Nanoscale Research Letters最新文献

The growing worldwide need for energy and worries about climate change and pollution emphasize the necessity of renewable energy and clean water. Solar energy is among the most abundant and environmentally favorable approaches. Solar cell technology has improved particularly via more effective nanocomposites, making it a viable renewable energy source. Thin film nanocomposite (TFN) offers a promising strategy to address critical renewable energy and water treatment challenges. These innovative materials integrate the unique features of nanoparticles with thin-film architectures to improve performance, durability, and efficiency. TFN generally consists of a matrix material mixed with nanoscale inorganic and/or organic components, providing special characteristics that could enhance the stability and efficiency of solar devices. Obtaining the substantial properties of TFN depends on the compatibility of the mixing components and deposition technique. The utilization of nanomaterials introduces novel functionalities, such as enhanced light absorption, improved charge separation and transport, and increased structural stability, contributing to the overall advancement of solar cell technologies.

Advanced deposition techniques and material engineering enhance the optical, electrical, and catalytic properties, improving energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and effective contaminant removal in water treatment. This review summarises the latest developments in TFNs relating to solar energy and water purification. It illustrates how material design and multifunctional integration can facilitate a unified system for various applications. The review highlights the importance and innovation of TFNs as a sustainable and scalable clean technology solution.

Malaria remains a pressing global health concern, particularly in regions with rising cases of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used antimalarial drug combination, faces challenges such as reduced bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and diminished efficacy due to resistance. In response, nanotechnology offers innovative strategies to improve SP delivery and therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the potential of magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles as advanced drug delivery platforms for SPs. Magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles combine a magnetic core, enabling targeted delivery through external magnetic fields, with a mesoporous silica shell that allows high drug loading and controlled release. This review explores recent advancements in magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles synthesis, surface functionalization, and drug encapsulation techniques, highlighting their ability to increase SP bioavailability, ensure sustained drug release, and minimize off-target effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the improved pharmacokinetics, reduced toxicity, and enhanced antimalarial efficacy of SP-loaded magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, particularly against resistant Plasmodium strains. Additionally, the versatility of magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles paves the way for the codelivery of synergistic drugs and the development of theranostic systems. While magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles show immense promise, challenges such as scalability, biocompatibility, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed to facilitate clinical translation. By bridging nanotechnology with malaria treatment, this approach has the potential to revolutionize antimalarial therapy, providing a scalable and effective solution for resource-limited settings.

Graphical abstract

The emergence of novel catalytic, electrochemical, and biomedical applications of nanomaterials requires an understanding of their structural basis for stimuli-responsive performance. The chemistry of polyoxometallic nanomaterials, with a variety of interesting properties, remains poorly explored. In this study, microwave-assisted non-aqueous sol-gel synthesis was used for the first time to prepare nanoparticles based on polyoxomolybdates. Their optoelectronic properties, focusing on laser-triggered photothermal response, were investigated in detail depending on the synthesis temperature. Significant differences were observed between products prepared from the same precursor via a fast protocol by varying the synthesis temperature. Only low-temperature synthesis (≤ 90 °C) yielded near-infrared (NIR) photothermally active MoO_X nanoparticles. The regular packing with large lattice defects of these clusters, along with a low reduction degree, allows water molecules to penetrate and interact with surface Mo = O bonds, forming intermediate electron states within the bandgap. These intermediate electron states are responsible for the NIR laser response suitable for photothermia. Additionally, the NIR response can be modulated in a controlled manner even after synthesis through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These findings have direct implications for MoO_X photothermal therapy, targeted defect engineering of polyoxomolybdate structures, and their electrochemical and biological applications.

