM-mimetic viscoelastic properties of the network, including high solid-like character (G' > G'') and rapid stress relaxation (relaxation time τ ≈ 120 s), attributed to the dynamic covalent linkages. A comparative study identified an optimal VJNH-2 (1:1 oHA:Gelatin) formulation, which exhibited superior IL-1β binding capacity (≈ 180 ng/mg). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed high-affinity and specific binding, with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kₙ) of 1.24 nM. Concurrently, the VJNHs demonstrated sustained, pH-responsive release of a model drug (Dexamethasone), fitting a Fickian diffusion mechanism (Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models). All VJNH formulations were non-cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts. These results establish VJNHs as a sophisticated "sense-and-respond" platform, synergizing spatial, mechanical, and chemical functionalities for advanced, localized treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lingyan Peng, Guohong Yuan, Guanghao Wu, Xiaohui Yin, Yong Zhang, Xiangying Ouyang, Jing (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Zein–Lecithin Nanoparticle Encapsulation of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Total Flavonoids: Controlled-Release Kinetics and Physicochemical Stability
Total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EUTF) show poor aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability, restricting their use in functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations. This work developed an oral nano-delivery system by encapsulating EUTF into zein–lecithin hybrid nanoparticles (ZL-EUTF-NPs) fabricated via anti-solvent co-precipitation and optimized by the zein:lecithin mass ratio. The optimized formulation (Z:L = 1:1) produced spherical nanoparticles with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 155.2 ± 5.2 nm, PDI 0.18 ± 0.02, and zeta potential −35.6 ± 1.5 mV, consistent with a stable colloidal dispersion. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity reached 85.3 ± 2.1% and 8.5 ± 0.2%, respectively. FTIR, XRD, and DSC indicated that EUTF was molecularly dispersed in an amorphous state within the protein–lipid matrix through non-covalent interactions. In simulated gastrointestinal conditions, ZL-EUTF-NPs limited EUTF release to 14.2 ± 1.8% during 2 h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and enabled sustained intestinal release, reaching 72.8 ± 3.1% after 10 h total incubation. Release in simulated intestinal fluid was best fitted by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R² = 0.995; n = 0.67), indicating anomalous (non-Fickian) transport governed by coupled diffusion and matrix erosion. The encapsulated EUTF retained high antioxidant activity (DPPH 82.1 ± 2.8%; ABTS 89.5 ± 3.0% at 50 µg/mL equivalent), while the nanocarrier showed low cytotoxicity (cell viability ≥85% across 10–200 µg/mL equivalent EUTF) and efficient time-dependent uptake in Caco-2 cells. Physicochemical stability testing showed minimal changes under refrigerated storage with 94.5 ± 2.6% flavonoid retention after 90 days at 4°C. Overall, zein–lecithin hybrid nanoparticles provide a practical strategy to enhance EUTF stability and modulate intestinal release for oral applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xin-yu Wang, Jian-wei Jiang, Wen Wen, Yong-li Ma, Min Wu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design of a Calcium-Triggered Nanostructured Delivery System for Controlled In Vitro Release of Trypsin Inhibitor
We report a mesoporous silica nanoparticle platform that exploits physiological divalent ions as a benign trigger to control stage-specific protein release under gastrointestinal-mimicking in vitro conditions, using soybean trypsin inhibitor as a model cargo. Spherical pore-expanded MSNs (~300 nm, pore diameter ~3.8 nm, BET surface area ~800 m2/g) were synthesized, loaded with up to 15.6 wt% inhibitor at 75% encapsulation efficiency, and then capped with an ~8 wt% PVA–borate nanogel gate to yield PB-MSN composites containing 14.5 wt% protein. Structural, textural and dispersion analyses confirmed that the coating partially occluded pore mouths while preserving the mesoporous framework and improving colloidal stability. In a two-stage simulated gastrointestinal protocol, PB-MSNs leaked only 3.8 ± 0.5% cargo after 2 h in pH 1.2 medium, whereas uncoated MSNs released 68 ± 5% under the same conditions. Subsequent exposure to pH 7.4 buffer containing 10 mM CaCl2 triggered a rapid burst, with cumulative release reaching ~40% within 0.5 h, 78 ± 3% at 4 h and 88 ± 4% at 8 h; in Ca2+-free buffer, release remained ≤12.3 ± 1.5% over 8 h, demonstrating a sharp ion-dependent on/off effect. Trypsin activity assays showed that inhibitor liberated under triggering conditions suppressed trypsin activity to a level comparable to free inhibitor, while SGF supernatants exhibited negligible inhibition, indicating substantial retention of inhibitory function in a reductionist activity assay and minimal gastric-phase leakage. The combined data establish PVA–borate-gated MSNs as a modular, ion-responsive platform that decouples protection in acid from fast deployment in near-neutral media. While calcium-responsive carriers and borate-based dynamic networks are well established in other delivery and hydrogel contexts, the present work translates this chemistry into an MSN pore-gating architecture in which Ca²⁺ acts as a competitive borate-binding trigger to dismantle a nanoscale sacrificial gate and thereby generate a sharp ‘off/on’ release response under GI-mimicking conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yugang Qin, Wenxuan Zhang, Bolun Zhang, Gaoxue Li, Yongbiao Ma, Qiang Zhang, Xiaojun Wei, Yang Xu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Viscoelastic Janus Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Periodontitis Immunomodulation via Co-delivery of IL- 1β Monoclonal Antibody and PDLSC Exosomes
