jablonkagroup/rise_ai_scientists huggingface dataset:
Authors: Hajar Amyar | Davide Raffaele Ceratti | H. Benisty | Andréa Cattoni | Mondher Besbes | Marco Faustini
Source: Nature Communications (article, 2025-11-24)
Field: Materials Science — Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Self-regulating and self-oscillating metal-organic framework hybrid plasmonic metasurfaces Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer remarkable chemical versatility, structural diversity, and, in some cases, stimuli-responsiveness. In the latter case, they typically rely on external inputs to trigger these changes. In contrast, living systems possess the ability to internally self-regulate and autonomously adapt their properties without external intervention, utilizing internal feedback mechanisms. To fill this gap, we develop a MOF-based metasurface that exhibits autonomous optical self-regulation, dynamically adjusting light absorption in response to varying incident light intensity. This device integrates colloidal MOFs with a plasmonic metasurface to create a thermo-optical negative feedback mechanism based on vapor sorption in and out of the colloidal MOF device. The self-regulation process is dynamic, leading each MOF/antenna unit to exhibit self-oscillatory behavior in the presence of a constant external energy input, analogous to a light-fueled nanoscale steam engine. This proof-of-concept highlights the potential of harnessing MOFs and sorption processes for designing metasurfaces for adaptable optical applications. It also represents a first step toward the design of materials integrating feedback mechanisms and internal clocks paving the way for a new generation of porous materials with life-like autonomy. Plasmon ; Nanoscopic scale ; Sorption ; Absorption (acoustics) ; Process (computing) ; Chemical energy ; Porosity ; Colloid Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications ; Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications ; Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
Authors: Anis Tlili | Lulu Han | Yi Yang | Louis Canavero | Liza Brettnacher | Lhoussain Khrouz | Cyrille Monnereau | Maurice Médebielle
Source: ChemRxiv (preprint, 2025-04-28)
Field: Chemistry — Organic Chemistry

Strain-Release-Driven Synthesis of Pentafluorosulfanylated Four-Membered Rings under Energy Transfer Photocatalysis International audience Photocatalysis ; Strain (injury) ; Energy transfer ; Chemistry ; Materials science ; Chemical engineering ; Photochemistry ; Nanotechnology ; Biophysics ; Catalysis ; Chemical physics ; Organic chemistry ; Biology ; Engineering ; Anatomy Sulfur-Based Synthesis Techniques ; Fluorine in Organic Chemistry ; Radical Photochemical Reactions
Authors: Pragya Pahchan | Abhijit Nandy | Eswarayya Ramireddy | Shibdas Banerjee
Source: Chemical Science (article, 2025-01-01)
Field: Chemistry — Inorganic Chemistry

Real-time capture of reactive intermediates in an enzymatic reaction: insights into a P450-catalyzed oxidation Enzymes are indispensable for a myriad of biochemical reactions in nature. Although rapid spectroscopic techniques and <i>operando</i> methods allow for real-time assessment of enzyme kinetics, isolating and identifying the reactive intermediates in enzymatic reactions remains a significant challenge. These intermediates often possess fleeting lifespans, prohibiting their direct detection. This study harnessed online mass spectrometric techniques and microfluidic sampling methods to monitor the formation of reactive intermediates in real time during enzymatic catalysis <i>in vitro</i>. Using CYP175A1, a thermophilic P450 enzyme known for its dual-function capabilities in peroxygenase and peroxidase activities, we investigated the oxidative dimerization of 1-methoxynaphthalene. This biocatalysis involves multiple intermediates, including resonating radical forms. By transposing the enzyme reaction into a 500 mM ammonium acetate buffer and spraying it into a mass spectrometer, we could detect various transient intermediate species, suggesting their preservation in buffer droplets during their flight. The resonance-like radical intermediates were distinguished and temporally evaluated using a parallel reaction monitoring approach in tandem mass spectrometry after being trapped with TEMPO, a radical marker. This comprehensive analysis successfully elucidated the complete catalytic cycle of the enzyme, offering a robust method for gaining deeper insights into enzyme action by tracking multiple intermediates in real time. Catalysis ; Reactive intermediate ; Chemistry ; Combinatorial chemistry ; Enzyme ; Enzyme catalysis ; Organic chemistry Metal-Catalyzed Oxygenation Mechanisms ; Pharmacogenetics and Drug Metabolism ; Cancer Treatment and Pharmacology
Authors: Mukta Kulkarni‐Sambhare | Kranti N. Salgaonkar | Avishek Saha | Chinnakonda S Gopinath
