Journal of Materials Chemistry B最新文献

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens necessitates the development of innovative treatment strategies. To address this challenge, we designed a multifunctional hydrogel (RBP) by embedding berberine-loaded, polyethylenimine-modified mesoporous ruthenium nanoparticles (BBR@Ru NPs-PEI) into a carboxymethyl chitosan network. The resulting RBP hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical properties, a porous structure facilitating oxygen and moisture exchange, and remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency (49.03%). Under 808 nm NIR irradiation, the hydrogel generated rapid localized hyperthermia. In vitro studies demonstrated potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, achieving over 99.9% bacterial eradication. The bactericidal mechanism involved synergistic effects of NIR-induced hyperthermia causing membrane damage, intracellular content leakage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Furthermore, the RBP hydrogel-NIR₍₊₎ treatment effectively disrupted pre-formed biofilms and downregulated key virulence genes. In a full-thickness MRSA-infected mouse wound model, the RBP hydrogel combined with NIR irradiation significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced bacterial load by 99.9%, and promoted a regenerative microenvironment by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP) and upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Comprehensive biosafety evaluations confirmed excellent biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility (hemolysis rate <3%), and no systemic toxicity. This work presents a safe and effective photothermal hydrogel platform that synergistically eliminates MRSA and promotes tissue regeneration, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for managing complex wound infections.

Incorporating strontium into bone cement is an effective strategy for bone repair. Macrophages play an essential role during implant osseointegration. However, whether carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-modified Sr-doped bone cement can jointly enhance M2 polarization and osteogenic differentiation remains unknown. To further explore this hypothesis, we introduced CMC into the hydration process of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, strontium oxide, and calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate to form biodegradable composite bone cement (CMC/SPC). The handling and physicochemical properties of CMC/SPC can be adjusted by the formulation parameters, including CMC content and the corresponding L/P ratio required for paste formation. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that 40%CMC/SPC induced anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotypes and degraded by approximately 90% in vivo within 12 weeks. 40%CMC/SPC extracts upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Micro-CT and histological analysis revealed that 40%CMC/SPC promoted superior bone regeneration without significant systemic toxicity in vivo. Overall, the present study indicates that CMC/SPC may provide a favorable microenvironment associated with anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization and enhanced bone formation, suggesting its potential as a candidate material for bone defect reconstruction.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on light irradiation to induce the photochemical reaction of photosensitizers to convert oxygen (O₂) into highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by the intracellular oxygen concentration in tumor cells and the limited tissue penetration of the excitation light. Herein, we report a cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7])-mediated upconversion nanoplatform co-loaded with AS1411-C15/Hemin (AH) and the photosensitizer triphenylporphyrin derivative (TPP). Through electrostatic adsorption between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and CB[7], the co-delivery of AH and TPP is achieved via the host–guest interaction between CB[7] and adamantane (Ad). Specifically, AH can target and recognize nucleolin overexpressed on cancer cells, while acting as a horseradish peroxidase-mimicking catalyst to convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide into O₂, thereby overcoming the tumor's hypoxic microenvironment. In addition, the UCNPs convert the near-infrared laser, which offers deeper tissue penetration, into short-wavelength light. This further activates TPP to transform O₂ into singlet oxygen (¹O₂), effectively promoting cancer cell apoptosis. Experimental results demonstrate that this multifunctional upconversion nanoplatform provides an effective strategy for targeted photodynamic drug delivery.

The development of non-toxic antibacterial nanocatalysts for water purification and wastewater treatment on the same platform opens a greener approach for energy remediation applications. Carbon dots (CDs) derived from natural precursors have gained popularity recently because of their low toxicity and appealing physicochemical features that vary depending on carbon supply pathways. A facile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method was used to synthesize CDs utilizing an aqueous extract of S. aromaticum (clove buds (CE)). The physicochemical characterization of produced clove extract-derived CDs (CECDs) was performed using various spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The effect of CECD concentration on cell toxicity and hemocompatibility was investigated. Moreover ex vivo CAM assays and in vivo toxicity assessments were performed to recognize their usefulness in biological environments. The antibacterial study reveals a log kill value of 3.5 and 4.2 and a zone of inhibition value of 5.09 mm and 6.84 mm for E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains at 1 mg mL⁻¹ concentration, respectively. Meanwhile, at the same concentration, a study on the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) dye shows 99.9% dye decolorization in 12 min. The obtained bio-safe CECDs have shown better potential to serve as antibacterial agents for disinfectant formulations and these nanocatalysts, can be integrated into the current wastewater treatment and purification system.