A viscoelastic Janus nanocomposite hydrogel (Janus-GelLap) was engineered via sequential 3D printing using Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) and exfoliated Laponite nanosilicates to enable spatiotemporally controlled co-delivery of a neutralizing IL-1β monoclonal antibody with documented cross-reactivity to rodent IL-1β (aIL1β) and periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosomes (PDLSC-Exos). The fully exfoliated Laponite network increased the hydrogel’s surface area from 4.85 to 25.84 m²/g and enhanced the storage modulus (G′) from 2.15 to 8.24 kPa, endowing excellent shear-thinning and >95% rapid self-healing. In vitro release studies showed a biphasic diffusion of aIL1β (22 ± 3% burst, 78 ± 4% total) and a sustained zero-order-like release of PDLSC-Exos (61 ± 5% total) over 14 days, governed by Fickian (n = 0.48) and non-Fickian (n = 0.78) mechanisms, respectively. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed >95% cell viability with a 1.3-fold increase in hPDLSC proliferation. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, Janus-GelLap reduced TNF-α and iNOS expression by >80% while elevating Arg-1 and IL-10 by ≈5-fold; ELISA revealed TNF-α = 410 ± 65 pg/mL and IL-10 = 615 ± 80 pg/mL, confirming synergistic M1 suppression and M2 activation. In a rat periodontitis model, micro-CT analysis demonstrated near-complete bone preservation (CEJ–ABC = 0.51 ± 0.06 mm; BV/TV = 68.1 ± 4.6%; BMD = 1.10 ± 0.10 g/cm³; Tb.Th = 85 ± 6 μm), statistically indistinguishable from healthy controls. Although comprehensive periodontal immune cell profiling by flow cytometry and expanded leukocyte panels was not performed, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry of the defect region provided direct in vivo evidence of immunomodulation, revealing a pronounced shift in macrophage polarization from F4/80⁺iNOS⁺ M1 to F4/80⁺CD206⁺/Arg-1⁺ M2 phenotypes, accompanied by reduced IL-1β/TNF-α and enhanced OCN/Runx2 expression. These findings establish the Janus-GelLap as a multifunctional immuno-regenerative platform that effectively halts inflammation-driven alveolar bone loss and promotes coordinated tissue regeneration, providing a clinically translatable paradigm for osteoimmunomodulatory therapy in chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lingyan Peng, Guohong Yuan, Jingru Zhao, Xiaohui Yin, Sicong Jiang, Xiangying Ouyang, Jing Qiao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cyclodextrin-Linked Corn Starch Nanostructured Microgels as pH-Responsive Nanocarriers for Doxorubicin Delivery in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma chemotherapy remains constrained by off-target toxicity and multidrug resistance, underscoring the need for biobased nanostructured carriers capable of tumor microenvironment-responsive drug delivery. Here, we report cyclodextrin-linked corn starch nanostructured microgels prepared by inverse water-in-oil emulsion crosslinking with epichlorohydrin as a sustainable platform for doxorubicin delivery. Systematic variation of the β-cyclodextrin content generated colloidally stable microgels with hydrodynamic diameters in the 215–410 nm range, narrow polydispersity indices (~0.22–0.31) and increasingly negative zeta potentials down to −21.5 mV. Nitrogen sorption, FTIR, XRD and thermal analyses confirmed the formation of mesoporous polymer networks, with the lead formulation (CS-CD-3) exhibiting a BET surface area of 12.45 m²/g and an average pore diameter of 9.8 nm. Doxorubicin loading into these microgels afforded high drug payloads with an encapsulation efficiency of 78.4% for CS-CD-3. In vitro release studies demonstrated pronounced pH-dependent behavior, with only ~24% cumulative release at physiological pH 7.4 versus ~72% at pH 5.0 after 24 h, consistent with the intrinsic pH-dependent ionization of doxorubicin and the associated pH-modulated DOX–β-cyclodextrin host–guest interactions within the microgel network. Kinetic fitting of the pH 5.0 release data (Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models) indicated diffusion through a hydrated matrix with an additional polymer-relaxation contribution under acidic in vitro conditions (n ≈ 0.62). Blank microgels preserved >90% cell viability in both HepG2 and L02 cells, whereas doxorubicin-loaded CS-CD-3 microgels decreased the IC50 in HepG2 cells from 2.15 ± 0.18 to 0.85 ± 0.12 μg/mL and increased the IC50 in L02 cells from 4.50 ± 0.35 to 8.20 ± 0.65 μg/mL, improving the selectivity index from 2.09 to 9.64. Confocal imaging confirmed efficient endocytic uptake, endo-lysosomal release and enhanced apoptotic nuclear damage. These results highlight nanostructured cyclodextrin–starch microgels as a promising bio-derived nanoplatform for safer, more selective hepatocellular carcinoma chemotherapy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shubin Wang, Teng Pan, Jiaqi Zhang, Hao Guo, Wuhan Yang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Covalent Organic Frameworks-integrated Metal-Oxide-N-doped Catalysts: A Synergistic Approach to High Energy and Power Density
