RSC Advances最新文献

Deciphering the importance of nanostructures in advanced technologies for a broad application spectrum has far-reaching implications for humans and the environment. Cost-effective, abundant cobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are among the most attractive and extensively utilized materials in biomedical sciences due to their high chemical stability, and biocompatibility. However, the methods used to develop the NPs are hazardous for human health and the environment. This article precisely examines diverse green synthesis methods employing plant extracts and microbial sources, shedding light on their mechanism, and eco-friendly attributes with more emphasis on biocompatible properties accompanied by their challenges and avenues for further research. An in-depth analysis of the synthesized cobalt oxide NPs by various characterization techniques reveals their multifaceted functionalities including cytotoxicity, larvicidal, antileishmanial, hemolytic, anticoagulating, thrombolytic, anticancer and drug sensing abilities. This revelatory and visionary article helps researchers to contribute to advancing sustainable practices in nanomaterial synthesis and illustrates the potential of biogenically derived cobalt oxide NPs in fostering green and efficient technologies for biomedical applications.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a efficiently nitrogen oxides removal technology from stationary source flue gases. Catalysts are key component in the technology, but currently face problems including poor low-temperature activity, narrow temperature windows, low selectivity, and susceptibility to water passivation and sulphur dioxide poisoning. To develop high-efficiency low-temperature denitrification activity catalyst, manganese-based catalysts have become a focal point of research globally for low-temperature SCR denitrification catalysts. This article investigates the denitrification efficiency of unsupported manganese-based catalysts, exploring the influence of oxidation valence, preparation method, crystallinity, crystal form, and morphology structure. It examines the catalytic performance of binary and multicomponent unsupported manganese-based catalysts, focusing on the use of transition metals and rare earth metals to modify manganese oxide. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of supported manganese-based catalysts is studied, considering metal oxides, molecular sieves, carbon materials, and other materials (composite carriers and inorganic non-metallic minerals) as supports. The reaction mechanism of low-temperature denitrification by manganese-based catalysts and the mechanism of sulphur dioxide/water poisoning are analysed in detail, and the development of practical and efficient manganese-based catalysts is considered.

The alarming escalation in cancer incidence and mortality has thrust into spotlight the quest for groundbreaking therapeutic strategies. Our research delves into the potential of RDIR780, a novel class of biomimetic nanoparticles cloaked in red blood cell membranes, to significantly enhance their in vivo persistence and therapeutic potency. Through an exhaustive suite of experiments, we have charted the therapeutic horizons of RDIR780 in the realms of tumor photothermal synergistic immunotherapy and targeted drug delivery. Preliminary in vitro cellular assays have revealed that RDIR780 not only achieves remarkable uptake by tumor cells but also triggers swift tumor cell death under the influence of laser irradiation. Subsequent in vivo fluorescence imaging studies have corroborated the nanoparticles' propensity for tumor-specific accumulation, thereby bolstering the case for precision medicine. The results of the precise imaging techniques of therapeutic trials conducted on mice with implanted tumors have underscored the profound impact of RDIR780 when synergized with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. This synergistic approach has shown to fairly eradicate tumor growth, marking a significant stride in the battle against cancer. This pioneering endeavor not only lays down a formidable groundwork for the evolution of long-circulating photothermal therapeutic nanoparticles but also heralds a new era of transformative clinical interventions.

In this work, we report a series of dinuclear Zn(II) complexes and their corresponding catalytic properties for a transesterification reaction. We show that the structures and catalytic activity of the complexes are strongly dependent on their molecular structures surrounding the metal centres. The use of halides yields a series of [Zn₂X₄L] (X = Cl, Br, and I) complexes with low catalytic activity because of the fully saturated coordination environment, whereas Zn(ClO₄)₂ results in two isomeric [ZnL]_n 1D coordination polymers with efficient catalytic properties, despite being susceptible to structural rearrangement and consequent changes in catalytic activity over time. The response to chemical stimuli to trigger anion exchange allows for switching on/off the systems' catalytic activity, simultaneously recovering the catalytic effect upon degradation and thus reconstructing the coordination environment of the 1D polymer.

