Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

A novel non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor based on NiCo alloy nanoparticles embedded on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NiCo/N-CNTs) was synthesized via a melamine-assisted pyrolysis strategy. The in situ growth approach ensures intimate contact between the metal alloy and conductive CNT network, enhancing electron transfer and catalytic activity. The as-prepared sensor exhibits excellent glucose sensing performance, including a wide linear range (5–18000 µM), low detection limit (1.7 µM, S/N = 3), and high sensitivities of 59.57 and 24.05 µA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻² in different concentration regions. The sensor also displays remarkable selectivity toward glucose over common interfering species. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully integrated with a smartphone-controlled portable electrochemical device, achieving accurate glucose detection. Recovery tests using serum samples yielded satisfactory results, with recovery rates ranging from 100.98% to 102.68% and RSDs below 3%, confirming the practical feasibility of the platform. This work not only provides a robust strategy for constructing high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensors but also highlights the potential of combining nanomaterials with portable electronics for point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Graphical Abstract

Enzyme is an active area of research in the context of nanoscience. Lysozyme is a readily available enzyme with significant antibacterial properties. Lysozyme is widely used to synthesize and stabilize coinage metal nanoclusters, hindering further aggregation to form nanocrystals. We discussed synthesis methods, fate, formation mechanisms, and applications of superatomic coinage metal nanoclusters, passivated with lysozyme. We also reviewed the effect of physicochemical properties and synergistic behaviour regarding such coinage metal nanoclusters, passivated with histidine. The review will hopefully open a new window to generate other enzyme-stabilized, atomically precise, and biocompatible nanoclusters for biomedical as well as environmental science.

Graphical Abstract

Role of lysozyme in the evolution & stabilization of coinage metal nanocluster for myriad applications

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been recently used in different biomedical applications such as antimicrobial alternatives, drug delivery, and bioimaging. MSNs might be synthesized via green synthesize techniques as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, to develop physical properties for nanomedicine applications. In this study, Resveratrol (Res) extract, a polyphenol, was used as the stable and reducing agent for the green synthesis of Res-templated Au-decorated MSNs. Several analytical techniques were used to characterize the samples, like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), brauer-emmett-teller (BET) analysis, zeta-potential, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive system (EDS) spectroscopy. TEM results indicated that Au nanoparticles with the 10 nm mean size were covered on the MSNs’ surfaces effectively. The cytotoxicity analysis was evaluated through the MTT assay. Res-templated Au-decorated MSNs indicated low cytotoxicity and acceptable safety even at high concentrations. The results indicate that the green synthesized Res-templated Au-decorated MSNs could be applicable in biomedical in the next future.

A series of [2 × 2] square lattice rare earth complexes Nd₄L₄ (1), Pr₄L₄ (2), and Eu₄L₄ (3) with Schiff base ligands were synthesized. The precise molecular structure of the complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The chemical composition, phase purity and thermal stability of the complexes were systematically studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis (EA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that these complexes not only have excellent thermal stability, but also are rich in multiple rare earth metal active centers in the structure, providing abundant active sites for catalytic reactions. The catalytic results show that they not only have mild reaction conditions but also show excellent catalytic performance, with satisfactory conversion rate and good turnover frequency (TOF, value up to 6625 h⁻¹). These results indicate that polynuclear lanthanide complexes have great power as catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO₂, which provides some new idea s for the design of efficient catalysts in this field.

Graphical Abstract

Entry for the Table of Contents: With the increase of CO₂ emissions, there is an urgent need for breakthrough solutions to address the issue of CO₂ balance in the atmosphere. Converting CO₂ into high value-added products is of great significance for reducing emissions. This study synthesized a novel class of Schiff base lanthanide complexes, which were used as catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates and exhibited excellent performance.