Source: ChemCatChem (article, 2025-06-29)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Glycerol Oxidation to Value‐Added and Highly Selective Glyceric/Lactic Acid Abstract Achieving economical and sustainable artificial photosynthesis (APS) in direct sunlight for liquid fuel production with high efficiency remains an important challenge. A major obstacle in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation of organic compounds is attaining high selectivity with the desired product(s). This study introduces a novel strategy by integrating BiVO 4 quantum dots (BVQDs), structurally and electronically, into the nanopores of commercial TiO 2 (BVT for BVQDs integrated in pores of TiO 2 ) to improve solar‐driven photocatalysis. The band gap of the BVT photoanode decreases to 2.53 eV as compared to pure TiO 2 (3.2 eV), which enhances visible light absorption and charge separation. BVT with Pt as a co‐catalyst acts as an APS system, which selectively oxidizes glycerol into lactic acid (100% selectivity at 1 mM glycerol) and glyceric acid (98% selectivity at 100 mM), while simultaneously generating green hydrogen. Selectivity of the product can be further controlled by anaerobic or aerobic conditions as well as the length of the reaction time. Direct integration of BVQDs into TiO 2 mesopores significantly enhances charge separation as well as utilization at redox sites. Current work provides key insights into optimizing photocatalytic conditions for highly selective value‐added chemical production, which highlights the sustainability and efficacy of TiO 2 ‐based semiconductors with quantum dot integration. Glyceric acid ; Photocatalysis ; Glycerol ; Lactic acid ; Chemistry ; Visible spectrum ; Catalysis ; Photochemistry ; Organic chemistry ; Materials science ; Bacteria ; Optoelectronics Polyoxometalates: Synthesis and Applications ; Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques ; Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis
Authors: Gennaro Longobardo | Francesca Della Sala | Giuseppe Marino | Marco Barretta | M. FORTE | Rubina Paradiso | Giorgia Borriello | Assunta Borzacchiello
Source: Nanomaterials (article, 2025-10-30)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

One-Step Synthesized Folic Acid-Based Carbon Dots: A Biocompatible Nanomaterial for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections in Lung Pathologies Bacterial infections are a major complication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where mucus accumulation and pH fluctuations further hinder treatment. Nanostructured systems such as carbon dots (CDs) are increasingly investigated as antimicrobial agents due to their scalability, low cost, and biocompatibility, compared to conventional antibiotics. Here, CDs were synthesized by a one-step microwave-assisted method at three reaction temperatures (130 °C, 170 °C, and 185 °C, named LT-CDs, MT-CDs, HT-CDs, respectively) to explore the effect of carbonization on their structure and function. TEM, Raman, and FTIR analyses were employed to investigate the size and distribution of carbon groups. UV-vis confirmed distinct pH-dependent spectral responses, and mucoadhesion studies revealed stronger and more stable interactions for MT-CDs. Biological assays demonstrated high biocompatibility across all samples on lung fibroblasts, while antimicrobial tests highlighted a selective effect against Staphylococcus aureus, due to ROS generation. Overall, MT-CDs represented the best compromise in terms of size, functionalization, biocompatibility, mucoadhesion, and antimicrobial activity, emerging as promising nanoplatforms for respiratory infection management in COPD and ARDS. Antimicrobial ; Biocompatibility ; Mucus ; Nanomaterials ; Adsorption ; Biocompatible material ; Lung ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Respiratory system Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications ; Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis ; Curcumin's Biomedical Applications
Authors: Arianna Balestri | Xinan Huang | Emanuel Lörtscher | Cora‐Ann Schoenenberger | Cornelia G. Palivan
Source: Advanced Functional Materials (article, 2025-06-26)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Differential Compartmentalization of Enzymatic Reactions for Lactate Signaling Across Protocells Abstract Protocells, by breaking down the intricate complexity of eukaryotic cells, are innovative tools for mimicking and understanding cellular phenomena. Protocells based on giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) supplemented with active species facilitate in situ biologically relevant enzymatic reactions. However, replicating intercellular communication in synthetic systems remains a major challenge for bottom‐up approaches. Here, this challenge is addressed by creating two different populations of protocells that communicate in a controlled and directional manner. By using double emulsion microfluidics, each