Supercapacitors have played an important role in electrochemical energy storage. The performance characteristics of supercapacitor devices greatly depend not only on the electrode design but also on the core materials used in the electrode. In this study, we synthesised a new class of ternary materials that require simple methods of synthesis, involving a covalent organic framework (COF)-NiCo2O4-N-doped nanocomposite using a cost-effective hydrothermal route of synthesis. Composite electrode of COF/NiCo₂O₄-N-doped was developed that exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1,283.3 F g-1 at a discharge current density of 2 A g-1 when measured using a three-electrode setup. To show the potential of using COF/NiCo₂O₄-N-doped electroactive materials to create a practical and functional device, we fabricated an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) out of the COF/NiCo₂O₄-N-doped composite as the positrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negatrode in an electrolyte of 3 M KOH. The fabricated ASC device, COF/NiCo₂O₄-N-doped//AC exhibited impressive 34.59 Wh kg-1 and 1235.75 W kg-1 energy and power density ratings, respectively at a 2 A g-1 discharge current density, which maintained 90% rate of performance after 10,000 cycles of operation. Thus, the current study presents an efficient electrode material for deployment in energy storage devices of the future.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rozhin Darabi, P.M Anjana, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi, Li Fu, Hassan Karimi-Maleh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Comparative Study of Synergistic Effects of Biogenic Nanoparticles and Plant Extracts in Tragacanth and Carboxymethyl Tragacanth-based Edible Films for Preserving Raw Pistachios
Bio-based nanocomposite films were developed using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) reinforced with tragacanth gum (TG) and carboxymethyl tragacanth (CMT), incorporating biogenic ZnO or CuO nanoparticles and plant-derived extracts (cinnamon or clove). A comparative evaluation of structural, surface, mechanical, and oxygen barrier properties was conducted to assess their potential for active food packaging. FESEM analysis revealed that CMT-based films possessed a more homogeneous and compact microstructure with fewer microcracks compared to TG-based films. The lower contact angle observed for CMT-containing films indicated stronger intermolecular interactions and a denser polymer network. CMT-based films demonstrate a more favorable balance between strength and elongation, resulting in improved toughness and mechanical stability, which are critical for flexible food packaging applications. Oxygen permeability measurements demonstrated that optimized CMT-based film achieved a lower oxygen transmission rate (26.80 cm³/m²·24 h·0.1 MPa) than TG-based film (27.53 cm³/m²·24 h·0.1 MPa), despite reduced thickness (70 μm versus 78 μm). Analysis of diffusion and solubility coefficients indicated that reduced oxygen solubility within the CMT matrix (2.66 × 10-10 cm3/cm2.cm.Pa) was the dominant factor governing overall permeability. The practical performance of the films was further assessed by coating raw pistachios. The optimized CMT-based film preserved the visual quality of pistachios for up to 12 days under ambient conditions without observable deterioration. These results highlight CMT-based nanocomposite films as promising sustainable materials for oxygen-sensitive food packaging applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zohre Jafari Vafa, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Ali Najafi, Taotao Zhao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Fresh Natural Dyes to Improve the Optoelectronic Properties of Chitosan Biopolymer: Structural, Spectroscopic and Optical Studies
In this study an eco-friendly, one-pot hydrothermal processes use to synthesize water-soluble CQDs from natural dye extracted from Bougainvillea flowers (DBG). Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) offer outstanding optical properties and low toxicity, making them attractive for sustainable optoelectronic materials. The resulting bougainvillea carbon quantum dots (BQDs) were integrated with chitosan (CS) biopolymer to deliver composite films with high optical properties. Structural, morphological, and optical analyses, supported by NMR, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, XPS, and UV-vis spectroscopy, confirmed the production of amorphous BQDs and strong CQD–CS interactions with reduced crystallinity. Notably, the optical band gap narrowed significantly from 5.23 eV in pure CS to 2.42 eV in BQDs-doped composites. The BQDs exhibited excitation-dependent photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 2.74%, while Urbach energy analysis indicated increased localized states with higher BQD content. Enhanced refractive indices, dielectric constants, and non-linear optical properties further demonstrate the composites’ potential for photonic and optoelectronic applications. This work establishes a green, scalable strategy to boost biopolymer functionality using natural carbon sources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ismael I. Hussein, Ary R. Murad, Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Dara M. Aziz, Bakhet A. Alqurashy, Dyari M. Mamand, Kawan F. Kayani, Govar H. Hamasalih, Sambasivam Sangaraju (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Electronic and Biocompatible Properties of Phosphorus- Doped 2D-Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been considered one of the most promising