bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrically Conductive Lignin Reinforced Polyacrylic Acid/Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds With PEDOT:HA Nanoparticles
Authors: Winters Caitriona , Carsi Marta , Sanchis Maria J. , Culebras Mario , Collins Maurice N. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHydrogel materials are continually developing in biomedical engineering and recently a lot of effort has gone into their engineered performance in physiological applications. Porosity is an important characteristic for tissue engineering scaffolds to allow enhanced biocompatibility and the pore size needed is dependent on the application and type of tissue for which the hydrogel is being used to regenerate. Regarding biomedical applications, the use of conducting polymers is gaining in popularity due to their promising biocompatibility and potential to stimulate cell growth and proliferation through electrical stimulation. Building on previous hydrogel development by the authors, this study focuses on developing a biocompatible hydrogel scaffold with adjustable porosity and swelling capabilities, robust mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. The objective of this work is to examine the effect of freezing temperature, cross‐linker and porosity on the final characteristics of the scaffold and to then determine possible applications. The porosity, swelling degree, compression strength, biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and thermal characteristics of the final material were analyzed and were found to be affected by the varied synthesis methods used. Overall, the synthesized scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility with increased fluorescence over 3 days and over 70% cell viability, thermal stability up to 200°C and a range of swelling of 1725% to 8472%. They also portray robust mechanical properties with a Young's Moduli range of 11 kPa to 4.54 MPa and a porosity range of 0.78–71.98 μm depending on the synthesis methods used. Through variations in synthesis methods, highly porous, absorbent, and stable scaffolds have been synthesized. Notably, this single recipe is highly tailorable for use in a range of biomedical applications from tissue engineering to drug delivery and wound repair.
A Novel Approach to the Development of Natural Resin‐Based Biopolymer in the Presence of a Reusable Catalyst: Characterization and Modeling of Material Properties
Authors: Angın Naile , Ertaş Murat , Aras Ömür , Genç Merve 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe rise in environmental and health concerns has led to increasing attention to nature‐derived materials. Natural resin (NR) is secreted by pine trees, and it is a great monomer source for synthesizing biopolymers. The objective of this study is to produce terpene rosin phenolic resin (TRPR) from NR, turpentine, and phenol by applying a novel polymerization technique. An environmentally friendly and reusable catalyst (Amberlyst15) was chosen instead of traditional ones. TRPR samples were chemically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. The average molecular weight (Mw) of TRPR was detected as 560 g/mol. Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was designed with three inputs (pressure, temperature, and terpene/NR ratio) and four outputs (reaction yield, acid value, saponification value, and softening point). The highest TRPR yield was obtained with a terpene/NR ratio of (1/2) at 80°C and under 3 atm. The lowest acid and saponification values were calculated as 90.54 and 100.11 mg KOH/g, respectively. The softening point of TRPR reached 80°C and it was suggested for use in the paper, ink, and adhesive industries.
Engineering Budesonide Microparticles for Enhancing Pulmonary Targeting: Validation through In Vivo Investigations
Authors: Kumar Jahanvee Ashok , Verma Srashti , Patel Snehal , Gupta Nikita , Patel Mahendra , Kharidia Tapan , Gangadia Bhavin , Butani Shital 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to develop and evaluate budesonide inhalation micro‐suspension to target inflammation in the lower trachea and bronchi. Initially, the slurry phase is prepared by dispersing the drug (0.25 and 0.5 mg ml−1) in the Water for Injection with polysorbate 80. The slurry is mixed with the aqueous phase comprising other excipients. The mixture is further subjected to the treatment with homogenizer. The prepared formulations are subjected to various physio‐chemical analysis like description, density, pH, osmolality, viscosity, shelf life, impurities, assay, particle size, etc. Andersen cascade impactor is used to estimate the aerodynamic performance. In vivo analysis is initiated with the induction of Asthma in Sprague Dawley rats by ovalbumin challenge intranasally and the treatment is given with the aid of a nebulizer. Lastly, the biochemical estimations are carried out in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The lungs are also subjected to morphological and histological evaluations. The physio‐chemical and analytical examination indicated a stable formulation that is compliant with the standard guidelines. The D90 value of the test formulation is ≤4.5 µm. Cascade impactor evaluation estimated almost, 2–10% higher amount of budesonide reaching the target region as compared to the marketed product. Test formulation attenuated the manifestation of ovalbumin‐induced asthma through suppression of inflammatory cell count in blood and BALF, and modulation of Lactate dehydrogenase and Alkaline Phosphatase levels which is further confirmed by histopathological analysis. The formulated budesonide micro‐suspension demonstrated stability, safety, and efficient delivery to the target site.
