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The development and application of flexible electrodes with extended cycle life have long been a focal point in the field of energy research. In this study, positively charged polyethylene imine (PEI) and conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with negative charge were alternately deposited onto a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) porous material utilizing pressure gradient-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technology. The flexible substrate, characterized by a three-dimensional porous structure reinforced with stiff CNF, not only facilitated high charge storage but also enhanced the electrode's cycling life by reducing the volume changes of PEDOT:PSS. Furthermore, the exceptional wettability of PEI by the electrolyte could promote efficient charge transport within the electrode. The electrode with 10 PEI/PEDOT:PSS bilayer exhibits a capacitance of 63.71 F g−1 at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and a remarkable capacitance retention of 128 % after 3000 charge-discharge cycles. The investigation into the nanoscale layers of the LbL multilayer structure indicated that the exceptional cyclic performance was primarily attributed to the spatial constraints imposed by the rigid porous substrate layered structure on the deformation of PEDOT:PSS. This work is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of electrodes with high charge storage capacity and ultra-long cycling life. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve an aerogel with both rigid pore structures and desired flexibility, stiff carboxyl-functionalized cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) were introduced into a flexible polyvinyl alcohol-polyethyleneimine (PVA-PEI) crosslinking network, with 4-formylphenylboronic acid (4FPBA) bridging within the PVA-PEI network to enable dynamic boroxine and imine bond formation. The strong covalent bonds and hydrogen connections between CNF and the crosslinking network enhanced the wet stability of the aerogel while also contributed to its thermal stability. Importantly, the harmonious coordination between the stiff CNF and the flexible polymer chains not only facilitated aerogel flexibility but also enhanced its increased specific surface area by improving pore structure. Moreover, the inclusion of CNF enhanced the adsorption capacity of the aerogel, rendering it effective for removing heavy metal ions. The specific surface area and adsorption capacity for copper ions of the aerogel increased significantly with a 3 wt% addition CNF suspension, reaching 19.74 m2 g−1 and 60.28 mg g−1, respectively. These values represent a remarkable increase of 590.21 % and 213.96 %, respectively, compared to the blank aerogel. The CNF-enhanced aerogel in this study, characterized by its well-defined pore structures, and desired flexibility, demonstrates versatile applicability across multiple domains, including environmental protection, thermal insulation, electrode fabrication, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels have garnered extensive attention as crucial materials in the field of engineering. In this study, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxid (TEMPO)-oxidized bamboo cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) was introduced as a critical component into the crosslinking network of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a bridge to obtain aerogel with enhanced pore structures and mechanical properties. The properties of composite aerogels with different TOCNF additions were investigated. The results showed that the aerogels exhibit low density, excellent pore structure, outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties. The compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the aerogel with 1.5% TOCNF had significantly increased by 260% and 150%, respectively, compared with blank sample. Furthermore, the aerogel displayed robust stability in liquids due to the interaction between TOCNF and PVA forming a crosslinked network structure. This work demonstrates a bamboo cellulose nanofibril enhanced aerogel that can be widely applied in the fields of energy, adsorption, construction, thermal insulation, and so on. • An aerogel with improved pore structure and mechanical properties was manufactured. • The impact of varying quantities of carboxylated CNF on the aerogel was explored. • TOCNF and PVA created a cross-linked network with glutaraldehyde as the bridge. • The inclusion of suitable TOCNF would enhance the thermal stability of the aerogel. • This work showcases an aerogel with extensive applications across various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently, enhancing intracellular oxidative stress via increasing intracellular hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), which is based on the Fenton reaction and lowering glutathione (GSH) is a promising approach for cancer treatment. Herein, we synthesized a new alloy nanomaterial, Fe5Cu3O@BSA (FCB) with good dispersity aimed at introducing copper ions to improve the Fenton reaction efficiency and reduce GSH. Under the weak acid microenvironment at the tumor, FCB can release Fe2+ and Cu2+ and the released free electrons are expected to combine with oxygen to further generate H2O2, leading to an excessive production of H2O2 in the cells. Meanwhile, the released Fe2+ and Cu2+ can not only perform a higher reaction efficiency on producing ˙OH but also consume GSH, which dramatically increases the intracellular oxidative stress in both directions. In vitro experiments showed that the incubation