protocell type consists of GUVs containing distinct biomolecules and artificial organelles (AOs) with unique structures and functions. A series of chemical reaction networks controlling the activity of the AOs provides the framework for the directional, lactate‐mediated intercellular communication between protocells. The coordinated series of compartmentalized enzymatic reactions demonstrate that the intercellular communication is i) selective for lactate, ii) tunable according to its concentration; and iii) sensitive to the sender/receiver protocell ratio and thus, the distance between them. These protocells capable of collective behavior by intercellular signaling have unique advantages for understanding complex biological processes and serve as a basis for the development of advanced therapeutic strategies by interfacing synthetic protocells with native cells. Protocell ; Compartmentalization (fire protection) ; Materials science ; Nanotechnology ; Biophysics ; Enzyme ; Differential (mechanical device) ; Cell biology ; Biochemistry ; Biology ; Membrane ; Aerospace engineering Enzyme Structure and Function ; Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications ; Protein Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Celina Matuszewska | Nadia Touati | Laurent Binet | Ferdaous Ben Romdhane | Bruno Viana | Corinne Chanéac
Source: Journal of Luminescence (article, 2025-09-25)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Tailoring trap depth distributions in ZnGa2O4: Cr3+ nanoparticles for optimized persistent luminescence across various functional temperature ranges Persistent phosphors have attracted significant attention for their potential application in safety signage, road markings, data storage, anti-counterfeiting technologies, and biomedical fields. However, despite the significant advancements in room-temperature persistent phosphors and deep-trap materials for information storage, development of low-temperature persistent phosphors with strong afterglow emission remains a considerable challenge. In this study, we successfully modified the trap depth distribution in ZnGa 2 O 4 : Cr 3+ nanoparticles (ZGO:Cr NPs) by carefully controlling the synthesis conditions in order to develop nanoscale persistent phosphors tailored for various temperature-dependent applications. ZnGa 2 O 4 : Cr 3+ nanoparticles were synthesized via a rapid, facile, and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. A subsequent thermal treatment at temperatures of 500 and 700 °C was employed to further modify their structure and, consequently, their optical properties. Notably, the ZGO:Cr NPs without any subsequent calcination (ZGO MW) exhibit strong and long-lasting luminescence at cryogenic temperatures (15 – 200 K) and they show great potential for applications requiring continuous cooling at liquid nitrogen temperatures, such as the cryopreservation of biological agents, viruses, and tissues. In contrast, ZGO:Cr NPs calcined at 700°C (ZGO 700) demonstrate stabilization of deeper traps, with activation energies near room temperature, which shows promise for conventional persistent luminescence applications requiring small particle sizes (<10 nm). Meanwhile, ZGO:Cr NPs calcined at 500°C (ZGO 500) display a broad distribution of traps and a remarkably wide operational range (15–400 K), due to the coexistence of multiple Cr 3+ environments, making it highly suitable for applications requiring stable persistent luminescence behaviour at very wide range of temperatures. • Development of low-temperature persistent phosphors remains a considerable challenge • ZnGa 2 O 4 : Cr 3+ NPs were synthesized via rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal method • Post-synthesis calcination was used to optimise their structure and modify optical properties • Trap depth tailoring was achieved to develop materials for applications at various temperatures Phosphor ; Luminescence ; Afterglow ; Nanoparticle ; Persistent luminescence ; Calcination ; Nanoscopic scale ; Photoluminescence ; Phosphorescence ; Radioluminescence Luminescence Properties of Advanced Materials ; Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials ; Perovskite Materials and Applications
Authors: Tommaso A. Salamone | Serena Marotta | Stella Mrmić | Salvatore Raffa | Sara Cerra | Beatrice Pennacchi | Martina Mercurio | Vincenzo Visco | Maurizio Alimandi | Maria Rosaria Ricciardi | Maurizio Taurino | Ilaria Fratoddi | Pankaj Trivedi | Eleni Anastasiadou
Source: Cancer Nanotechnology (article, 2025-06-15)
Field: Materials Science — Biomaterials