Rapid Synthesis of Uniformly Small Nickel Nanoparticles for the Surface Functionalization of Epitaxial Graphene
Authors: Vlamidis Ylea , Forti Stiven , Rossi Antonio , Marinelli Carmela , Coletti Camilla , Heun Stefan , Veronesi Stefano 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) combined with carbon nanomaterials are of significant interest due to their wide range of applications, including catalysis, hydrogen storage, and sensor technologies. However, it is challenging to develop an efficient process to produce small and stable Ni NPs ideal for functionalizing graphene or substrates with complex geometries. For this purpose, a rapid, simple, and cost‐effective method is presented for synthesizing uniformly small Ni NPs. The process involves cooling aqueous solutions of Ni(OAc)2 and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to ≈1 °C, followed by the rapid addition of NaBH4. Crucial parameters, such as temperature and stirring rate, are precisely controlled to ensure uniform particle growth, with the reaction completing in just a few minutes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations reveal spherical NPs with an average diameter of ≈11 nm and a narrow size distribution. Additionally, epitaxial graphene (EG) samples are functionalized with the synthesized NPs and their arrangement on the surface and their stability upon thermal annealing are investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements demonstrate the degradation of CTAB, along with the recovery of Ni(0) under mild conditions (below 350 °C), with the NPs maintaining structural stability up to approximately 550 °C.
Corn Stover Lignin as a Solid Acid Catalyst for the Esterification of Oleic Acid
Authors: Hamilton Aisha , Pains Duarte Michelle , Naccache Rafik 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe catastrophic ramifications of fossil fuels on the environment have prompted the search for renewable energy sources. Over the recent decades, biodiesel has garnered attention as a promising direct alternative to diesel fuel; however, reliance on homogeneous catalysts and the requirement for refined vegetable oil feedstocks present financial and sustainability concerns. Thus, there exists a need for the development of sustainable and cost‐effective catalytic solutions. Herein, the application of lignin, an abundant and renewable biomass, as an effective heterogeneous catalyst is reported for biodiesel production via the esterification of oleic acid. Lignin is extracted from corn straw using sulfuric acid, which endows sulfonic acid groups (0.85 mmol g−1) to its structure allowing it to act as an acid catalyst without additional post‐treatments. Conversion of oleic oil to biodiesel is achieved at 97% using a 1:3 oleic acid to methanol molar ratio with a 5 wt.% catalyst loading at 90 °C after only 30 min. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits a remarkable turnover frequency of 2.61 min−1 proving its efficiency. These findings demonstrate that heterogeneous catalysts can be prepared from biomass waste offering a significantly cheaper and less intensive synthesis process and allowing for a paradigm shift to non‐edible and waste cooking oils.
2D‐MoX2 (X = S, Se, Te) and Their Nanocomposite Toward Sensing Application: A Review
Authors: Mohan Bitupan , Boruah Ujjibit , Sonkar Rahul , Mondal Nur Jalal , Chowdhury Devasish 
Published: October 2024

Abstract2D materials, owing to their nearly atomic thickness, have emerged as promising candidates across a broad spectrum of next‐generation devices and systems. In the post‐graphene era, molybdenum‐based dichalcogenides (MoX2, where X = S, Se, Te), possessing a graphene‐like structure, represent one of the most promising subsets among 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) due to their extensively researched and distinctive electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. Further with their distinct properties of different phases (2H, 1T) make it attractive for both fundamental and applied research. It finds diverse applications, spanning from optoelectronics to catalysis and sensor development. In this review article, the unique crystal structural properties of MoX2 are highlighted and their different synthesis methods, incorporating recent advancements in synthesis approaches discussed. Subsequently the recent development of MoX2 nanocomposite based on carbon, metal, metal oxide and various polymer discussed. Finally, the key challenges impeding the advancement of sensing applications and propose avenues for future development, drawing upon the current progress in 2D MoX2 and their nanocomposites also find mention in this review.