Logic gates are the essential components of digital electronics. These are the electronic circuits that generate a single binary output by applying fundamental logical operations on inputs. These are the basic building blocks of both combinational and sequential circuits. Different approaches are available to implement logic operations, among which a novel method utilizes a Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by using Maxwell’s equations and can act as a trigger device corresponding to mechanical stimuli. TENGs can act as a binary input device for logic gate operations, implementing logic 0 corresponding to ‘NO PRESS’ or out of contact and logic 1 corresponding to the TENGs ‘PRESS’ or in contact state. Herein, a metal organic framework (MOF) MIL-53 impregnated sponge is used for the TENG device fabrication. MIL-53 is an important member of the MOFs, characterized by a large surface area (25–270 m²/g), high adsorption rate, and tunable pore size with a positive surface charge. The TENG device is constituted using MIL-53(MS-TENG) and analyzed in contact separation mode. The highest performance is achieved with the 4 wt.% filling of MIL-53 particles. The MS-TENG generated an output voltage of 44.2 V, current of 0.9 µA, and the transferred charge of 6 nC. The device is used for simulating various logic gates and implementing a half-adder using LabVIEW software with MS-TENG as the input device. Since ladder logic is the basic principle of power plant operations, MS-TENG is used to trigger (simulation using LabVIEW) various power plant control operations. This approach unveils the industrial application using MOF impregnated TENG.

This study investigated the impact of the introduction of Polyaniline (PANi) on the structural, thermal stability, electrical, and thermoelectric properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)_1−x Polyaniline (PANi)_x blend composites, (where x = 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%). The prepared blends were synthesized via the casting technique. The process of polymerizing polyaniline (PANi) was executed in a methodical and ordered manner. The obtained films from these blends are analyzed to assess their surface characteristics and structural morphology through elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as their thermal properties via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The PVA hydrogen bonding facilitates the uniform dispersion of PANi among the chains of PVA, which increases the amorphous structure of the prepared films. The surface of the pure PVA film is characterized by a smooth surface. However, a mixture of nanofibers with slightly white porous spongy morphology patches appeared in the PANi-doped films. Furthermore, the incorporation of PANi into the PVA matrix improves the thermal stability of the prepared films. The impact of PANi on the electrical properties, Seebeck Coefficient, and thermal conductivity of the prepared composites is evaluated using the four-probe direct technique and laser flash measurements. SEM images reveal a heterogeneous distribution of conductive PANi particles within the continuous PVA matrix. A notable aspect of this investigation is the significant increment in the DC electrical conductivity of the blend films at room temperature, which increases from 2.08 × 10^⁻¹² S/m for the pure PVA film to 0.08 S/m for the film containing 30 wt.% PANi. The Seebeck Coefficient decreases with loading the PANi due to the increase in the charge carrier concentration. Concurrently, there was a slight enhancement in thermal conductivity, increasing from 0.1304 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ to 0.362 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for the 0 wt.% and 30 wt.% films, respectively. The findings suggest a polymer blend with significant potential for thermoelectrical applications, exhibiting high electrical and low thermal conductivity, which is advantageous for thermoelectric applications.

Background

Antioxidants showed usefulness in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). However, antioxidants have limited bioavailability owing to the BBB limiting drug access to the CNS. Nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) provide innovative solutions to pass the BBB and enhance antioxidant activity. Although an incredible number of preclinical trials are in the literature, it has not been translated into clinical practice.

Objectives

This scoping review aims to systematically summarize the current evidence, study the characteristics of the available literature, and identify research gaps.

Methods

This review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched PubMed for all primary studies investigating nano-antioxidants in the context of NDDs within the last five years. Data were extracted and analyzed on the year of publication, contributing affiliations, type of research, the investigational antioxidant agent, and the drug delivery matrix. In addition, we examined the association between NDDS and the year of publication, plus the association with the country of publication.

Results

A total of 171 were included in the analysis. We found that all the articles included were pre-clinical trials. Organic and lipid-nanocarriers were the most frequently adopted (31.95% and 26.04%, respectively). Surprisingly, nanoplatforms were mentioned in only one trial. Our analysis showed that only 24 articles (14.04%) of the included trials adopted comparative studies.

Conclusion and future implications

We noticed a significant underrepresentation of nanoplatform applications and comparative designs. We provided new insights into nanoplatforms research. Moreover, we believe that it is crucial to establish rigorous validation systems and methodological approaches to predict the destiny of these nanocarriers in vivo and inspire the formulation of cost-effective functionalized nanoparticles with less stability or sterility drawbacks.