The pancreas serves essential roles in both the digestive and endocrine systems, responsible for secreting digestive enzymes that facilitate nutrient breakdown in the small intestine and releasing hormones critical to glucose homeostasis. Structural or functional impairment of the pancreas can therefore lead to severe systemic consequences. Fluorescent probes have emerged as promising tools for early disease detection and targeted therapeutic interventions. However, pancreatic imaging poses unique challenges including deep retroperitoneal location, dense fibrotic stroma, and poor probe delivery efficiency. This review synthesizes recent advances in the development and application of fluorescent probes for pancreatic diseases, offering a systematic analysis of their structural design, sensing mechanisms, performance metrics, and comparative advantages. We also examine the translational potential of novel probe technologies—such as nanoprobes and multimodal imaging agents—in clinical practice, highlighting key directions for future research. It is anticipated that this review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in the application of fluorescent probes for pancreatic disease diagnosis and treatment.

To address the therapy need of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a targeting modified multifunctional nano-delivery system (rCT-AuM) was developed, including the Au nanorod-cluster@mesoporous polydopamine core with the c(RGDfK) targeting peptide and the active herbal ingredients tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and cryptotanshinone (CTS). rCT AuM exhibited uniform mesopores, better NIR-II photothermal conversion (efficiency 30.6%), and NIR-II responsive drug-release behavior. In cell experiments, rCT-AuM could specifically target M1 macrophages and synthetic VSMCs, and through a photothermal chemotherapeutic synergy, effectively inhibited inflammation, modulated the cell phenotype under NIR-II, and demonstrated the potential to promote endothelial repair. In an AAA mouse model, rCT-AuM exhibited significant lesion targeting and accumulation; under NIR-II irradiation, rCT-AuM simultaneously achieved localized photothermal therapy and controlled release of TMP and CTS drugs, thereby effectively inhibiting aortic dilation, improving vascular elasticity, and restoring hemodynamic parameters. These results demonstrate that rCT-AuM can serve as a synergistic platform integrating active targeting, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy, offering a new strategy for the precise treatment of AAA and providing novel insights for the management of aortic aneurysms.

Distribution and accumulation of pharmaceuticals in the environment are of growing concern due to their persistence and potential adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we present a straightforward synthesis strategy to fabricate an electrocatalytic nanocomposite with the iron–metal–organic framework supported on graphene sheets (Fe-MOF/GR) for non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (APAP). The material characteristics of the Fe-MOF/GR nanocomposite were comprehensively analyzed using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The Fe-MOF/GR-modified electrode demonstrates a 3.97-fold increase in the peak oxidation current compared to the bare electrode for APAP detection. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of the Fe-MOF/GR-based electrochemical sensor toward APAP detection can be attributed to the synergistic effects of numerous exposed electro-active sites, high electrocatalytic activity, and exceptional conductivity. Under optimal synthesis conditions, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibits a low detection limit of 10 nM, a high sensitivity of 6.7 µM⁻¹ cm⁻², and a broad linear range of 0.05 to 105.6 µM. Besides, it showcases high selectivity (<7%), satisfactory repeatability (1.6%), and robust reproducibility (2.02%). Its practical feasibility is demonstrated through its successful application in quantifying APAP in real biological and environmental water samples, yielding satisfactory recovery values. The findings of this study suggest that the proposed electrochemical sensor is a promising candidate for practical applications in APAP detection.