Hückel’s (4n + 2) rule plays a vital role in rationalizing and predicting the aromaticity of annulenes (C_nH_n) and cyclic systems with delocalized electrons. The π-electron behavior in annulenes can be described by a two-dimensional (2D) jellium model, where π molecular orbitals (MOs) are treated as superatomic 2D orbitals (S, P, D …). Herein, heteroatoms (B, N, O) were introduced to replace C atoms in annulenes to extend the aromatic rule of monocyclic species beyond Hückel’s (4n + 2) framework. Electronic structures and aromaticity of C_nH_n (n = 4, 6, 8) and their heteroatom counterparts, B_nN_nH_2n and B_nO_nH_n (n = 2, 3, 4), were compared. C₆H₆, B₃N₃H_6, and B₃O₃H₃ with 6π electrons are aromatic with a superatomic closed-shell configuration of |S²|P⁴|, consistent with Hückel’s rule. Intriguingly, despite being 4n system, B₄N₄H₈/B₄O₄H₄ (8π) exhibit aromaticity, different from antiaromatic C₈H₈. Additionally, antiaromaticity of B₂N₂H₄/B₂O₂H₂ (4π) are weakened, exhibiting a new type of aromaticity. This is attributed to the significant splitting of the doubly degenerate superatomic P or D orbitals induced by the electronegativity difference between heteroatoms, which stabilizes the occupied orbitals (P_x, D_xy) relative to their unoccupied counterparts (P_y, D_x2-y2). This work enriches the fundamental understanding of aromaticity by proposing the 2nπ (n ≥ 2) aromaticity in hetero-monocyclic molecules.

Graphical Abstract

Breast cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to confront women, and is considered one of the most lethal cancers to this day. Since the cancer was first identified, the search for the most effective treatment continues to evolve. A novel treatment strategy, nanomedicine, has presented a variety of materials that can be adaptively used as drug delivery systems. Myristicin, a natural substance obtained from nutmeg, has been noted for its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. The present study aimed to explore the concurrent delivery of hyaluronic acid targeted Myristicin-encapsulated PLGA-PEG nanoparticles against breast cancer cells. The PLGA-PEG/M/HA NPs were analysed for their structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics. The nanoparticles’ morphology and size distribution, examined through dynamic Light scattering and scanning microscopy, indicated that they had a spherical shape and an appropriate size range at 236.6 ± 1.98 nm. The PLGA-PEG/M/HA exhibited a significant ζ potential of -25.8 ± 1.23 mV, along with impressive drug loading of 8.2 ± 0.879% and 75 ± 3.12% of encapsulation efficiencies. The PLGA-PEG/M/HA demonstrated effective internalization, cumulative myristicin release (70 ± 3.18%), and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ at 182.76 ± 1.16 µg/ml). Moreover, free myristicin and HA-targeted myristicin-loaded nanoparticles showed no toxic effects on healthy cells (WRL-68). The PLGA-PEG/M/HA significantly triggered cytotoxic effects through the induction of 47.1 ± 2.67% of the early apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. In contrast, the HA-targeted drug-loaded nanoparticles were notably more effective against cancerous cells compared to the bare myristicin. Our results suggest that the modified PLGA-PEG/M/HA nanoparticles could be a valuable platform for employing phytotherapy with a nano drug delivery system for breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract

Tamoxifen (Tam) has been shown to reduce estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer incidence. Limited data also suggest Tam may inhibit ER-negative lung cancer, though resistance and inflammation remain significant challenges. This study investigated the co-delivery of Tam and Celecoxib (Celx) via nano-formulations to enhance efficacy and reduce inflammation in lung cancer cells. Nano-formulations of Tam and Celx were synthesized and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, revealing particle sizes of 94.2 ± 5.6 nm and 68.1 ± 6.5 nm, with low polydispersity and positive surface charges. Entrapment efficiencies were 85.6 ± 5.4% (Tam) and 94.2 ± 6.7% (Celx), with controlled drug release profiles. Co-treatment with nano-Tam and nano-Celx significantly inhibited A549 lung cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner while sparing normal WI38 lung cells. The combination induced apoptosis, caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and showed high cellular uptake (binding affinity: 94.9% for Tam; 80.2% for Celx). Apoptosis was supported by upregulation of TRAIL, DR4, DR5, Bax, and Caspase-8 expression levels, and downregulation of c-FLIP, JAK3, STAT3, AKT1, Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 levels. Molecular docking revealed moderate binding affinities of both drugs to anti-apoptotic and inflammatory targets, with Celx favoring hydrogen bonds and Tam relying on hydrophobic interactions. These findings suggest that nano-formulated Tam and Celx co-therapy may offer a promising approach to treat ER-negative lung cancer by enhancing apoptosis and reducing inflammation with minimal toxicity to normal cells.