nanomaterials currently available, mainly due to its structural stability, high optical band gap, and promising biocompatibility. In this work, pure h-BN and phosphorus-doped derivatives (h-BN-1P and h-BN-1.5P) were synthesized by pyrolysis followed by heat treatment at 1000 °C under a nitrogen stream. Structural characterization was performed by PXRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the formation of the hexagonal phase and demonstrating that phosphorus incorporation did not disrupt the crystal lattice. AFM and SEM analyses identified a mixture of topographies, including 2D (nanosheets) and 1D (nanowhisker) morphological structures, and EDS confirmed the incorporation of phosphorus. TEM analysis allowed obtaining the determination of interplanar distance values for the samples. Cytocompatibility was assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through the MTT viability assay. The results indicated that pure h-BN maintained cell viability above 85%, while phosphorus-doped materials showed a slight decrease in viability, but still preserved viability levels above 50% at the maximum concentration evaluated (100 µg mL-1). The results obtained confirm that h-BN and its phosphorus-doped forms exhibit favorable biocompatibility and tunable electronic properties, confirming their potential for future biomedical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juliana Sales Osterno Leitão, Allysson Rocha Lima, Tiago Melo Freire, Felipe da Silva Barros, Antoninho Valentini, Juan Símon Rodriguez Hernández, Alejandro Pedro Ayala, Tayná Vitória Ramos de Oliveira, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Alan Silva de Menezes, Beatriz da Silva Batista, Luciana Magalhães Rebêlo Alencar, Luelc Souza da Costa, Pierre Basílio Almeida Fechine (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MXene-Based Wearable Sweat Biosensors for Personalized Health Monitoring: Materials Innovation and Data-Driven Approaches
MXenes, a diverse family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have emerged as highly promising materials for wearable biosensors due to their exceptional conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and mechanical flexibility. Among their most compelling applications is sweat-based health monitoring, which enables non-invasive, real-time access to dynamic physiological information. Unlike previous reviews that broadly survey MXene-enabled wearables, this work provides a unified perspective that integrates human-specific sweat variability, sweat-relevant structure–property relationships of MXene compositions, and data-driven methodologies for adaptive, personalized sensing. Translating MXene-based sensors into robust, personalized platforms requires innovations that extend beyond material design into adaptive signal processing, machine learning calibration, and individualized digital modeling. This review critically examines the structure–property relationships of various MXene compositions and outlines material engineering strategies for enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, and operational stability in sweat environments. Furthermore, it highlights how computational frameworks can calibrate, adapt, and simulate sensor behavior under individualized biochemical conditions. In silico sweat simulation and architecture optimization are also discussed as transformative tools for accelerating biosensor development. By bridging advanced materials with data-driven methodologies, this review establishes a blueprint for the next generation of MXene-based wearable systems capable of intelligent, personalized health monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ceren Karaman, Onur Karaman, Jun Jiang, Taotao Zhao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gold Nanoisland Microelectrode Micro-Aptamer Sensor with SWASV Readout for EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer Exosomes
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires highly sensitive liquid biopsy tools capable of detecting EGFR driven disease and resistance mutations such as T790M, which often evade conventional circulating free DNA assays. Exosomes provide a more reliable biomarker due to their abundance, stability, and enrichment of tumor specific EGFR cargo. Here, we report an ultrasensitive electrochemical microaptasensor specifically designed for the quantitative detection of EGFR positive lung cancer exosomes. The innovation of this work lies in the integration of a thermally dewetted gold nanoisland microelectrode (AuNI ME) which offers a large and Au(111) enriched electroactive surface for high density aptamer immobilization. Additionally, the system utilizes a dual aptamer AND gate recognition strategy using EGFR and CD63 aptamers to ensure exceptional specificity along with a cadmium sulfide quantum dot (CdS QD) amplification system quantified via square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). This multi tiered amplification architecture combines nanostructured electrode design, orthogonal dual aptamer recognition, and QD based metal ion amplification to result in a remarkably low limit of detection of 150 particles/mL. This performance outperforms ELISA, NTA, and recent electrochemical exosome assays. The sensor exhibits excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, and demonstrates high recovery ranging from 97.8% to 105.0% in spiked human serum samples. These results highlight the translational potential of this platform as a noninvasive tool for early NSCLC diagnosis and real time therapeutic monitoring.
Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry
Copyright (c) 2026 Wenxin Yuan, Sicong Jiang, Chenghong Mao, Jiaru Jiang, Ke Zhang, Dongmei Lin, Jianjun Tang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New forms of Graphitic Carbon Nitride: The Case of S-gC3N4-Au and the Perspectives of a Theragnostic
This study aimed to develop and characterize a sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (S-g-C₃N₄) nanosystem functionalized with gold (S-g-C₃N₄-Au) for potential applications in cancer therapy. The focus was to evaluate its physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity against breast and prostate cancer cells, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and biochemical impact in vivo. To carry out the study, S-g-C₃N₄-Au was synthesized by thermal polymerization of melamine and ammonium sulfate with incorporation of gold seeds. Characterization techniques included SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis DRS. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assays in MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) and DU-145 (prostate cancer) cell lines. The nanosystem was radiolabeled with technetium-99m for biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies in Balb/c mice after intraperitoneal administration. Biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate systemic effects on the liver, kidneys, and metabolic markers. The results obtained demonstrated that the S-g-C₃N₄-Au nanosystem exhibited a porous, layered morphology with uniformly distributed gold nanoparticles. XRD and FTIR confirmed structural integrity, and SEM, STEM, and EDS confirmed successful gold incorporation. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated significant, dose-dependent reductions in cell viability in both cancer cell lines, with the effects more pronounced at higher concentrations. In vivo, the nanosystem exhibited predominant accumulation in the liver and small intestine, with low systemic clearance and a plasma elimination half-life of 5.53 hours. Biochemical analysis indicated decreased ALT and glucose levels, but elevated AST, LDH-P, and lipase activities, suggesting stress on liver and digestive tissues. This set of results demonstrates that the S-g-C₃N₄-Au nanosystem exhibits favorable physicochemical properties and cytotoxic potential against cancer cells. Its organ-specific biodistribution and prolonged retention highlight its promise for targeted therapy and metabolic modulation. Notably, its ability to be radiolabeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) allows its application in nuclear imaging, further reinforcing its potential as a theranostic platform that integrates diagnostics and therapy in a single nanostructure. However, the observed biochemical alterations reinforce the need for comprehensive toxicological evaluations to ensure safety and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jéssica Ingrid Faria De Souza, Natália Cristina Gomes-da-Silva, Natália Mayumi Andrade Yoshihara, Giulia Sigete-Lobo, Francisco Dheyson de Quadro Carvalho, Pedro Hilton Lima Baracho, Leticia Nogueira Xavier, Lillian Maria Uchôa Dutra Fechine, Tiago Melo Freire, Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar, Alan Silva Menezes, Pierre Basílio Almeida Fechine, Ralph Santos-Oliveira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Rhubarb Seed Extract for the Effective Removal of Organic Dyes from Aqueous Media: Insights into Isotherm and Kinetics Models
ّImproper disposal of synthetic dyes like methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and acid red 18 (AR18) poses a significant threat to aquatic environments and human health, highlighting the need for efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. This study introduces a novel, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Rhubarb seed extract. It provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and rapid method to produce functional adsorbents for treating dye-contaminated wastewater. Thorough characterization confirmed the morphology and composition of the biosynthesized AgNPs through UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Batch adsorption experiments showed outstanding maximum removal efficiencies exceeding 95% for MB, MO, and AR18 under optimal conditions (pH 11, 9, and 5, respectively; 0.8 g adsorbent; 20 minutes contact time; 30 mg/L dye concentration). The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9998 for MB, 0.9994 for MO, 0.9999 for AR18) and pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.9998, 0.9992, and 0.9991, respectively), with maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of 40.16, 50.76, and 44.64 mg/g. The innovation of this research lies in using Rhubarb seed extract for AgNP biosynthesis, showcasing high performance even for complex dye mixtures while promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability compared to conventional chemical methods. These findings establish Rhubarb seed-derived AgNPs as an effective and innovative platform for advanced wastewater purification.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hamid Reza Heidari, Mohammad Yari, Sajjad Sedaghat, Masoumeh Sayadian, Vida Jodaian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Silver Nanoparticle-Decorated PCL Scaffolds: In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Effects on Osteogenic Cell Responses
