Colloid and Interface Science Communications最新文献

Ionic surfactants can assemble into wormlike micelles (WLM) at high concentrations, forming supramolecular structures that exhibit similarities to polymeric solutions. Although the rheology of these supramolecular aggregates is well understood, experimental thermodynamic studies at low concentrations are still in their early stages. In this study, we employed tetradecyltrimethylammonium salicylate (TTASal) to investigate the driving forces behind WLM formation for the first time, using isothermal titration calorimetry, electrical conductivity measurements, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Our findings indicate that TTASal initially aggregates into WLM rather than spherical micelles, demonstrating that WLM formation is influenced by surfactant ion-counterion interactions rather than concentration alone. Notably, the enthalpy change associated with the aggregation process emerges as a key determinant in dictating the aggregation of free monomers into spherical or WLM.

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have ushered in the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered a potential solution for AMR due to their dual role as antibacterial agents and antibiotic-delivery vehicles. AuNPs with varied surface area, charge, and morphology have been utilized alone and with antibiotics tailored on their surface to overcome resistant bacteria. However, transitioning AuNPs from lab to bedside faces challenges due to the inconsistent antibacterial outcomes and the need for a consensus on the optimal AuNP features that harness their potential as antibacterial agents. This review navigates through the interplay of AuNPs' surface and their antibacterial behavior, considering their surface charge, surface potential, surface coating, surface area, morphology, and antibiotic functionalization. Our review serves as a guide for AuNPs surface features that elicit the most favorable antibacterial outcomes, which will aid in formulating a novel antibacterial agent capable of counteracting AMR.

The nucleation of gas hydrates is of great interest in flow assurance, global energy demand, and carbon capture and storage. A complex molecular understanding is critical to control hydrate nucleation and growth in potential applications. Molecular dynamics is employed combined with the mechanical definition of surface tension to assess the surface stresses controlling interfacial behavior. We characterize the interfacial tension for sII methane/ethane hydrate and gas mixtures for different temperatures and pressures. We find that the surface tension trends positively with temperature in a balance of water-solid and water-gas interactions. The molecular dipole shows the complexities of water molecule behavior in small, compressed pre-melting layer that emerges as a quasi-liquid. These behaviors contribute to the developing knowledge base surrounding practical applications of this interface.

The unique physicochemical properties of black phosphorus (BP) nanomaterials make them extremely versatile, and growing concern has emerged regarding their biocompatibility. Here, we investigate the toxic profile of BP nanosheets under oxidative stress conditions in living cells and a simple animal model, Caenorhabditis elegans. Under normal conditions, BP nanosheets exhibit no adverse effects on cells and worms. However, the ability of cells and worms to resist oxidative stress is significantly impaired by BP nanosheets. Mechanism studies show that hydroxyl radical overproduction is induced by the reaction between BP nanosheets and H₂O₂, which may disrupt mitochondrial integrity and promote the leakage of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytoplasm. Meanwhile, BP nanosheets are degraded under oxidative stress conditions, providing opportunities for BP nanosheets to interact with cytochrome c, thereby disrupting the cellular antioxidant defense system and ultimately producing toxicity. Our research uncovers the potential mechanism of BP nanosheets with oxidative stress-induced toxicity.

The current study aims to construct additional drug-eluting carrier for commercially available biliary stent, providing a practical strategy for the cost-efficient treatment of benign biliary stricture. Specifically, the commercially available biliary stent was endowed with porous polylactic acid coating via in-situ pore-formation induced by solvent treatment. The drug-eluting stent with fibroblast inhibition effect was successfully established by efficiently loading the antiproliferative drug of triamcinolone acetonide into the porous coating. The drug release behavior could be dynamically controlled by adjusting the pore morphology of the porous coating. The in-vitro coating degradation and the fibroblast inhibition effect of the drug-eluting stents were further evaluated to prove the effectiveness of the fabricated porous coating as an antiproliferative drug carrier.