Graphical Abstract

This study focuses on the synthesis of poly(2-vinylpyridine)-stabilized silver nanoparticles (P2VP-AgNPs) to be employed as a nanocarrier for ceftriaxone (CEF) in order to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. P2VP-AgNPs were synthesized via the chemical reduction method using P2VP as a stabilizer, silver nitrate as a silver source, and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Characterization of P2VP-AgNPs before and after the loading of CEF was performed using advanced analytical techniques. The CEF loading capacity was evaluated via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against six bacterial strains using the agar-well diffusion method. The inhibition efficacy of P2VP-AgNPs/CEF has doubled compared to direct application of CEF against six different bacterial strains, including gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacterial strains, which highlights the synergistic impact of this nanocarrier system. The synthesized P2VP-AgNPs exhibited a stable average size of 60.0 ± 2 nm and a zeta potential of + 40.0 ± 0.3 mV, which increased to 72.0 ± 2 nm and + 45.0 ± 0.3 mV, respectively, upon CEF loading. Over 87% of CEF was successfully loaded and released in a sustained manner, reaching 86% within 100 h. FTIR and PXRD analyses confirmed strong drug–nanoparticle interactions and reduced crystallinity, respectively. Antibacterial tests showed a > 2.5-fold increase in efficacy for P2VP-AgNPs/CEF compared to CEF alone, highlighting the potential of this nanocarrier for enhanced antibiotic delivery.

CO₂ hydrogenation to formic acid is a promising strategy for CO₂ mitigation, but requires high temperatures, pressure, additives and catalysts. This study reports the synthesis of Pd/ZnO obtained through the calcination of a palladium-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), applied in the CO₂ hydrogenation to formate, under mild reaction conditions. The crystal structure, crystallite size, microstrain, and morphological properties were characterized using XRD and TEM. Crystallite size and microstrain were evaluated by Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods. The Pd/ZnO catalyst exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure and Pd in the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase, with small crystallite size and few imperfections in ZnO. The catalytic activity was evaluated for CO₂ hydrogenation in the aqueous phase, yielding 52.42 µmol of formate. The results suggest that Pd species are responsible for H₂ activation, while ZnO facilitates CO₂ activation. The ZIF-derived Pd/ZnO material demonstrates potential as catalyst for CO₂ conversion, contributing to environmental mitigation and development of carbon-neutral chemical processes.

Graphical Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a form of brain tumor, and the line of treatment includes the administration of temozolomide (TMZ). Due to the short life of TMZ, high doses are recommended, which leads to drug-induced adverse reactions. In this study, TMZ and Quercetin (QUE) loaded nanoemulsion was developed using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach for the treatment of GBM. The efficacy of TMZ and QUE was assessed through in silico studies, which revealed a synergistic effect of the drugs. Afterward, cellular assays using U87 MG cell lines demonstrated that the optimal ratio of TMZ to QUE (1:8 μg/mL) yielded a synergistic therapeutic effect. Thus, the ratio of TMZ to QUE was considered to design the formulation. The nanoemulsion was optimized by using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The prepared nanoemulsion was characterized by a droplet size of 84.91 ± 2.17 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.20 ± 0.01, zeta potential -7.7 ± 0.34 mV, % transmittance of 94.16 ± 8.05 %, etc. In vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation studies demonstrated that a dual drug-loaded nanoemulsion significantly improved drug permeation compared to the drug suspension. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic studies also showed significant improvement in drug plasma concentrations for improved therapeutic efficacy. The nanoemulsion-treated groups also showed a significantly lower IC₅₀ value, indicating greater potency. Hence, the findings suggest that dual drug-loaded nanoemulsion could serve as an effective approach for treating GBM.

Graphical Abstract