To engineer and evaluate silver nanoparticle-decorated polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds that simultaneously provide antibacterial activity and support osteogenic cell responses for bone tissue engineering. Methods: Electrospun PCL scaffolds were functionalized by in situ chemical reduction of AgNO₃ to generate uniformly distributed AgNPs and then characterized by TEM/XRD, EDS/XPS, FTIR/XRD, and porosity analyses. Antibacterial performance was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by disk diffusion and CFU assays, while MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast responses were assessed by CCK-8 proliferation, ALP activity, and osteogenic gene expression. Results: AgNPs averaged ~22 nm; surface silver content was ~3.2 at% (~0.8 wt%), yielding sustained Ag⁺ release of ~0.4 μg per 50 mg scaffold over 21 days (~80% by day 14). PCL–Ag scaffolds produced inhibition zones of 12.5 ± 0.5 mm (S. aureus) and 11.0 ± 0.4 mm (E. coli) and achieved >99.9% bacterial reduction in suspension. MC3T3-E1 proliferation increased relative to PCL controls (day-7 OD450 2.50 ± 0.15 vs. 2.08 ± 0.12; p<0.01). Early osteogenesis was enhanced, with ALP 1.8× at day 7 and 1.5× at day 14, accompanied by upregulated RUNX2 and BMP2; scaffold porosity and PCL crystallinity were preserved. Conclusions: In situ AgNP decoration confers durable antibacterial activity while promoting osteogenic cell functions, indicating a promising infection-resistant platform for bone regeneration.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaogang Zhou, An’nan Hu, Jian Zhou (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green synthesis of Ag2O/B@OP-CDs nanocomposite for pipette tip solid-phase extraction (PT-SPE) of mercury from food samples: optimization by artificial neural networks (ANN) and evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR)
Mercury contamination in food remains a critical public health concern due to its extreme toxicity and bioaccumulation in the environment. Developing rapid, sensitive, and environmentally sustainable methods for its detection is of great importance. In this study, a biodegradable nanocomposite comprising silver oxide nanoparticles and boron-doped carbon quantum dots derived from orange peel waste was introduced. This material served as a high- performance sorbent for pipette-tip solid-phase extraction of inorganic mercury from food samples. Synthesized via a green hydrothermal process using agricultural waste, the resulting ternary nanohybrid leverages the synergistic affinity of Ag2O and OP-CDs toward Hg (II), yielding exceptional extraction efficiency. Notable advantages included rapid extraction kinetics, minimal consumption of sorbent and solvent, and the elimination of toxic reagents, thereby fully aligning with the principles of green analytical chemistry. Extraction parameters were optimized using chemometric and statistical approaches, specifically artificial neural networks and evolutionary polynomial regression, to ensure robust performance. Under optimized conditions, the method represented trace-level detection capability and excellent precision in diverse food matrices. Comprehensive green metric evaluation confirms the sustainability of the approach. This sustainable, AI-enhanced extraction strategy provides an efficient and practical solution for trace mercury analysis in food, with broad potential in food safety monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahboube Shirani, Qamar Salamat, Mahtab Rezaei Payam, Mohammadjavad Jahanshahi, Mohammad Saleh Barghi Jahromi, Mahboobe Amirani Poor, Mustafa Soylak (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anion-Engineered Cobalt Salts as Exogenous Modulators for Phase Tailoring in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals: Minimal Doping Towards Enhanced Color Fidelity, and stable White LEDs
Doping colloidal CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) provides an effective strategy to enhance their optoelectronic properties and expand their application potential in display technologies, enabling high color fidelity (Rf) in white-LEDs (WLEDs). Although an excess of Pb²⁺ is known to promote phase-pure and emissive CsPbBr3 NCs, the influence of exogenous dopant precursor chemistry—particularly the counter-anion and the metal ion-to-lead ratio remains poorly understood. In this work, we systematically investigate cobalt precursor identity and Pb: Co feed ratios in Co:CsPbBr3 NCs synthesized by hot injection. Three cobalt salts—CoBr2 (bCo), Co(CH₃COO)₂ (aCo), and Co(NO₃)₂ (nCo), were investigated (0.16–3.35 at% doping). Among the bCo produced the best results, retaining the perovskite phase and high photoluminescence (~60%) at low loading, while aCo and nCo induced non-emissive Cs4PbBr6 formation, and high bCo loading led to nanosheet morphologies. In WLEDs, bCo:CsPbBr3 (8:2) demonstrated high color accuracy, superior stability compared to pristine and other doped NCs. Importantly, bCo:CsPbBr3 retained ~92% of its initial color fidelity over 10 minutes, whereas pristine CsPbBr3 retained only ~78%. Moreover, the WLEDs exhibited a wide color gamut (~122.9% NTSC, ~91.7% Rec. 2020), highlighting the crucial role of dopant precursor selection in optimizing phase stability, doping efficiency, and device performance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hairong Zhao, Anxin Shuai, Ran Huang, Kaliyamoorthy Justice Babu, Muhammad Moin, Chengjie Wang, Mehrunisa Moin, Sonu Kumar, Indra Neel Pulidindi, Arup Neogi, Yixi Wang, Marek Piotrowski, Udayabhaskararao Thumu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nanostructured Composite Hydrogels Incorporating Antimicrobial Peptides and Osteogenic Factors for Periodontal Regeneration