Protein kinase D1 mitigation against etoposide induced DNA damage in prostate cancer is associated with increased α‐Catenin
Authors: Shukla Sanjeev , Osumi Teruko , Al‐Toubat Mohammed , Serrano Samuel , Singh Pankaj kumar , Mietzsch Mario , McKenna Robert , Chardon‐Robles Jonathan , Krishnan Sunil , Balaji K. C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe E‐cadherin, α‐ and β‐Catenin interaction at the cell adherens junction plays a key role in cell adhesion; alteration in the expression and function of these genes are associated with disease progression in several solid tumors including prostate cancer. The membranous β‐Catenin is dynamically linked to the cellular cytoskeleton through interaction with α‐Catenin at amino acid positions threonine 120 (T120) to 151 of β‐Catenin. Nuclear presence of α‐Catenin modulates the sensitivity of cells to DNA damage. The objective of this study is to determine the role of α‐Catenin and protein kinase D1 (PrKD1) in DNA damage response.MethodsProstate cancer cells; LNCaP, LNCaP (Sh‐PrKD1; silenced PrKD1), C4‐2 and C4‐2 PrKD1 were used for various sets of experiments to determine the role of DNA damage in PrKD1 overexpression and silencing cells. These cells were treated with compound‐10 (100 nM) and Etoposide (30 µM), total cell lysates, cytosolic and nuclear fractions were prepared to observe various protein expressions. We performed single cell gel electrophoresis (COMET assay) to determine the etoposide induce DNA damage in C4‐2 and C4‐2 PrKD1 cells. The animal experiments were carried out to determine the tolerability of compound‐10 by mice and generate preliminary data on efficacy of compound‐10 in modulating the α‐Catenin and PrKD1 expressions in inhibiting tumor progression.ResultsPrKD1, a novel serine threonine kinase, phosphorylates β‐Catenin T120. In silico analysis, confirmed that T120 phosphorylation alters β‐ to α‐Catenin binding. Forced expression of PrKD1 in prostate cancer cells increased β‐ and α‐Catenin protein levels associated with reduced etoposide induced DNA damage. Downregulation of α‐Catenin abrogates the PrKD1 mitigation of DNA damage. The in vitro results were corroborated in vivo using mouse prostate cancer patient derived xenograft model by inhibition of PrKD1 kinase activity with compound‐10, a selective PrKD inhibitor, demonstrating decreased total β‐ and α‐Catenin protein levels, and β‐Catenin T120 phosphorylation.ConclusionsAlteration in DNA damage response pathways play major role in prostate cancer progression. The study identifies a novel mechanism of α‐Catenin dependent DNA damage mitigation role for PrKD1 in prostate cancer.
Tumor Microenvironment Cascade Activated Biodegradable Nano‐Enzymes for Glutathione‐Depletion and Ultrasound‐Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wen Xingwang , Wang Chunxia , Bi Shenghui , Xu Yao , Wu Zezheng , Huang Hao , Liu Zhiqiu , Zeng Songjun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChemodynamic therapy (CDT) is emerged as a novel and promising tumor therapy by using the powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cancer cells. However, the current CDT is remarkably inhibited due to insufficient H2O2 supply and over‐expression of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a biodegradable self‐supplying H2O2 nano‐enzyme of CuO2@CaP with a GSH‐consumption effect is designed for cascade enhanced CDT to overcome the problem of H2O2 deficiency and GSH overexpression. In this design, CuO2@CaP is gradually degraded to Ca2+, Cu2+, and H2O2 in acidic TME, resulting in synergistically enhanced CDT owing to the efficient self‐supplied H2O2 and GSH‐depletion and Ca2+ overload therapy. Interestingly, the faster degradation of CuO2@CaP and promoted production rate of •OH are further achieved after triggering with ultrasound (US). And, the US‐enhanced CDT and Ca2+ overload synergistic antitumor therapy is successfully achieved in vivo. These findings provide a promising strategy for designing biodegradable nano‐enzymes with self‐supplying H2O2 and GSH consumption for US‐mediated CDT.
