RSC Advances最新文献

Cortistatins and plakinamines represent a unique class of marine-derived steroidal alkaloids, renowned for their structural diversity and potent pharmacological activities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their chemical characteristics, pharmacological profiles, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness properties, with a particular focus on structure–activity relationships (SARs). Indeed, we explored their distinct molecular architectures and classification within the broader family of marine alkaloids, highlighting key subclasses and derivatives identified through advanced analytical techniques. Their broad-spectrum bioactivities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects, are discussed in detail, supported by insights into SARs and pharmacophore identification that illuminate the molecular basis of their bioactivity. Additionally, we evaluate their pharmacokinetic attributes, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME), alongside their compliance with drug-likeness criteria, offering a holistic perspective on their potential for drug development.

In this work, a polyoxometalate, namely, [SiW₉V₃O₄₀]⁻⁷, was successfully encapsulated into the pores of a MIL-101(Cr) metal organic framework (MOF) via a water-based, eco-friendly impregnation method. This was supported by diverse characterization techniques, such as FT-IR spectroscopy, XRPD, FE-SEM, EDX spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption method, and TGA. The resulting composite, SiW₉V₃@MIL-101(Cr), denoted as SiW₉V₃@MC, exhibited a high specific surface area (1463.3 m² g⁻¹), indicating a large capacity for dye adsorption. The composite demonstrated excellent performance in the removal of cationic dyes, such as Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solutions. The adsorption efficiency was systematically studied using varying factors, including adsorbent amount, dye concentration, pH level, and temperature. The adsorption kinetics were observed to adhere to a pseudo-second-order model, while the adsorption isotherms conformed to the Langmuir model, suggesting the realization of monolayer adsorption onto the surface of the adsorbent. Furthermore, SiW₉V₃@ MC displayed exceptional reusability, maintaining its activity and selectivity after multiple adsorption–desorption cycles without significant structural degradation. This stability throughout the experiments underscores its ability as a sustainable and affective adsorbent for waste-water treatment applications. The high adsorption capacity, combined with its environmentally friendly synthesis method, positions SiW₉V₃@MC as a potential option for efficient water purification methods.

Correction and removal of expression of concern for ‘Enhanced electrical and magnetic properties of (Co, Yb) co-doped ZnO memristor for neuromorphic computing’ by Noureddine Elboughdiri et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 35993–36008, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA06853F.

A sensitive and selective fluorescence quenching method was developed for the determination of lurasidone using MPA-CdTe quantum dots as a “turn-off” fluorescent probe. The fluorescence intensity of the MPA-CdTe QDs was quenched upon the addition of lurasidone, with the quenching efficiency exhibiting a linear relationship with the lurasidone concentration in the range of 0.02–1.0 μg mL⁻¹. Stern–Volmer analysis revealed that the quenching mechanism was predominantly static in nature, and thermodynamic studies indicated that the interaction between lurasidone and MPA-CdTe QDs was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. Factors affecting the quenching process, including pH, MPA-CdTe QDs volume, and incubation time, were optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design. A significant model was obtained with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9547, demonstrating the reliability of the optimization process. The analytical performance of the method was validated according to ICH guidelines, exhibiting good linearity and sensitivity with LOD of 5.90 ng mL⁻¹ and LOQ of 17.70 ng mL⁻¹. The accuracy and precision of the method were assessed through recovery studies, showing satisfactory results with a mean recovery of 98.65 ± 0.733% and RSD% > 2%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of lurasidone in pharmaceutical dosage forms, spiked plasma, and environmental water samples, with good recoveries and precision. The greenness and analytical practicality of the method were evaluated using AGREE and BAGI tools, respectively, and the results showed that the proposed method is a greener and more practical alternative to previously reported analytical techniques for the determination of lurasidone. The present study demonstrates the potential of MPA-CdTe QDs as a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for the determination of lurasidone in various matrices, with good analytical performance and environmental compatibility.

Currently, there is a demand for an effective solution to address toxic pollutants in aqueous environments. Consequently, creating a cost-efficient and effective catalytic system with the added benefits of easy recovery from the medium and the ability to be reused is essential. In this study, gamma (γ) radiolysis as a simple and environmentally friendly process under ambient settings was used to successfully manufacture a nanocatalyst of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄ NPs) modified gum arabic (GA) as a nontoxic, biocompatible, and inexpensive biopolymer. The prepared GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. XRD analysis illustrates the formation of CoFe₂O₄ NPs through the appearance of the characteristic peaks. TEM analysis shows the spherical shape of CoFe₂O₄ NPs with an average particle size diameter ranging from 20 to 30 nm. FTIR analysis of GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs confirmed both the functionalization of GA with the CoFe₂O₄ NPs and the appearance of the specific signal of CoFe₂O₄ NPs. The atomic ratio obtained from EDX analysis matches the stoichiometric ratio of cobalt ferrite. The GA-CoFe₂O₄ NPs exhibit an excellent magnetic response of saturation magnetization of 47.619 emu g⁻¹. The prepared CoFe₂O₄NPs were then evaluated as a catalyst for the catalytic reduction of p-NP, MO dye, and a mixture of these pollutants. The results showed that CoFe₂O₄ NPs have high catalytic efficiency in the reduction of mono or mixed compounds. Furthermore, recycling of the CoFe₂O₄ NPs catalyst was also confirmed and it could be magnetically recovered and reused for at least six times with a good catalytic efficiency.