Metabolic syndrome encompasses various conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and metabolic diseases. It is characterized by high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood pressure levels. Research has investigated combined methods using microneedles and nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment to improve effectiveness while reducing harm to healthy tissues. This process allows potential improvements in diagnostic capabilities for detecting biomarkers associated with metabolic diseases. Using microneedles in conjunction with nanoparticles offers a promising avenue for advancements in metabolic disease management. With the potential for targeted and precise delivery of therapeutic agents, this integrated approach could revolutionize treatment strategies. Combining these technologies not only enhances the delivery and efficacy of existing treatments but also paves the way for new therapeutic modalities. The careful management and focused release of therapeutic agents made possible by this method could help create new treatment options that weren't possible before. As we learn more about this field, exploring the potential challenges and limitations associated with integrating microneedles and nanoparticles is crucial for metabolic diseases. Understanding these aspects is fundamental to guiding further advancement and ensuring the development of safe, effective, and patient-centric interventions.

The exploration of advanced delivery systems for natural antioxidants is crucial for enhancing their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Metal–organic frameworks, particularly zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), offer promising solutions due to their tunable pore structures, robust chemical stability, and customizable surface functionalities, making them ideal candidates for drug delivery and the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to encapsulate Tamarindus indica L. (TIF) flower extract into ZIF-8 using a Nano-precipitation method to develop the TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was synthesized via Nano-precipitation. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The phytochemical composition, physicochemical properties were performed following standard protocols. A qualitative fingerprint of TIF was analyzed using high-performance thin layer chromatography. The key phytoconstituents were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Structural and morphological characterizations of the nanocomposite were performed using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with a DPPH scavenging rate of 72.54% and lipid peroxidation inhibition of 69.14%, outperforming Vitamin C and BHT. The IC50 values for DPPH and lipid peroxidation inhibition were 64.14 µg/mL and 57.74 µg/mL, respectively. GC–MS identified key bioactive compounds, including Isobutylene epoxide and Ethyl leucinate. This study demonstrates the potential of ZIF-8 as a carrier for bioactive plant compounds. The TIF@ZIF-8 nanocomposite shows promising antioxidant property, with potential applications in targeted drug delivery, therapeutic formulations, and antioxidant therapies, contributing to advanced nanomaterial design for health and wellness.

The increasing prevalence of emerging contaminants in wastewater, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and heavy metals, poses significant environmental and health challenges. This study investigates sustainable nanoparticle-based solutions for EC removal, with particular focus on biogenic synthesis methods and their practical implementation. We systematically evaluate the efficacy of biologically synthesized nanoparticles (e.g., plant-derived silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles) for targeted pollutant degradation, while critically assessing their scalability and economic feasibility for industrial wastewater treatment. Our approach combines a comprehensive review of green synthesis methodologies with experimental validation of nanoparticle performance in EC removal. The findings indicate that biogenic nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ficus carica leaf extract, demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, while titanium dioxide nanoparticles from Annona muricata L. extract showed promising photocatalytic efficiency for degrading organic pollutants. However, challenges such as low product yield in microbial electrosynthesis were identified, highlighting the need for optimization in production processes. The study provides essential insights for transitioning these methods from experimental systems to practical applications, offering a framework for more sustainable wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract

Chitosan, a natural biological macromolecule, was employed to coat boswellic acids extract nanoparticles (CT/BA NPs) to enhance their gastroprotective potential. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of CT/BA NPs compared to free boswellic acids (BA) in a murine model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Histological analysis showed that CT/BA NPs preserved gastric gland integrity and minimized inflammatory infiltration, achieving a ~ 97% reduction in ulcer index compared to the ulcer group, whereas BA alone achieved ~ 80% protection. CT/BA NPs treatment markedly modulated key growth factors, with TGF-α and TGF-β1 increased by more than 100% relative to the ulcer group, while VEGF expression was suppressed by ~ 74%, indicating more controlled angiogenesis. In addition, CT/BA NPs significantly reduced RAS and ERK levels (by ~ 1.6- and 1.2-fold, respectively) and lowered TNF-α compared to BA, highlighting their role in regulating the RAS–ERK signaling pathway. The superior mucoadhesive properties of CT/BA NPs (76.4% vs. 15.8% for BA NPs) improved gastric mucosal retention, contributing to localized therapeutic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CT/BA NPs provide promising gastroprotection by promoting epithelial healing, modulating growth factors and signaling pathways, and mitigating ulcer severity.