MiR-200c synergizes with trastuzumab-loaded gold nanoparticles to overcome resistance in ovarian cancer cells Trastuzumab (TZ) resistance remains a significant challenge in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), necessitating novel therapeutic strategies to improve treatment efficacy. Functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) constitute a promising platform for drug delivery and the ability to enhance tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. miR-200c, a well-established tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA), plays a crucial role in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, its role in modulating HER2 signaling pathways and sensitizing ovarian cancer cells to TZ remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate for the first time the combinatorial effect of miR-200c and thiol-functionalized AuNPs (< 10 nm) loaded with TZ (AuNPs-TZ) in overcoming TZ resistance and enhancing treatment efficacy in ovarian cancer cells. Pristine AuNPs were not cytotoxic, confirming their biocompatibility as a nanocarrier for TZ delivery. AuNPs were loaded noncovalently with TZ and maintained colloidal stability to prevent aggregation while facilitating effective cellular uptake. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells overexpressing miR-200c with AuNPs-TZ significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. Immunoblot analysis showed a reduction of phosphorylated HER2 and downstream Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus (KRAS) signaling. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated morphological changes in miR-200c-transfected ovarian cancer cells and confirmed the localization of AuNPs carrying TZs on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm. These findings highlight the potential of AuNPs-TZ delivery combined with miR-200c as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the response of HER2-positive EOC to TZ treatment. These results imply the need to further develop AuNP/miRNA-based combinatorial therapies as a viable nanomedicine approach for drug-resistant cancers. Trastuzumab ; Ovarian cancer ; Colloidal gold ; Cancer research ; Materials science ; Nanotechnology ; Medicine ; Cancer ; Nanoparticle ; Internal medicine ; Biomedical engineering ; Breast cancer Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery ; Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics ; Dendrimers and Hyperbranched Polymers
Authors: Lars C. P. Binkhorst | I Josimović | Bas De Boer | Ícaro A. Simon | Frank van der Aa | Barbara Zarzycka | Iwan J. P. de Esch | Henry F. Vischer | Albert D. Windhorst | Maikel Wijtmans | Rob Leurs
Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society (article, 2025-06-26)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

A Radiolabeled Photoswitchable G Protein-Coupled Receptor Antagonist Enlightens Ligand Binding Kinetics Associated with Photoswitching Photopharmacology offers powerful opportunities to control protein signaling using photoresponsive ligands. Despite the vast potential of photoswitchable ligands for spatiotemporal target protein control, research on ligand-protein binding kinetics of these ligands remains limited. Herein, we describe the discovery of the first radiolabeled photoswitchable ligand, [<sup>3</sup>H]VUF26063 ([<sup>3</sup>H]<b>3f</b>), to assess light-dependent ligand-protein binding kinetics in real time. The key compound (<b>3f</b>) is an arylazopyrazole-based antagonist targeting a prototypic family A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the histamine H<sub>3</sub> receptor (H<sub>3</sub>R), and enabled convenient radiolabeling via a growth vector on the pyrazole. Its photochemical properties, subnanomolar affinity of the <i>trans</i> isomer and a 50-fold decrease in affinity upon switching, allowed for reversible photochemical control of H<sub>3</sub>R binding kinetics in real time. The kinetic binding data obtained with this radiolabeled ligand indicate that <b>3f</b> isomerizes in the H<sub>3</sub>R extended binding pocket upon illumination. Our results shed light on the binding kinetics of photoswitchable ligands and will have relevance beyond GPCRs as targets. Chemistry ; Kinetics ; Antagonist ; Ligand (biochemistry) ; Receptor–ligand kinetics ; Receptor ; Stereochemistry ; Biophysics ; Biochemistry Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry ; Photoreceptor and optogenetics research ; Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling
Authors: Vesna Ocelić Bulatović | Mario Kovač | Dajana Kučić Grgić | Vilko Mandić | Antun Jozinović
Source: Polymers (article, 2025-09-23)
Field: Materials Science — Biomaterials