This research examines the synthesis of Co₃O₄–MWCNTs nano-hybrid structures and their incorporation into PVDF polymer nanocomposite thin films via the solution casting method. The study comprehensively characterizes the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of the resulting nanocomposites using techniques such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, TDA, DSC, and impedance spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure and phase transition of the PVDF/Co₃O₄–MWCNTs nanocomposites, while FTIR analysis revealed the presence of α- and β-phases of PVDF. TGA, TDA, and DSC results revealed enhanced thermal stability, highlighting the potential for high-temperature applications. Notably, the dielectric properties significantly improved at 0.5 wt% Co₃O₄ and 0.3 wt% MWCNTs. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites increased with higher nano-hybrid content, owing to strong interactions between the PVDF polymer and nano-fillers. This work provides insight into the development of advanced nanocomposites with superior thermal and electrical properties, which could be used in electronic and energy storage devices. The novelty of this study lies in the effective combination of Co₃O₄ and MWCNTs to enhance the properties of PVDF, offering a promising material for future industrial applications.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) can enhance the penetration of drug carriers in transdermal drug delivery systems. Previously, we showed that terpene-based DESs substantially enhance the penetration of drug carriers but cause skin damage. To retain the penetration-enhancing properties of DESs while mitigating their adverse effects on the skin, we incorporated small amounts of terpene-based DESs into the oil phase, formulating water-in-oil-type microemulsions (MEs). Stratum corneum (SC) lipid layers, which are sensitive to hydration levels, exhibit changes in spacing and regularity when interacting with DESs. Furthermore, DESs disrupt the lipid structure via unique mechanisms differing from those of traditional MEs. Herein, we investigated the effect of DES concentrations in the MEs on skin permeation under different hydration conditions. Utilizing synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering methods, we analyzed the molecular-scale interactions between the MEs and SC lipids to effectively understand their interaction behavior across hydration states. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of optimizing DES contents and SC hydration levels to achieve an efficient and safe transdermal drug delivery system.

Copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) are emerging as highly promising nanomaterials due to their unique physicochemical properties, making them an ideal platform for catalysis, sensing, and environmental remediation. This study explores the development of ultrasmall, water-soluble copper–glutathione (Cu–SG) nanoclusters, focusing on their catalytic capacity for the degradation of p-nitrophenol (p-NP), horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-like activity, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) detection. During synthesis, a combination of one-pot synthesis and acid-etching strategy was employed. The acid-etching approach was specifically utilized as an essential method to precisely regulate the structural properties of the clusters. The water-soluble ultrasmall Cu–SG nanoclusters show superior catalytic efficiency, achieving 98% conversion of p-NP to p-aminophenol (p-AP) within six minutes. The reaction followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.44 min⁻¹, consistent with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Notably, the Cu–SG retained catalytic efficiency across multiple reaction cycles, highlighting their recyclability and long-term stability. Additionally, Cu–SG exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity for rapid colorimetric H₂O₂ detection due to the strong HRP-like activity, achieving a detection limit of 6.03 μM with high resistance to interference from other ions and compounds. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrates an enthalpy driven spontaneous reduction of p-NP with Cu–SG, wherein the van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions are predominant. By contrast, the interaction of Cu–SG with H₂O₂ is an entropy-driven, spontaneous process, and the dominating hydrophobic forces drive the HRP-like catalytic mechanism. This study demonstrates the potential of the Cu–SG as an efficient, stable, and recyclable water-soluble copper nanocatalyst for pollutant degradation and as a sensitive sensor for reactive species.

MXenes, which are essentially 2D layered structures composed of transition metal carbides and nitrides obtained from MAX phases, have gained substantial interest in the field of energy storage, especially for their potential as electrodes in supercapacitors due to their unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry that enable efficient charge storage. However, their practical implementation is hindered by challenges like self-restacking, oxidation, and restricted ion transport within the layered structure. This review focuses on the synthesis process of MXenes from MAX phases, highlighting the different etching techniques employed and how they significantly influence the resulting MXene structure and subsequent electrochemical performance. It further highlights the hybridization of MXenes with carbon-based materials, conducting polymers, and metal oxides to enhance charge storage capacity, cyclic stability, and ion diffusion. The influence of dimensional structuring (1D, 2D, and 3D architectures) on electrochemical performance is critically analyzed, showcasing their role in optimizing electrolyte accessibility and energy density. Additionally, the review highlights that while MXene-based supercapacitors have seen significant advancements in terms of energy storage efficiency through various material combinations and fabrication techniques, key challenges like large-scale production, long-term stability, and compatibility with electrolytes still need to be addressed. Future research should prioritize developing scalable synthesis methods, optimizing hybrid material interactions, and investigating new electrolyte systems to fully realize the potential of MXene-based supercapacitors for commercial applications. This comprehensive review provides a roadmap for researchers aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial supercapacitor applications.

A series of aluminium based Metal–Organic Framework (Al-MOF) composite adsorbents were prepared by impregnating moisture-sensitive CaCl₂ with different relative contents into Al-MOF (MOF-303). The composite adsorbents were characterized by adsorption isotherm of N₂, elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy, and subjected to static and dynamic adsorption tests of water vapor, as well as cyclic adsorption and desorption tests. The results showed that with the addition of CaCl₂, the high surface area of MOF-303 granules (1276 m² g⁻¹) dropped sharply to 588–683 m² g⁻¹. However, under the synergistic effect of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, the purification effects of the composite adsorbents were significantly better than those of unmodified MOF-303, molecular sieves, and silica gel. The adsorption performance was correlated with the impregnation amount of CaCl₂. As the CaCl₂ content increased, the saturation adsorption capacity and breakthrough adsorption capacity of the composite adsorbents all showed a trend of first increasing and subsequently decreasing. The maximum water adsorption capacity of the CaCl₂/MOF-303 composite was 1077 mg g⁻¹. In addition, the regenerative rate of the CaCl₂/MOF-303 composite was over 96.1% after fifty adsorption and desorption cycles of water, showing good desorption performance and excellent structural stability, which proved a broad application prospect in the field of dehumidification.