Journal of Materials Chemistry B最新文献

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) regeneration is a rapidly advancing field with critical implications for addressing sensory impairments and neuropathic conditions. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, essential for sensory transmission, exhibit regenerative potential through axonal regeneration. However, the mechanisms driving these processes are not yet understood. This study introduces an innovative 3D-bioprinted fibroblasts/DRG co-culture construct, specifically designed to investigate and characterize PNS regeneration and wiring mechanisms under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. By characterizing bioink rheology and optimizing bioprinting parameters, we created a stable, biocompatible derma-like construct supporting cell adhesion and growth. Bioprinted 3T3 fibroblasts demonstrate high viability and proliferation, while DRG neurons exhibit enhanced neurite outgrowth and complex branching patterns within the co-culture system. These findings highlight the role of fibroblasts in promoting axonal regeneration and provide a robust in vitro platform for studying sensory system reinnervation. This model lays the foundation for developing personalized therapies for neuropathic pain and sensory dysfunction, advancing both fundamental neuroscience and translational medicine.

Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes have attracted significant attention in the realm of anticancer therapeutics owing to their remarkable properties, including cyto-compatibility and targeted drug delivery capabilities. In this study, Ti₃C₂ was intentionally modified with both chlorine and oxygen surface groups, as each of these functional groups have individually demonstrated promising anticancer properties. Our aim was to combine them in a single compound to explore how this dual-functionalized material might perform in a therapeutic context. This study synthesizes Ti₃C₂(O,Cl) MXenes using a novel electrochemical etching technique that allows for precise tailoring of the surface terminations with O and Cl groups. The synthesised Ti₃C₂(O,Cl) has biological activity in two cancerous (FaDu and MCF-7) and two normal (H9C2 and HEK-293) cell lines. The results of cytotoxicity data showed that the observed toxic effects were higher against cancerous cells (∼91%) than normal cells (∼40%). The mechanisms of potential toxicity were also elucidated. The synthesized Ti₃C₂(O,Cl) MXene has an effect on oxidative stress, resulting in an increase of more than 91.44% in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in malignant cells. The results of this study provide major insights to date into the biological activity of Ti₃C₂(O,Cl) MXenes and develop their application in anticancer treatments.

The escalating prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens poses a significant threat to global health, contributing to elevated mortality rates and inflated healthcare expenses. To combat antibacterial resistance, carbon-based nanocomposites incorporating metal oxides have emerged as a promising solution in the development of advanced antibacterial agents. In this quest, we propose a nascent strategy to synthesize zinc oxide-decorated carbon nanosheets (ZnO@CNSn) via a co-precipitation method. The crystalline ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are homogeneously dispersed throughout a framework of melamine-enriched carbon nanosheets (CNSn). The presence of pyrrolic-N and pyridinic-N functionalities in ZnO@CNSn enhances the charge transfer kinetics and creates nucleation sites for uniform dispersion of ZnO-NPs, mitigating particle aggregation. Remarkably, XPS analysis reveals a distinct shift in peak intensity, characterized by a reduction in pyrrolic-N and a corresponding increase in pyridinic-N. This conversion of pyrrolic-N to pyridinic-N due to incorporation of ZnO-NPs onto CNSn plays a crucial role in improving its bactericidal effect. The antibacterial assays against Gram negative Escherichia coli, Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) confirm the bactericidal activity of ZnO@CNSn. Additionally, the SEM micrographs show altered bacterial morphology on interaction with the nanocomposites, further validating the effective bactericidal properties. Moreover, ZnO@CNSn exhibits enhanced cytocompatibility compared to CNSn. These findings underscore the promising potential of the ZnO-decorated CNSn architecture as a robust platform for advanced antibacterial applications.