This study reports the development of an injectable nanostructured composite hydrogel integrating the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and osteogenic growth factor BMP-2 for multifunctional periodontal regeneration. The chitosan/gelatin hydrogel, reinforced with 5% nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), exhibited a highly porous structure (~90% porosity) and increased surface area (21.4 m²/g vs. 6.8 m²/g in blank) with homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles, as confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, XPS, and BET analyses. Sustained release was achieved, with LL-37 releasing ~80% and BMP-2 ~60% by day 7, facilitated by nHA binding. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrated >99% killing efficiency of Porphyromonas gingivalis, corroborated by live/dead staining and SEM evidence of membrane disruption. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed >90% viability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), and osteogenic induction assays showed the AMP+BMP hydrogel produced the highest ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation (p < 0.01 vs. controls). Shear strength testing on wet tissue revealed adhesion of 5.12 ± 1.36 kPa for the composite, compared with 3.54 ± 1.08 kPa for blank hydrogels. In a rat periodontitis model, micro-CT analysis at 6 weeks revealed markedly improved bone regeneration in the dual-loaded group, with bone volume fraction reaching 82 ± 5%, CEJ–ABC distance reduced to 0.34 ± 0.08 mm (vs. 0.94 ± 0.11 mm untreated), trabecular number increased to 2.05 ± 0.15 1/mm, and trabecular separation decreased to 0.20 ± 0.03 mm. Histology-based quantification demonstrated extensive new bone bridging (6/8 animals), increased bone area fraction (BA/TA = 66.8 ± 7.5% in AMP+BMP vs 18.7 ± 7.2% No-Tx), reduced osteoclast indices (N.Oc/B.Pm = 0.9 ± 0.2 mm⁻¹; Oc.S/BS = 2.8 ± 0.9%), and higher PDL-like fiber organization scores (median 3 [IQR 2–3]) at 6 weeks. These findings highlight the synergistic antibacterial and osteoinductive efficacy of LL-37/BMP-2/nHA hydrogels as a promising platform for comprehensive periodontal regeneration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jing Qiao, Guohong Yuan, Jingru Zhao, Xiaohui Yin, Yong Zhang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Characterization of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Loaded Fibrous Nanosilica for Enhanced Detection of HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Accurate delineation of tumor margins remains a clinical challenge in colorectal cancer surgery. To address this, we developed a novel nanosystem by loading 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) onto amine-functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica (ALA@KCC-1-NH₂) for enhanced photodynamic diagnosis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform spherical morphology (average diameter: 455 ± 30 nm), high surface area (352 m²/g for KCC-1), and mesoporous architecture. After functionalization and drug loading, the final formulation retained structural integrity with a drug loading content of 15.3 wt% and encapsulation efficiency of 85.6%. In vitro release studies revealed a pH-responsive profile, with minimal release (<20%) at pH 7.4 and accelerated release (>70%) at pH 5.5 over 24 hours. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility of the blank carrier and significant light-induced cytotoxicity from ALA@KCC-1-NH₂, with an IC₅₀ of 0.45 mM under irradiation—three times lower than that of free 5-ALA (1.38 mM). Confocal microscopy demonstrated a 4.5-fold increase in intracellular protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells treated with ALA@KCC-1-NH₂ compared to free 5-ALA. These results indicate that the fibrous nanosilica carrier significantly enhances 5-ALA uptake and fluorescence signal generation, offering a promising strategy for improved intraoperative tumor visualization. The ALA@KCC-1-NH₂ platform thus holds strong potential for advancing fluorescence-guided surgery in colorectal cancer management. Given the ∼455 ± 30 nm particle diameter, the envisioned translational route is topical/endoscopic or intraluminal application (spray/instillation) rather than intravenous delivery.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chuan Jiang, Lin Guo, Li Li, Chunhua Chi, Fengli Jiao, Zhongan Guan, Zhenji Liu, Jiansheng Li (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Dual Delivery of Quercetin and Paclitaxel Attenuates EMT and Angiogenesis Via ZEB1 and TIMP-3 Regulation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
This study investigates the therapeutic potential of chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) loaded with quercetin (Que) and paclitaxel (PTX) against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), focusing on their impact on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical driver of metastasis, using MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and in vivo models. Characterized by an average size of 82–91 nm, a positive zeta potential (+21–27 mV), and high encapsulation efficiencies, the Cs NPs demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy. Que-/PTX-loaded NPs significantly enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity by inducing late apoptosis. Furthermore, they suppressed cell migration and inhibited mammosphere formation in 3D cultures, effectively countering the invasiveness associated with EMT. Notably, the NPs downregulated ZEB1, a key EMT-promoting transcription factor, and upregulated TIMP-3, an inhibitor of extracellular matrix degradation, thereby attenuating EMT-driven metastasis. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay revealed a significant reduction in angiogenesis, further supporting their anti-metastatic potential. In vivo, BALB/c nude mice with MDA-MB-231 xenografts treated with Que-/PTX-Cs NPs exhibited 71.79% tumor growth inhibition and reduced metastatic spread, with 64.27% NP accumulation in tumors. These results underscore Que-/PTX-Cs NPs as a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for TNBC, effectively targeting tumor growth, EMT-driven metastasis, and angiogenesis through ZEB1 and TIMP-3 regulation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hamed Dadashi, Amirreza Nazemiyeh, Niloufar Ahdeno, Parniya Kehtari, Samar Mahari, Yadollah Omidi, Somayeh Vandghanooni, Morteza Eskandani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A New Heterogeneous PMO@MXene Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of Substituted 5-amino-3-(aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile Derivatives