Ni(II) Cylinders Damage DNA in Cancer Cells and Preferentially Bind Y‐Shaped DNA Three‐Way Junctions Blocking DNA Synthesis
Authors: Malina Jaroslav , Kostrhunova Hana , Brabec Viktor 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDNA three‐way junctions are critical in various biological processes and hold significant potential for disease treatment and therapeutic applications. In this study, it is demonstrated that triple‐stranded dinuclear [Ni2L3]4+ cylinders (L = C25H20N4) exhibit a preferential binding affinity for Y‐shaped DNA three‐way junctions (3WJs), even in the presence of an excess of competing DNA structures, including G‐quadruplexes. Notably, the investigated Ni(II) cylinders are capable of halting DNA synthesis catalyzed by DNA polymerase by stabilizing the 3WJ on the template strand. Using an extended 1D nanoarchitecture model, it is further established the high affinity and selectivity of the cylinders for DNA 3WJs and explored their potential application in stabilizing short‐armed 3WJs for constructing DNA nanomaterials. The combined use of Ni(II) cylinders and DNA damage response inhibitors also revealed that the cylinders promote DNA damage, leading to the formation of double‐strand breaks. This effect is likely associated with i) the binding of cylinders to 3WJs and ii) the cytotoxic activity of the cylinders in cancer cells.
A New Organic Laser Material Design Toward Ultra‐Low Amplified Spontaneous Red Emission and Ultra‐Bright Electroluminescence
Authors: Wallwork Nicholle R. , Shukla Atul , Roseli Ras Baizureen , Allison Ilene , McGregor Sarah K. M. , Coles Max , Gale Innes , Rahane Vijay P. , Entoma Volter , Moore Evan G. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Lo Shih‐Chun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSignificant efforts are dedicated to developing new classes of organic semiconductor materials to achieve electrically pumped lasing. However, further advancements are necessary to understand the relationship between the structure and property for the creation of innovative laser materials with high stability, low triplet yield, ultra‐low lasing threshold, and low‐efficiency roll‐off at ultra‐bright electroluminescence. Here, a new design principle is validated for organic semiconductor laser materials, demonstrating simultaneous enhancement in the key figures of merit of low amplified spontaneous emission thresholds (Eth), efficient electroluminescence, and low triplet yields. By applying the Einstein stimulated emission rate equation and Strickler–Berg approximation, Two red‐emitting laser dimers of Cibalackrot with different linkers are constructed, leading to giant enhancement (≈250%) in oscillator strengths, and stimulated emission cross‐sections. When blended in poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole), the new dimers achieve an ultra‐low Eth (4.5 ± 0.3 µJ cm−2) in the deep red region (λASE = 655 nm), among the lowest reported for deep‐red emitters. Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) utilizing the dimer blend exhibit low‐efficiency roll‐off under DC mode. Under pulse operation, the OLEDs achieve high current densities (90 A m−2) and ultrahigh brightness (≈710 000 cd m−2). These findings highlight the dimerization design as an excellent platform to advance organic semiconductor laser materials.