Submicron particles of [Cu₄I₆(pr-ted)₂] (pr-ted = 1-propyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium) are easy to synthesize in one step under mild conditions. Additionally, they exhibit strong emission at 530 nm, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and excellent thermal (250 °C) and water stability (pH = 4–9). These properties make them a promising candidate for studying luminescence responses to external stimuli, potentially serving as a chemical sensor. Furthermore, their size and morphology make it possible to obtain stable suspensions in ethanol and water, which are extremely useful for subsequent processing. Indeed, submicrometric [Cu₄I₆(pr-ted)₂] particles in deionized water and real river water suspensions can be used to efficiently detect tetracycline (TC) via photoinduced electron transfer, resulting in a detectable fluorescence quenching. It features a low detection limit of 1.18 nM (0.52 ppb) and the reversible quenching of the emission demonstrates recyclability for over 30 cycles. The detection process is unaffected by other antibiotics, including sulfamethazine (SMZ), chloramphenicol (CAP), and ornidazole (ORN). Effective TC detection is supported by the theoretical computations of the energy bands of TC antibiotic and [Cu₄I₆(pr-ted)₂], indicating a good match between their energy bands, which aligns with the fluorescence quenching observed. As a proof of concept, the material has been further processed into various formats – such as pellets, paper strips, fiberglass, polylactic acid (PLA) composite films, and 3D-printed composite meshes using commercial photosensitive resins-for their practical application as robust, high sensitivity, rapid on–off response, and cost-effective tetracycline water sensor devices.

Lymphomas constitute a molecularly and clinically heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies, classically classified into two distinct types: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These subtypes demonstrate fundamental divergences in their pathobiology and immune microenvironmental profiles. Nanovaccines—nanoparticle-based platforms encapsulating tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or neoantigens—offer precision immunotherapy by enabling controlled antigen delivery and enhanced dendritic cell cross-presentation. Subtype-specific designs target EBV-associated HL (using LMP1/2 or EBNA1) or NHL (via CD19/CD20/CD22 or T-cell epitopes). However, challenges persist in the development of nanovaccines, particularly concerning antigen selection, carrier materials, and the optimization of vaccine formulations. These vaccines must overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, ensure efficient delivery to tumor sites, and avoid toxicity. Despite these hurdles, evolving research in the immunotherapy field of lymphoma leads to the continued exploration of nanovaccines as promising additions to existing therapeutic regimens. This review serves to highlight the critical nature of further research to achieve a better understanding of the complicated interdependent interactions between nanovaccines, immune responses and tumor biology, culminating in more effective and personalised therapies for victims of lymphomas. This advanced strategy is expected to overcome the shortcomings of classic therapies including chemo and radiotherapy, in terms of improved specificity, fewer systemic side-effects and the potential for prolonged remission in patients with refractory or relapsed lymphomas. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into lymphoma immunotherapy marks a vast advancement in the field of cancer therapy, with nanovaccines poised to play a crucial role in future therapeutic strategies.

Biologically, tendon–bone interface healing needs to overcome two problems: tendon dislocation and scar tissue proliferation at the interface. Because of the above problems, we proposed a bone tunnel membrane to aid tendon–bone interface healing. This study aims to explore the effects of absorbable membranes with different surface morphologies on tendon–bone interface healing. At the tendon–bone interface, the tendon graft was wrapped with a bilayer flexible absorbable membrane and implanted into the bone tunnel. Using the micron topological structure on the surface of the membrane to accelerate tendon healing and osteogenic differentiation provides environmental support for the healing of the two tissue interfaces. The different topological structures on the surface of the material can promote the oriented differentiation of cells. The micron groove structure can arrange fibroblasts according to orientation, promote tendon bundle healing, change cell morphology, and secrete tendon specific proteins to promote tendon repair. The porous structure can promote cell osteogenic differentiation and accelerate bone integration. After in vivo experimental analysis, the material is suitable for the adjuvant treatment of tendon–bone healing. Therefore, this study provides a new treatment idea for accelerating tendon-to-bone healing.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Platinum(II)-based drugs, a cornerstone in CRC treatment, are often limited by significant side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Herein, we present a platinum(IV) prodrug nanoplatform (Pt(IV)–Cro NPs) designed to overcome these challenges through intracellular morphological transformation, enhancing therapeutic outcomes against CRC. Pt(IV)–Cro NPs are formed via the self-assembly of Pt(IV)–crocetin (Pt(IV)–Cro) and mPEG–crocetin (mPEG–Cro), driven by hydrophilic–hydrophobic interactions. These nanoparticles exhibit concentration-dependent morphology, transitioning from rod-shaped structures at lower concentrations to spherical forms at higher concentrations. Notably, Pt(IV)–Cro NPs undergo time-dependent morphological changes within cells. Upon uptake by CT26 cells, the nanoparticles retain a nanorod shape during the first hour but transform into spherical structures within 3 h. These morphological transitions contribute to a remarkable 141-fold reduction in the half-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) against CT26 cells compared to cisplatin alone. Pt(IV)–Cro NPs induced 3.14-fold greater apoptosis, 51.2% mitochondrial depolarization, and 55.9% ROS elevation compared to cisplatin. In vivo studies in CT26 tumor-bearing mice reveal that Pt(IV)–Cro NPs significantly outperform cisplatin alone, reducing tumor growth by up to 8.08 times relative to controls. This innovative nanoplatform combines enhanced efficacy with minimized side effects, offering a transformative approach to CRC therapy. The concentration-responsive self-assembly of Pt(IV)–Cro NPs and the occurrence of morphologic transformations within the cell characterize a major advancement in clinical CRC therapeutic strategies.

