RSC Advances最新文献

Background: H. pylori is recognized as one of the main causes of gastric cancer, and this type of cancer is considered as one of the leading diseases causing cancer deaths all over the world. Knowledge on the interactions between H. pylori and gastric carcinogenesis is important for designing preventive measures. Objective: the objective of this review is to summarize the available literature on H. pylori and gastric cancer, specifically regarding the molecular mechanisms, nanoparticle-based therapy and clinical developments. Methods: the databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and web of science were searched as well as papers from 2010 to 2024 were considered for review. Research literature on H. pylori, gastric cancer, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, and therapeutic interventions was summarized for current findings and possible treatments. Results: the presence of H. pylori in gastric mucosa causes chronic inflammation and several molecular alterations such as DNA alteration, epigenetic changes and activation of oncogenic signaling pathways which causes gastric carcinogenesis. Conventional antibiotic treatments have some issues because of the constantly rising levels of antibiotic resistance. Lipid based nanoformulations, polymeric and metallic nanoparticles have been delivered in treatment of H. pylori to improve drug delivery and alter immunological responses. Conclusion: nanoparticle based interventions have been widely explored as drug delivery systems by improving the treatment strategies against H. pylori induced gastric cancer. Further studies and clinical trials are required to bring these findings into a clinical setting in order to possibly alter the management of H. pylori related gastric malignancies.

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are now commonplace industrially and domestically, innovations in their size and capability in terms of charge and discharge rates also mean LIB applications are growing. LIBs also present a unique challenge when the undesirable happens and they fail. One of the motifs of catastrophic LIB failure is the production of large volumes of flammable and toxic gas. Characterising LIB failure and the products of such events is an area of significant interest. In this work an array of nickel–cobalt–aluminium oxide (NCA) LIBs from four different manufacturers were failed predominantly by external heating but also by nail penetration. 18 permutations based on cell type and amounts of charge (69 tests in total) have been reported. Failure was carried out in inert atmospheres of nitrogen or argon inside a sealed vessel. After LIB failure, gas samples were taken, the volume calculated and the relative amounts of CO₂, CO, H₂, CH₄, C₂H₆, C₂H₄, C₃H₈ and C₃H₆ determined using mass spectrometry. The volume of gas produced during LIB failure by each cell type at 100% state of charge (SoC) has been analysed and is reported in the range of 1.34–2.32 L Ah⁻¹ for cells between 2 and 5 Ah sourced across four manufacturers. The volume of gas produced by LIB failure at differing amount of charge (AoC) has been determined for 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ah cells sourced from a single manufacturer. Variations in the volume of gas produced are shown to not only be dependent on AoC but also the type of cell has a material effect on this aspect of LIB failure. This work supports the existing consensus that as AoC increases, so does the volume of gas released as a result of LIB failure. In terms of gas composition a general trend of increase in flammable components and decrease in CO₂ once SoC is >50% has been observed in this dataset. This work also demonstrates that whilst LIB failure can produce some interesting phenomena, understanding and ultimately predicting the outcomes of LIB failure is difficult. The variations reported, even within a single cell manufacturer, suggests that for safety critical applications relying on generic or typical values is less useful than testing the precise cell being considered.

In the last decades, the negative impact of petroleum derived materials on the environment is more and more evident; beyond the unavoidable reduction in the use of classical plastic, another promising approach is the development of alternative materials prepared starting from natural, biodegradable, and more sustainable biomolecules, particularly undervalued or discarded ones. Caseins are the most abundant proteins in milk, with important nutritional value but also interesting film-forming properties. Lignin is a polyphenolic polymer found in wood and derived from a by-product of the cellulose extraction processes; it is well known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-protecting properties. In the present work, casein was isolated from UHT skimmed bovine milk through acidification and used alone or in combination with lignin to produce films that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Casein and casein-lignin films presented a thickness in the range of 180–260 μm and a compact, non-porous texture. The presence of lignin did not affect the morphology of the films but influenced their mechanical properties. For casein and casein-lignin films covalently crosslinked with transglutaminase (TGM), the solubility decreased to 40–50% and the samples retained their shape. The results show that TGM-containing films are suitable as substrates for the immobilization of enzymes; herein, the FAD-dependent glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger was added to the film and the enzyme remained stable and active against glucose for weeks, as demonstrated by the colorimetric detection of the H₂O₂ produced in the catalysed reaction. This study opens up the possibility of combining two products of natural origin for the production of films through processes with low environmental impact, thus offering interesting scenarios in the immobilization of macromolecules for the detection of target molecules.