Designing Sustainable Packaging Materials: Citric Acid-Modified TPS/PLA Blends with Enhanced Functional and Eco-Performance Starch extracted from the domestically cultivated Scala potato variety was explored as a renewable resource for the formulation of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends intended for environmentally friendly food packaging applications. The isolated starch underwent comprehensive physicochemical and structural characterization to assess its suitability for polymer processing. TPS derived from Scala starch was compounded with PLA, both with and without citric acid (CA) as a green compatibilizer to enhance phase compatibility. The resulting polymer blends were systematically analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate thermal and structural properties. Mechanical performance, water vapor permeability (WVP), water absorption (WA), and biodegradability in soil over 56 days were also assessed. The incorporation of citric acid improved phase miscibility, leading to enhanced structural uniformity, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and barrier efficiency. Bio-degradation tests confirmed the environmental compatibility of the developed blends. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of Scala-based TPS/PLA systems, particularly those modified with citric acid, as viable candidates for sustainable food packaging, while highlighting the importance of further formulation optimization to balance functional and biodegradative performance. Starch ; Differential scanning calorimetry ; Citric acid ; Food packaging ; Thermogravimetric analysis ; Thermoplastic ; Biodegradation ; Polymer biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties ; Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Andrzej Błauż | Karolina Rózga | Małgorzata Nosek | Anna Makal | Błażej Rychlik | Damian Plażuk
Source: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters (article, 2025-06-16)
Field: Chemistry — Organic Chemistry

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Ferrocenyl–Cyclo-(Gly-<scp>l</scp>-Pro) Hybrids Sensitizing Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells to Anticancer Agents Ferrocenyl-cyclo-(Gly-l-Pro) hybrids as novel inhibitors of ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters were developed. These organometallic compounds were virtually nontoxic to colon cancer cells, their multidrug-resistant (MDR) variants, and normal fibroblasts. Derivatives bearing <i>o</i>-, <i>m</i>-, or <i>p</i>-ferrocenylphenyl groups significantly sensitized ABCB1- and ABCG2-overexpressing cells to chemotherapeutics such as vincristine, mitoxantrone, and doxorubicin, reducing IC<sub>50</sub> values by up to 12.7- and 10.3-fold, respectively. Notably, (<i>S</i>,<i>Z</i>)-<b>4b</b>, (<i>S</i>,<i>Z</i>)-<b>4c</b>, and (<i>S</i>,<i>Z</i>)-<b>4d</b> showed the strongest effects. Drug combination studies revealed synergistic interactions, particularly in vincristine-, mitoxantrone-, and etoposide-resistant cells (synergy scores: 13.6-17.05). Accumulation assays confirmed ABC transporter inhibition, with (<i>S</i>,<i>Z</i>)-<b>4b</b> and (<i>S</i>,<i>Z</i>)-<b>4d</b> increasing intracellular retention of calcein and pheophorbide A up to 3.4- and 2.9-foldcomparable to those of verapamil and Ko143. Antibody-binding assays further indicated that these hybrids act as substrates of ABCB1 and ABCG2. Multiple drug resistance ; Cancer ; Combinatorial chemistry ; Hybrid ; Cancer cell ; Chemistry ; Pharmacology ; Cancer research ; Computational biology ; Biochemistry ; Medicine ; Biology ; Genetics ; Antibiotics ; Botany Ferrocene Chemistry and Applications ; Synthesis and Biological Evaluation ; Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
Authors: Hachemi Kadri | Mesk Alshatfa | Feras Z Alsalloum | Abdelbary Elhissi | Anis Daou | Mouhamad Khoder
Source: Pharmaceutics (review, 2025-10-02)
Field: Materials Science — Biomaterials

Albumin Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapeutics: Clinical Status, Challenges, and Future Directions Cancer, a global health burden, is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis, often resulting in debilitating treatments and mortality. While conventional therapeutic strategies have improved survival rates, they are limited by challenges such as off-target toxicity and drug resistance. With their design to enable targeted drug delivery, nanoparticles have presented a promising avenue to overcome these limitations. Protein-based nanoparticles, particularly those based on albumin, are notable for their biocompatibility, stability, and ease of modification. The approval of Abraxane, an albumin-based nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel, for metastatic breast cancer marked a significant milestone. However, further approvals have been slow to materialize until the recent approval of Fyarro<sup>®</sup> in 2021. This focused review highlights the potential of albumin-based nanoparticles, emphasizing their advantages, current state, and progress in clinical use as anticancer therapeutics. We also discuss challenges impeding new approvals and future directions for unlocking the full potential of this technology. Cancer ; Drug ; Targeted drug delivery ; Clinical trial ; Nanomedicine ; Cancer treatment ; Metastatic breast cancer ; Clinical Practice Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery ; Cancer Research and Treatment