Arsenic contamination in water poses a serious health risk due to its high toxicity, even at ppb levels. In this work, we report a cost-effective graphene-based sensor with ultralow detection capabilities for arsenic. This is achieved by enhancing the catalytic efficiency of graphene electrodes through sunlight-assisted photothermal oxidation of a metal salt into metal oxide nanoparticles. The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (34.81 ± 1.74 μA cm⁻² ppb⁻¹) and an ultralow detection limit (LOD 0.0636 ppb). Field tests on water samples from arsenic-contaminated zones in West Bengal, India, showed results consistent with the state-of-the-art ICP-OES analysis, highlighting the sensor's potential for practical, on-site arsenic monitoring.

Analogs of the mRNA 5′-cap are indispensable for mRNA translation, stability, translation efficiency, and immunogenicity, with emerging potential applications in novel preventive and therapeutic interventions. Here, this study presents a novel approach for designing mRNA Cap1 analogs with optimized biological activity. We leveraged the power of generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) architecture to generate novel cap analog sequences. A discriminative model is then employed to select promising candidates based on their predicted expression levels. Our results demonstrate that the GPT-based generative model significantly outperforms a traditional recurrent neural network (RNN) in terms of perplexity, indicating its superior ability to generate diverse and accurate cap analog sequences. Furthermore, the expression screening model achieves high accuracy in identifying potential high-expression candidates. Then, we synthesized a set of designed novel trinucleotide mRNA Cap1 analogs with modified ribose and incorporated it into mRNA using T7 polymerase. A series of experiments revealed that mRNA capped with YK-CAP-01–06 analogs exhibited increased translation efficiency and decapping enzyme stability compared to the commercially available cap-analog-capped mRNA. Finally, the potential application value was explored by constructing OVA, RSV preF- and VZV gE-mRNA vaccines, which resulted in significant (vs. controls) inhibition of tumor growth and an increase in IgG antibody levels in mice.

Ribonucleotides and Fe³⁺ are crucial for numerous biological processes, hence their effective discrimination and detection are imperative for the investigation of metabolic processes and the early diagnosis of diseases, yet current sensing strategies based on a single signal output are hard to fulfill the demands for practical detection accuracy. Herein, a dual-channel sensor based on copper-doped fluorescent carbon dots (Cu-CDs) as a single sensing unit has been developed for the precise discrimination of ribonucleotides. Combined with statistical analyses of the data arrays, accurate discrimination and quantification of the four most vital ribonucleotide triphosphates (ATP, CTP, UTP, and GTP) are achieved, providing a valuable reference to improve the design of complex sensor arrays. Furthermore, given the merits of dual-signal detection, a silica-based aggregation-induced emission material is further introduced as the second fluorophore. The constructed novel dual-fluorescence signal sensing system enables rapid quantitative detection (2 min) and visual semi-quantitative sensing of Fe³⁺ with enhanced accuracy and a detection limit of 1.53 μM. Briefly, such dual-signal sensors based on Cu-CDs feature easy operation, simplicity, and accuracy, offering valuable references for the design and construction of dual-channel detection tools and hold potential for practical applications.