In this study, we report the development of a novel and efficient MXene-based heterogeneous catalyst, PMO@MXene, for the green synthesis of 5-amino-3-(aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile derivatives. By integrating periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) into multilayered MXene, a hybrid nanocomposite was achieved that benefits from the high surface area and electrical conductivity of MXene along with the welldefined mesoporosity of PMO. This unique synergy enabled highly efficient catalytic performance under mild, eco-friendly conditions, requiring only a small amount of catalyst and allowing for easy recovery and reuse with minimal loss of activity. The pyrazole derivatives, known for their potential pharmaceutical relevance, were obtained in excellent yields and characterized using standard spectroscopic techniques. Importantly, this work highlights the potential of the PMO@MXene as a sustainable and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst platform for the synthesis of biologically significant heterocyclic compounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Safa Hnaif, Farhad Shirini, Bahram Ramezanzadeh, Hassan Tajik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dimensionality-Driven CQD/TiO2-g-C3N4 Ternary Composites for Boosting Photocatalytic and PEC Performance
Photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting are hindered by challenges such as rapid electron-hole recombination, limited visible light absorption, and inefficient charge transport. To overcome these limitations, a ternary composite CQD/TiO₂-g-C₃N₄ was engineered by combining 0D carbon quantum dots (CQDs), 1D TiO₂ nanorods, and 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. This multidimensional structure significantly improves charge separation and transfer that enhances both photocatalytic and PEC efficiency. X-ray diffraction confirmed successful integration of TiO₂ and g-C3N4, with crystallite sizes ranging from 8.1 to 9.3 nm. SEM and TEM analyses showed uniform dispersion of TiO₂ nanorods on g-C₃N₄ sheets, while CQDs (~5–6 nm) were attached to surface, establishing strong interfacial contact for efficient charge movement. UV-vis exhibited a redshift, indicating a narrower band gap, and PL analysis showed reduced electron-hole recombination. Under visible light, composite with 15.0 mL CQD displayed excellent photocatalytic activity, achieving 96.0% degradation of mixed dyes (MO + BPB) with clear linear degradation indicating consistant reaction rate and delivering a high PEC photocurrent density (~33 mA·cm⁻²). CQDs enhance charge separation and lower band gap while multidimension (0D–1D–2D) structure boosts charge transfer. The 0D–1D–2D architecture enhances charge mobility and light utilization, making this material highly effective for environmental cleanup and sustainable energy applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tahira Bano, Shamaila Sajjad, Sajjad Ahmed Khan Leghari, Maria Murtaza, Rehana Riaz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Catalytic and Antibacterial Activities with Molecular Docking Analysis of Chitosan and Polyethylene Glycol-NiO2 Nanostructures
Toxic dyes and microbes in water have an alarming effect on the integrity of the environment and dairy industries. In this study, 2 and 4 % of chitosan (CS) and 3 % of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were incorporated to nickel oxide (NiO2) nanostructures (NSs) to degrade dyes and to kill bacteria effectively, synthesized via the low-temperature co-precipitation technique. The motive of the research is to enhance catalytic and antimicrobial properties through surface modification and the generation of more active sites upon incorporation of dopants. X-ray crystallographic patterns confirm the hexagonal crystal structure of NiO2 and a reduction in crystallite size with doping. The band gap energy of NiO2 increases from 3.17 to 3.25 eV upon doping. TEM elucidates the formation of an interconnected network of nanorods and nanoparticles with reduced agglomeration upon PEG and CS addition. Doping controlled the morphology and charge recombination dynamics of NiO2, which significantly boosts the catalytic and antibacterial potential. Particle size of the NiO2 nanostructures decreases from 34.7 to 24.53 nm with the addition of dopants. Notably, the highly doped sample exhibited maximum RhB degradation of 92.3 % in neutral medium and maximum inhibition zone of 5.25±0.03 mm against gram-negative multiple drug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) (p<0.05). The computational results correspond with observational data, providing compelling support for the microbial efficacy of CS/PEG-NiO2 in suppressing DNA gyrase.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Imran, Iram Shahzadi, Ali Haider, Mudassir Hassan, Anwar Ul-Hamid, Waseem Safdar, Junaid Haider, Muhammad Ikram (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0