Chlorine (Cl₂) is highly toxic and pungent, and can cause irreversible harm to humans even at low concentrations. Therefore, it is significant to develop a sensor that is highly sensitive to trace amounts of Cl₂ leakage. In this work, inexpensive peanut shells are used as a biological template to prepare K-doped indium oxide (K-In₂O₃) porous sheets through a simple three-step process. The characterization results reveal the porous sheet microstructure of the prepared K-In₂O₃ derived from the peanut shell bio-template, and the obtained material possesses rich oxygen vacancies and a high specific surface area. Gas-sensing tests demonstrate that the K-In₂O₃ porous sheet sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity to low concentrations of Cl₂.

The ongoing trend towards miniaturizing electronic devices and increasing their power densities has created substantial challenges in managing the heat they produce. Traditional heat sink designs often fall short of meeting modern electronics' rigorous thermal management needs. As a result, researchers and engineers are turning to innovative heat sink designs and optimization methods to improve thermal performance. This review article offers an overview of the latest advancements in designing and optimising advanced heat sinks for electronic cooling. It explores various techniques to enhance heat transfer, including advanced surface geometries and microchannels. Additionally, the review covers computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and experimental validation methods used to refine heat sink designs. Further insight into fouling and its prevention has been discussed. The insights provided in this article are intended to serve as a valuable resource for thermal engineers, and researchers focused on managing the heat in high-power electronic systems.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury resulting from severe hemorrhagic shock continues to cause substantial damage to human health and impose a significant economic burden. In this study, we designed an Au-loaded yolk–shell MoS₂ nanoreactor (Au@MoS₂) that regulates cellular homeostasis. In vitro experiments validated the efficacy of the nanomaterial in reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during hypoxia and reoxygenation, and had great cell biocompatibility, Au@MoS₂. The antioxidant properties of the nanoreactors contributed to the elimination of ROS (over twofold scavenging ratio for ROS). In vivo results demonstrate that Au@MoS₂ (54.88% of reduction) alleviates hyperlactatemia and reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats subjected to severe hemorrhagic shock, compared to MoS₂ (26.32% of reduction) alone. In addition, no discernible toxic side effects were observed in the rats throughout the experiment, underscoring the considerable promise of the nanoreactor for clinical trials. The mechanism involves catalyzing the degradation of endogenous lactic acid on the Au@MoS₂ nanoreactor under 808 nm light, thereby alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury. This work proposes a new selective strategy for the treatment of synergistic hemorrhagic shock.

A novel cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) called FAM-Y₄R₄, with FAM as a fluorescent probe, was developed. Initially, we aimed to use Y₄ as a supramolecular host for water-insoluble drugs, with R₄ driving the complex into cells. However, an unexpected hurdle was discovered; the peptide self-assembled into amorphous aggregates, rendering it ineffective for our intended purpose. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that intermolecular cation–π interactions between arginine and tyrosine caused this aggregation. By decorating the R₄ sidechains with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (CX4), we successfully dissolved most of the aggregates, significantly improved the peptide's solubility and enhanced the cell uptake with MCF7 and A549 cells via both direct penetration and endocytosis. The binding strength between CX4 and R₄, as well as the interaction between curcumin and tyrosines was quantified. Encouragingly, our results showed that FAM-Y₄R₄, with CX4, effectively delivered curcumin – as a model for poorly water-soluble drugs – into cells which exhibited potent anticancer activity. Using R₄/CX4 instead of the conventional R_7–9 oligoarginine-based CPP simplifies peptide synthesis and offers higher yields. CX4 shows promise for addressing aggregation issues in other peptides that undergo a similar aggregation mechanism.

Correction for ‘Impact of ligand fields on Kubas interaction of open copper sites in MOFs with hydrogen molecules: an electronic structural insight’ by Trang Thuy Nguyen et al., RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 26611–26624, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA03946G.