of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) with 100 μg mL−1 FCB nanoparticles resulted in a 65.9% mortality rate after 24 h. The in vivo experiments showed that FCB could effectively inhibit tumor growth. In this study, a therapeutic strategy based on metal biomaterials with good biocompatibility was established to effectively enhance oxidative stress and has great potential in tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the assistance of nanoformulations in cancer cells via the Fenton reaction is considered an effective method to treat cancer. However, the efficiency of the Fenton reaction is affected by the level of H2O2, the selection of iron ions in different nanoformulations, etc. Herein, we use FeIII-tannic acid (FeIIITA) nanocomposites as the carrier to deliver glucose oxidase (GOD) which can solve the problem of insufficient endogenous H2O2 by catalytically converting the glucose. In comparison with traditional Fe2+/Fe3+, FeIIITA nanocomposites perform higher catalytic activity in converting H2O2 to high toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) due to the TA-mediated reduction of Fe3+. So, the integration of GOD and TA in the construction of nanocomposites significantly enhances the efficiency of the Fenton reaction. In vitro experiments show that ·OH produced by GOD-FeIIITA nanocomposites can not only achieve a good anticancer effect at a low concentration but also promote degradability of the nanocomposites. When it is only 1.08 μg · ml−1, the cell apoptosis rate has reached 76.91%. In vivo experiments further demonstrate that GOD-FeIIITA nanocomposites can significantly inhibit tumor growth. So this work lays a good foundation for Fenton reaction-based cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed an eco-friendly method to prepare biocomposite pots using straw fiber and hydrolyzed keratin (HK)-modified urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, and investigated their interphase and degradation behavior in depth by nanoindentation (NI). The results showed that HK was successfully grafted onto UF resin molecular structure with epoxy group as intermediate, which increased the molecular weight and rheological properties of the resin. Moreover, the mechanical properties and degradability of the biocomposite pots were also improved. When 6 wt% HK was added (RS-K6EUF), the degradation rate of the biocomposite pot after 6 months of soil burial was increased by 44.31% compared to the blank pot (RS-UF). Furthermore, the study on the degradation behavior of the interphase indicated that the degradation rate of RS-UF mainly depended on the fiber, while RS-K6EUF was more affected by fiber-resin interphase. This research endeavor significantly advances the fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanisms of biocomposites. [Display omitted] • Biodegradable pots were made from straw fiber and modified urea-formaldehyde resin. • The mechanical performance of composite pots was improved by keratin and epoxy. • Modulus and hardness of interphase were quantitatively analyzed by nanoindentation. • Degradation rate of modified pots was mainly limited by the fiber-resin interphase. • Degradation behaviors of composite pots prepared by different resins were distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo fiber (BF) reinforced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) has become popular in developing an eco-friendly and sustainable biocomposite, while the weak interfacial compatibility between them is a major problem to overcome. This work, inspired by mussel super adhesion, creates a facile, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly solution based on in situ laccase-catalysed dopamine polymerization under a naturally acidic environment. The result indicates that a stabilized polydopamine coating is successfully grafted onto the lignin of BF, and it also enhances the thermal stability of the BF and biocomposite. Furthermore, modification of BF via laccase-catalysed polydopamine is superior to the conventional method of polydopamine under alkaline condition, and has outstanding advantages in terms of BF integrity protection. The optimal composition of biocomposite with BF treated by polydopamine under 1 U/mL concentration of laccase shows improvement in the impact strength, tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, and modulus of elastic by 33.85 %, 9.27 %, 31.74 %, 11.76 %, and 12.92 %, respectively, compared to the unmodified counterpart. This work provides an insightful understanding of the mechanism and benefits of laccase-catalysed polydopamine modification of BF in a natural environment. It contributes to the efficient and environmentally friendly utilization of polydopamine for fabricating high-performance lignocellulosic fiber reinforced biocomposites. [Display omitted] • Polydopamine modify bamboo fiber under the biocatalysis of laccase is eco-friendly and shows superior efficiency. • The formation of covalent bonds between polydopamine and the lignin of bamboo fiber is revealed. • The mechanism of polydopamine graft lignin under laccase biocatalysis is deciphered. • Desirable mechanical and thermal stability enhancement of biocomposite were achieved by the optimal modification strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purposes of obtaining poly(3-hydroxylbutyrate) (PHB) matrix composites with high performance, a novel eco-friendly surface modification pathway for bamboo fiber (BF) was demonstrated. Dopamine was first polymerized to poly(dopamine) (PDA) by laccase and then was deposited on the surface of BFs, which would improve interfacial adhesion between PHB and BFs. The replacement of chemical reagents by