Stimuli-responsive drug delivery is a refined strategy in drug delivery systems, with ultrasound (US) being a notable external stimulus. US, defined as sound waves with frequencies above 20 kHz, offers multiple advantages in biomedicine, such as minimal tissue disruption, real-time imaging, high versatility, deep-tissue penetration, and beneficial mechanical effects. Porous nanomaterials (PNs), including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and others, possess high surface area to volume ratios, controllable pore sizes, and low densities. These properties make PNs highly promising for catalysis, gas storage, and especially drug delivery. In the interdisciplinary field of nanomedicine (NM), PNs sensitive to US have drawn increasing research attention, yet reviews on PNs-mediated therapy using US are scarce. This review systematically outlines the latest progress in US-triggered controlled release of cargoes from PNs. We first enumerate the synthesis methods of PNs, then summarize US-controlled therapies based on diverse mechanisms, namely sonodynamic, sonothermal, sonomechanical, or sono-combination therapies, and finally discuss the principal challenges and future prospects of PNs-mediated US-responsive therapy and sonotherapy.

Acute liver injury (ALI) often triggers a systemic cytokine storm, in which the NF-κB subunit p65 plays a central role in driving inflammatory progression in hepatocytes. Delivering p65 siRNA to hepatocytes can effectively inhibit cellular inflammation and apoptosis. However, siRNA is inherently unstable and lacks tissue specificity. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent a mature delivery system with inherent liver tropism, yet their targeting efficiency remains suboptimal. To enhance hepatocyte-specific delivery, we developed a galactose-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-modified five-component LNP (G-LNP) for liver-targeted delivery of p65 siRNA. GalNAc modification enables active targeting via asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)-mediated endocytosis, thereby improving hepatic accumulation and intracellular internalization. The optimized G-LNP formulation (1% DSPE–PEG2000–GalNAc) exhibited a particle size of 87 nm, a low PDI, and high encapsulation efficiency. In vitro, G-LNP–siP65 significantly enhanced transfection efficiency in AML-12 hepatocytes in an ASGPR-dependent manner, down-regulated p65 mRNA expression, alleviated CCl₄-induced oxidative stress (increased SOD and decreased MDA), and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). In vivo bioluminescence imaging confirmed superior and sustained liver accumulation of G-LNP–Luc compared to unmodified LNP. Furthermore, in a CCl₄-induced ALI mouse model, the G-LNP–siP65 treatment dramatically reduced serum ALT/AST levels, restored redox balance, and suppressed hepatic NF-κB expression, leading to marked amelioration of histopathological damage. Moreover, systemic safety evaluation demonstrated negligible hemolytic activity and a favorable hematological profile, as evidenced by reduced neutrophil percentage and decreased serum CRP levels. Collectively, GalNAc-modified five-component LNPs provide a potent and safe liver-targeted platform for p65 siRNA delivery, effectively mitigating cytokine storm and liver injury via NF-κB silencing. This strategy holds promise for nucleic acid-based therapies against acute and chronic liver diseases.

Here, we report the preparation of a novel enzyme-powered nanomachine for a drug delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with a cyclodextrin-lactate oxidase (CD-LOx) complex, which enables controlled cargo release triggered by the presence of L-lactate in the tumor microenvironment. To this end, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were functionalized with diphenylethane-1,2-dione moieties and subsequently loaded with a cargo molecule. In parallel, a CD-LOx complex was prepared to act as a capping agent through supramolecular interactions, enabling controlled release of the encapsulated molecules in response to L-lactate. These nanodevices were first evaluated using [Ru(bpy)₃]Cl₂, as a model cargo, to confirm the efficiency and specificity of the gating mechanism. Subsequently, the nanomachines were loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin and tested in cell culture experiments at a concentration of 50 µg L⁻¹. The results showed the best therapeutic response after 24 hours of incubation in the presence of 25 mM L-lactate, confirming that lactate-triggered H₂O₂ generation efficiently activates the molecular gates and promotes targeted drug release within the cellular environment. This work demonstrates the development of an autonomous lactate-responsive drug delivery system that enables selective and controlled drug release in tumor environments with high L-lactate levels.