N, N-bis (5-ethyl-2-hydroxybenzyl) methylamine (EMD) is a synthetic benzoxazine dimer compound. EMD targets and degrades the pro-oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc, initiating apoptosis in cancer cells. However, its use is restricted because of poor aqueous solubility and in physiological media. Cyclodextrin nanosponges (CN), a type of supramolecular macrocyclic polymer nanoparticles with hydrophobic cavities but soluble in water, are utilized here to load EMD in order to enhance its solubility. CNs with three different molar ratios of β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-to-citric acid crosslinker are synthesized: CN1 (βCD/citric acid 1:3), CN2 (βCD/citric acid 1:5), and CN3 (βCD/citric acid 1:8), and then loaded with EMD. EMD-CN2 exhibits a significantly higher solubilization efficiency (579.1 μg/mL) compared to the free EMD (59.09 μg/mL). The increased aqueous solubility of CN encapsulated EMD enhanced its anti-cancer efficacy. In vitro cytotoxicity, colony formation inhibition, and c-Myc suppression of EMD in cancer cells (A549 and HCT116) are improved over free EMD administration.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and potential applications of calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CaO₂ NPs) in combating bacterial infections. With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a significant global health threat, alternative antibacterial agents like CaO₂ NPs have garnered increasing attention. The review begins by discussing the synthesis and functionalization of CaO₂ NPs, highlighting recent developments in nanoparticle engineering techniques. Subsequently, it explores the intricate antibacterial mechanisms of CaO₂ NPs, emphasizing their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and disrupt bacterial biofilms. Evaluation of CaO₂ NPs' antibacterial efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens, coupled with discussions on potential applications in various fields including biomedical and environmental remediation, underscores their promising role as effective antibacterial agents. The review also addresses challenges such as nanoparticle stability and biocompatibility, and proposes future research directions to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of CaO₂ NPs. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge on CaO₂ NPs and advocates for their continued exploration in combating bacterial infections.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been extensively used in healthcare due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Still, its weak bactericidal performance allows pathogenic bacteria to easily adhere to and proliferate on the PEEK surface. In this research, physical plasma treatment and chemical fluoridation have been combined to enable the PEEK surface with stable antibacterial performance. The characteristics of surface morphology, elemental composition, and hydrophilicity for the samples have been characterized. In vitro experiments reveal that the obtained PEEK surface exhibited great antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of the modified PEEK surface has shown almost no variation after 28 days of storage at room temperature and 4 h at 121 °C, confirming its excellent storage property and high-temperature stability. This study presents an efficient and practical method to enhance the cytocompatibility and the antimicrobial properties of the PEEK surface, making it a potential medical device material.

Anti-müllerian hormone is a crucial biomarker for reproductive potential, but current detection methods are not cost-effective or time-efficient. In this study, we set out to develop a biosensor using gold nanorods (Au-NRs) coated with a functionalized silica network. The biosensor structure was completed by covalently binding the anti-Müllerian hormone antibody to SiO₂@Au-NRs. We confirmed the proper coating of the gold nanorods using HR-TEM, EDS/EDAX, zeta potential, and FT-IR analysis. To assess the sensitivity of SiO₂@Au-NRs, we analyzed the LSPR peak position redshift in different concentrations of ethylene glycol. The biosensor was then used to recognize the AMH antigen and determine the limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) for the biosensor. Our research has shown that the SiO₂@Au-NRs have a suitable thickness. The SiO₂@Au-NRs demonstrated impressive sensitivity as a nano biosensor. The AMH antigen identification results indicated that the nano biosensor was highly sensitive. The LoD and LoQ values were 0.086 and 0.262 ng ml⁻¹, respectively, very close to the values obtained by the ELISA kit. Furthermore, LSPR biosensors have reduced detection costs and measurement time. Their high sensitivity makes them excellent candidates for use in diagnostic kits.