laccase to catalyze polymerization of dopamine could avoid the environmental damage and the degradation of natural fiber structure under alkaline conditions. The results showed that, when using laccase, the PDA layer was successfully coated on the surface of BFs in an acidic environment without destroying the structure of BFs, while self-polymerization hardly happened in the presence of dopamine alone, according to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. When the dosage of dopamine was 1.0 wt% of BFs (1-D-L), the PHB/1-D-L had a higher flexural strength 32.56 MPa and impact strength 16.46 J m−1, meanwhile, the composites had a lower crystallinity index (Xc) 17.08% when the dopamine was added 1.5 wt%. However, the mechanical properties and water resistance of PHB matrix composites could be decreased possibly due to steric hindrance when there was an excess of dopamine during surface modification. [Display omitted] • Dopamine polymerizes into poly(dopamine) by laccase in weak acid environments. • The PDA can be grafted to cellulose because lignin is depolymerized by laccase. • Mechanical performance and water resistance of PHB matrix composites increase. • Interfacial adhesion is improved by modification with dopamine related to laccase. • This surface modification strategy shows great potential in cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of the precuring rate of impregnated fluffed veneers (IFVs) on the bonding performance of scrimber, the precuring rate of IFVs following different drying conditions was characterized by fluorescence microscopy. The phenol formaldehyde (PF) solid content, drying temperature, and time were assessed using orthogonal tests. The moisture content, precuring rate of the dried IFVs, and bonding strength of the scrimber were evaluated. The results showed that the moisture content of the IFVs was mainly affected by the PF solid content, while the precuring rate of the impregnated IFVs was primarily impacted by the drying temperature. A solid PF content of 20% and optimum drying conditions of 60 °C and 1.5 h were associated with a precuring rate of 12.3% of the PF resin on the surface of the IFVs, obtaining scrimber with the best bonding performance of 2.95 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) biocomposites have been increasingly applied in various fields, such as building structures, interior decorations, and product packaging, due to their high strength to weight ratios, low thermal conductivities, low carbon footprints, and biodegradabilities. However, poor compatibility between the hydrophilic natural fibers and the thermoplastic biocomposites limits their mechanical strengths. This work proposes a method based on layer-by-layer self-assembly (LbL) to improve the interfacial compatibility between the PHB and bamboo fibers (BFs). Sodium lignosulfonate (SL) derived from pulp and paper industry waste was used as the raw material. Then, long carbon chains were introduced into the SL via the Mannich reaction. A hydrophobic self-assembled multilayer structure (SMS) was constructed on the surfaces of the BFs. The preparation process was environmentally friendly, controllable and simple. The mechanical properties were improved by the modifications, including the tensile strength (44%), flexural strength (13%), and impact strength (41%). The thermal properties of the fiber-reinforced biocomposites were also enhanced. This study presents a novel strategy for high-value utilization of industrial byproducts and the enhancement of biocomposite interfacial compatibility. [Display omitted] • Modified sodium lignosulfonate self-assembles a hydrophobic multilayer structure. • Interfacial compatibility between the BFs and PHB is enhanced. • Smoothness and hydrophobicity of the BFs increase with the number of layers. • Mechanical properties and thermal stability of the biocomposites are relatively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have garnered considerable interest in academia due to their desirable mechanical characteristics and long-lasting nature. The initial research focused on developing these multifunctional composites as an alternative to wood, considering the scarcity of the resource and the difficulty in recycling plastic waste. However, imperfect interface compatibility within the multi-phase architecture of WPCs lead to fungal attacks that degrade and eventually impair their mechanical properties, making it crucial to improve their antimicrobial traits to extend their life outdoors. Unfortunately, no comprehensive literature review is available on the antimicrobial features of WPCs. This article reviews the critical role of interfacial compatibility in determining the overall antimicrobial performance of WPCs, and summarizes the commonly used antimicrobial agents and their mechanisms of action in WPCs.The goal of this review is to enhance the understanding of the design and development of functional antimicrobial WPCs. • The interfacial compatibility of wood-plastic composites and its effect on antimicrobial properties are discussed. • The factors that influence the antimicrobial properties of WPCs are analyzed in detail. • Current antimicrobial agents and their antimicrobial mechanisms applied in WPCs are summarized. • Challenges and prospects of future development are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural plant fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites are attractive for their renewable, degradable, and low-carbon, compare to petroleum-based composites. However, the poor interfacial compatibility of bio-composites between fibers and matrix has long been recognized as the biggest challenge. Surface