The detection of lead ions (Pb²⁺) in water is of critical importance due to the harmful effects of lead on human health and the environment. Traditional detection methods often require high user expertise, expensive equipment, and complex analytical procedures. Electrochemical sensors have emerged as effective alternatives due to their portability and affordability. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of Pb²⁺ based on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) modified with bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The bimetallic MOFs were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method, combining two metal centers Fe and Mg linked to a 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate ligand (FeMg-BDC). The synthesized FeMg-BDC has higher conductivity and surface area than monometallic Fe-BDC or Mg-BDC MOFs. Thanks to the synergistic effects between FeMg-BDC and rGO, the rGO/FeMg-BDC electrode has a larger electrochemically active surface area and faster electron transfer rate than the bare GCE. This enhancement facilitated the accumulation of lead onto the electrode surface, thereby improving the sensitivity of Pb²⁺ ion detection. Using the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry method, the sensor based on rGO/FeMg-BDC electrode exhibited two linear ranges: 0.01 to 0.5 μg L⁻¹ and 0.5 to 50.0 μg L⁻¹, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 9 ng L⁻¹. Furthermore, the external rGO thin film protects the FeMg-BDC material on the electrode surface, ensuring high durability and repeatability of the sensor. The developed sensor was successfully applied to accurately determine lead ion concentrations in various real water samples.

Microglia, the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are crucial in maintaining brain homeostasis and responding to pathological changes. While they play protective roles, their activation can lead to neuroinflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Metal nanoparticles (NPs), due to their unique ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), have emerged as promising agents for drug delivery to the CNS. In this way, we aim to review the dual role of metal-containing NPs, gold (AuNPs), silver (AgNPs), iron oxide (IONPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), cobalt (CoNPs), titanium dioxide (TiO₂NPs), and silica (SiO₂NPs) in modulating microglial activity. Some NPs promote anti-inflammatory effects, while others exacerbate neuroinflammation. We examine how these NPs influence microglial activation, focusing on their potential therapeutic benefits and risks. A deeper understanding of NP-microglia interactions is crucial for developing safe and efficient treatments for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

A simple and green catalytic system is developed for the synthesis of 3,3′-bisindolyl(methanes) (BIMs) using cyclic/acyclic acetals as the carbon source for the bridging residue between two indole motifs. The reaction occurred under mild and benign conditions using FeCl₃/SiO₂ as a heterogeneous catalyst without the requirement of any toxic organic solvents. The ready availability and recyclability of the catalytic system allows the reaction to be highly efficient, resulting in very good BIM products. DFT studies were also performed to establish the proposed mechanism and preferential formation of unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes using equimolar amounts of different indoles. The present protocol is also extended to the bisindolylation-induced selective cleavage of protected carbohydrates to diols in a 100% carbon-preservation and maximized atom-economical manner.