Developing Rapid‐Charging Li‐S Batteries via “Target Catalysis” of Cations and Anions Modified Electrocatalyst
Authors: Liu Junliang , Sun Tingting , Yu Hao , Huang Fangduo , Feng Xinyan , Feng Xuefan , Zang Qisheng , Shan Youping , Zhang Fuqin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe shuttle effect and sluggish sulfur reduction reaction have resulted in significantly low efficiency and poor high current cycling stability in lithium‐sulfur batteries, impeding their practical applications. To address these challenges, the introduction of Ni cations into MoS2 grown on reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/rGO) induces the formation of impurity energy levels between the conduction and valence bands of MoS2. Additionally, the introduction of anionic Se expands the interlayer spacing, enhances intrinsic conductivity, and improves ion diffusion rates. Simultaneously introducing anionic and cationic species into the MoS2/rGO causes the center of the d‐band to shift upward, reducing the occupancy of electrons in antibonding orbitals. This modification leads to a rearrangement of the electronic structure of Mo, accelerating the redox reactions of lithium polysulfides. It particularly enhances the binding energy and lowers the conversion energy barrier of Li2S4. Consequently, the Li||S coin cell with the Ni‐MoSSe/rGO cathode demonstrates an initial capacity of 446 mAh g−1 at 20 C, with a remarkable capacity retention of ≈96.7% after 200 cycles. Moreover, even under high sulfur loading conditions (6.45 mg cm−2) and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (5.4 µL mg−2), it maintains a high areal capacity of 6.42 mAh cm−2.
Enabling the Transport Dynamics and Interfacial Stability of Porous Si Anode Via Rigid and Flexible Carbon Encapsulation for High‐Energy Lithium Storage
Authors: Cheng Zhongling , Lin Huanhao , Liu Yueming , Li Jihao , Jiang Hao , Zhang Haijiao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe stable electrode/electrolyte interface and fast electron/ion transport channel play important roles in boosting the rate performance and cycling life of lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a porous silicon/carbon composite (pSi@PC@MC) is presented by integrating hollow porous silicon (pSi) with pitch‐derived carbon (PC) and dopamine‐derived mesoporous carbon (MC), employing microporous zeolite as the silicon source. The finite element simulation first reveals the stress release effect of rigid and flexible carbon encapsulation on the hollow Si anode for lithium‐ion storage. In situ and ex situ characterization results further elucidate that hybrid sp2/sp3 carbon coating greatly enhances the liquid/solid interface stability and the compatibility with the electrolyte, as well as facilitates the electron/ion transmission dynamics, achieving a uniform, stable, and LiF‐rich SEI film, ultimately improving the lithium storage performance. As expected, the as‐designed pSi@PC@MC anode delivers an impressive rate capability (756.6 mAh g−1 at 6 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability with a capacity of 1650 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Meanwhile, the pSi@PC@MC//NCM811 full‐cell exhibits an outstanding cycling stability (75.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles). This study highlights the significance of rational porous design and effective hybrid carbon encapsulation for the development of fast‐charging Si/carbon anodes.
OH Regulator of Amorphous CrOx on Defect‐Rich Ultrafine Pd Nanowires Boosts Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Zhou Xiaotong , Liu Songliang , Teng Huaifang , Ma Kun , Miao Weixin , Cui Xuejing , Zhou Xin , Jiang Luhua 
Published: October 2024

AbstractReasonable construction of high activity and selectivity electrocatalysts is crucial to achieve efficient ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). However, the oxidation of ethanol tends to produce CO species that poison the active centers of the EOR electrocatalysts. Herein, a unique amorphous CrOx‐protected defect‐rich ultrafine Pd nanowires (CrOx‐Pd NWs) is developed. On the one hand, the CrOx layer can act as a protective layer to maintain the structure of the nanowire. On the other hand, it can play the role of OH regulator to optimize the adsorption energy barrier of intermediate species in Pd nanowire, thereby enhancing the ability of the catalyst to resist CO poisoning. The CrOx‐Pd NWs exhibit excellent EOR performance with 3.64 times higher mass activity and 50 mV lower CO electro‐oxidation potential than commercial Pd black. The results show that the CrOx layer promotes the dissociation of H2O into OHads, while the CrOx transfers electrons to neighboring Pd atoms optimizing the electronic configuration of Pd, thus selectively oxidizing ethanol to acetate and preventing the formation of toxic *CO. This work provides an effective strategy for the synthesis of nanowire materials with oxide/metal interfaces and offers new ideas for the design of catalysts that can efficiently drive EOR.