modification of natural fibers or polymers is considered the most common method to address this issue, which is always high energy consumption, and high pollution. Hence, we focus on cleaner and more economical solutions to overcome this difficulty. We pioneered the introduction of a novelty coordination-driven interface system into fibers-filled bio-composites. The chief object of this study is to investigate the iron ions (Fe3+) coordination drives the tannic acid (TA) interface and how to enhance composite interfacial compatibility and promote bio-composite properties. The way of interface formation is cleaner, simpler, more energy efficient, and effective, and the performance of biocomposites has been enhanced, including mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength increased by 21.65%, 19.41%, and 52.24% respectively. The flexural strength and modulus even reached 59.65 MPa and 6.61 GPa), thermal (T onset and T max increased from 267.39 °C, 377.76 °C–290.13 °C, 389.24 °C, respectively), crystallization (Crystallinity increased by 52.35%) and hydrophobic performance. To summarize, the coordination-driven interfacial system proposes a simple and workable structural model in the field of natural plant fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites interface. [Display omitted] • The Fe3+ coordination-driven tannic acid interfacial system is introduced in fiber-reinforced polymer composites for the first time. • The amount of bamboo fiber filling is raised to 50%. • Better mechanical properties, thermal stability, crystalline properties， and hydrophobic properties are obtained by this strategy. • All the materials are non-toxic, sustainable, low-cost, abundant, and eco-friendly, and the experimental method is simple and mild. • The strategy shows great potential in cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced biocomposites were widely considered as the optimal sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers due to their renewable, degradable, and environmentally friendly characteristics, along with economic benefits. However, the poor interfacial bonding between the matrix and natural fiber reinforcement remained a key issue limiting their mechanical and thermal properties. Focusing on cost-effective, convenient, and low-pollution chemical methods, this work proposed a strategy for in-situ synthesis of composite structures on bamboo fiber (BF) surfaces. Crude chitosan (CS) and reclaimed tannic acid (TA) were utilized as the raw materials, to construct stereo-netlike chitosan @ tannin structures (CS@TA) via a one-pot method facilitated by hydrogen bonding and complexation. The influence of reactant concentration and pH value on the process was further investigated and optimized. The CS@TA structure improved the interfacial bonding between the BF reinforcement and matrix poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and this non-amino-driven construction provided a potential reaction platform for functionalizing the interfacial layer. The modified biocomposite showed improvements in tensile and impact strengths (51.58 %, 41.18 %), also in tensile and flexural moduli (13.59 %, 26.88 %). Enhancements were also observed in thermal properties and heat capacity. This work presents a simple and promising approach to increase biocomposite interface bonding. [Display omitted] • CS@TA structures were respectively constructed in situ and in vitro. • Effects of varying reactant concentrations and pH values were investigated • Morphology and crystallinity of the BFs were modified. • Mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites were enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural plant fiber-reinforced bio-based polymer composites are widely attracting attention because of their economical, readily available, low carbon, and biodegradable, and showing promise in gradually replacing petroleum-based composites. Nevertheless, the fragile interfacial bonding between fiber and substrate hinders the progression of low-cost and abundant sustainable high-performance biocomposites. In this paper, a novel high-performance sustainable biocomposite was built by introducing a high density strong hydrogen-bonded bridging interface based on tannic acid (TA) between bamboo fibers (BFs) and PBSA. Through comprehensive analysis, this strategy endowed the biocomposites with better mechanical properties, thermal stability, dynamic thermo-mechanical properties and water resistance. The optimum performance of the composites was achieved when the TA concentration was 2 g/L. Tensile strength as well as modulus, flexural strength as well as modulus, and impact strength improved by 22 %, 10 %, 15 %, 35 %, and 25 % respectively. Additionally, the initial degradation temperature(T onset) and maximum degradation temperature(T max) increased by 12.07 °C and 14.8 °C respectively. The maximum storage modulus(E'), room temperature E', and loss modulus(E")elevated by 199 %, 75 %, and 181 % respectively. Moreover, the water absorption rate decreased by 59 %. The strong hydrogen-bonded bridging interface serves as a novel model and theory for biocomposite interface engineering. At the same time, it offers a promising future for the development of high performance sustainable biocomposites with low cost and abundant biomass resources and contributes to their wide application in aerospace, automotive, biomedical and other field. [Display omitted] • A strong hydrogen-bonded bridging interface is constructed between BFs and PBSA. • The composite is filled with up to 50 % BFs. • This interface effectively improves the properties of the composite. • The strategy is simple and the composite