Encapsulation of high-aspect-ratio inorganic particles by polymeric materials is still a challenge; armored or dumbbell-like morphologies were frequently the outcome. In this paper, through miniemulsion polymerization, organo-montmorillonite (MMT) platelets have been successfully encapsulated by polystyrene (PS). First, MMT was hydrophobized by cation exchange with a polymerizable interlayer spacer (N-allyl-N,N-dimethyloctadecan-1-aminium bromide), which not only widened the interplanar spacing but also facilitated monomer intercalation into the MMT nanogalleries and provided a covalent anchor with PS chains. Then, the swelled modified MMT in the monomer phase was combined with a surfactant, costabilizer, and initiator to obtain stable nanocomposite latexes. Analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and TGA, provided comprehensive insights into the structural and thermal properties of these nanocomposites. XRD analyses unveiled an exfoliated structure. Furthermore, the TEM micrographs showed the formation of stable spherical particles with diameters ranging from 250 to 465 nm containing encapsulated MMT. These nanocomposites exhibited significant improvement in thermal stability—decomposing at elevated temperatures compared to virgin PS. This work opens new avenues for encapsulating other high-aspect-ratio nanofillers in a diverse array of polymer types, leading to the synthesis of innovative materials with enhanced properties for broader practical applications. Furthermore, it can be used for controlled-release applications, particularly in drug delivery and agriculture.

Monitoring pesticide residues in soil is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental sustainability. Spinosad, widely used in sustainable agriculture due to its selective toxicity and reduced environmental impact, poses detection challenges with traditional chromatographic methods, which require extensive sample preparation and are destructive. This study evaluates quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) as a non-destructive, efficient method for spinosad quantification in soil samples, emphasizing its potential for routine environmental monitoring. The qNMR method was validated with an 88% recovery rate for spinosad in agricultural soils, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0414 mg mL⁻¹, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1254 mg mL⁻¹. The method exhibited linearity across a 2–8 mg mL⁻¹ concentration range (R² = 0.9928) and high precision, with coefficients of variation below 1% for both intraday and interday analyses. It was adaptable to diverse soil types, achieving consistent quantification in red loamy soil from Veracruz and black organic soil from Querétaro, Mexico. These results establish qNMR as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to chromatographic methods for spinosad residue analysis in soil, supporting routine environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance in sustainable agriculture.

The optical properties of the tetragonal phase of BaTiO₃ have been studied using the density functional method. In the study of a static lattice, we employed the generalized gradient approximation functional combined with on-site Hubbard correlation (GGA + U) and a hybrid functional. To account for the thermal motion of the atoms, we performed ab initio molecular dynamics calculations using the GGA + U method. We calculated the optical absorption spectra both for the static lattice and along the molecular dynamics trajectory. The results show that considering the motion of atoms leads to a significant decrease in the calculated value of the threshold energy for optical absorption. This effect occurs for two main reasons. First, changes in the atomic configuration due to thermal motion make electronic transitions that were previously dark for a static lattice become bright. Second, the optical absorption threshold decreases due to fluctuations in the energy of electronic transitions caused by the motion of atoms. The calculations were performed separately for different k-points of the Brillouin zone. The dispersion of electron energy in the reciprocal space may explain some features observed in the photoluminescence spectra.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas, based on the principles of Chinese medicine, have a long history and are widely applied in the treatment of diseases. Compared to single-component drugs, TCM formulas demonstrate superior therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects owing to their synergistic effects and mechanisms of detoxification and efficacy enhancement. However, various drawbacks, such as the uncertainty of functional targets and molecular mechanisms, poor solubility of components, and low bioavailability, have limited the global promotion and application of TCM formulas. To overcome these limitations, self-assembled aggregate (SA) nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution. SA nanotechnology significantly enhances the bioavailability and anti-tumor efficacy of TCM by improving its absorption, distribution, and precise targeting capabilities, thereby providing an innovative solution for the modernization and internationalization of TCM. This review delves into the nature and common interactions of SAs based on the latest research developments. The structural characteristics of SAs in TCM formulas, paired-herb decoctions, and single-herb decoctions are analyzed and their self-assembly mechanisms are systematically elucidated. In addition, this article elaborates on the advantages of SAs in cancer treatment, particularly in enhancing the bioavailability and targeting capabilities. Furthermore, this review aims to provide new perspectives for the study of TCM compatibility and its clinical applications, thereby driving the innovative development of nanomaterials in this field. On addressing the technological challenges, SAs are expected to further promote the global application and recognition of TCM in the healthcare sector.