is energy-saving and eco-friendly. • This strategy offers great promise for the development of biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally friendly fabrication of engineered bamboo lumber is enabled by the application of renewable, formaldehyde-free bio-adhesives. In this study, protein-based adhesives made from pig blood (PB) were developed for this purpose. PB was modified by alkali (NaOH) and glutaraldehyde into either alkali-modified pig blood adhesive (APB), glutaraldehyde-modified pig blood adhesive (GPB), or alkali-and-glutaraldehyde-modified pig blood adhesive (AGPB), which were expected to be more water-resistant. Two-ply laminated bamboo lumber samples were assembled, and their bonding strengths were measured. The thermal properties, presence of functional groups, and cross-sectional micro-morphologies of the modified adhesives and unmodified PB were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stabilities of all the modified adhesives were improved compared to that of the unmodified PB. FTIR confirmed that the NaOH treatment successfully induced the unfolding of the PB protein, exposing the hydrophobic groups in the APB and that glutaraldehyde became grafted onto primary amides in the AGPB. Compared with the PB and APB, the cross-sectional micro-morphologies of the GPB and AGPB were more homogeneous and compact. The wet shear strength of the laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) was clearly increased by the modified adhesives. The AGPB had a higher wet shear strength of 4.6 MPa. Thus, the GPB and AGPB can be considered as potential protein adhesives for use in a variety of engineered bamboo products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biological resources, serving as a renewable and sustainable reservoir, holds significant import for the utilization of composite material. Hence, we produced bamboo fiber/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (BF/PHB) biocomposites with exceptional performance and economic viability, drawing inspiration from the resilience of crustacean shells. Polyaminoethyl modified chitin (PAECT) was synthesized using the alkali freeze-thaw method and introduced into the interface between BF and PHB to improve interfacial adhesion. The resulting chitin fibers, characterized by their intertwined helical chains, constructed a flexible mesh structure on the BF surface through an electrostatic self-assembly approach. The interwoven PAECT filaments infiltrated the dual-phase structure, acting as a promoter of interfacial compatibility, while the flexible chitin network provided a greater capacity for deformation accommodation. Consequently, both impact and tensile strength of the BF/PHB composites were notably enhanced. Additionally, this flexible layer ameliorated the thermal stability and crystalline properties of the composites. This investigation aimed to leverage the distinctive helical configuration of chitin to facilitate the advancement of bio-reinforced composites. • Crustacean-inspired production of superior bamboo fiber/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (BF/PHB) composites • Poly (aminoethyl) modified chitin (PAECT) promoted BF/PHB interfacial adhesion. • The helical configuration of chitin advances high-toughness and strength sustainable materials. • Enhanced thermal stability and crystallization properties through increased interfacial compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ferroptosis is a new form of nonapoptotic programmed cell death. • Molecular mechanisms and pathways for ferroptosis regulation are presented. • Nanomaterials as inducers of ferroptosis for cancer specific therapy are reviewed. • System Xc−, GPX4 and iron metabolism are the major regulation targets of ferroptosis. Abstract Ferroptosis is a new form of nonapoptotic programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides to lethal levels. An increasing number of studies have in recent years revealed close relationships between ferroptosis and nanomedicine, which has been regarded as a new strategy for developing nanomaterial-based therapeutic agents for highly effective therapy of various cancers. In this review, the molecular mechanisms and pathways for ferroptosis regulation were first presented; then, various nanomaterials that induce ferroptosis for cancer specific therapy were systematically discussed; finally, the current challenges and constructive perspectives in this field were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aptamers are short non-coding, single-stranded oligonucleotides (RNA or DNA) developed through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) in vitro. Similar to antibodies, aptamers can bind to specific targets with high affinity, and are considered promising therapeutic agents as they have several advantages over antibodies, including high specificity, stability, and non-immunogenicity. Furthermore, aptamers can be produced at a low cost and easily modified, and are, therefore, called "chemical antibodies". In the past years, a variety of aptamers specifically bound to both breast cancer biomarkers and cells had been selected. Besides, taking advantage of nanomaterials, there were a number of aptamer-nanomaterial conjugates been developed and widely investigated for diagnostics and targeted therapy of breast cancer. In this short review, we first present a systematical review of various aptamer selection methods. Then, various aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of breast cancer were provided. Finally, the current problems, challenges, and future perspectives in the field were thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]