1,342 results on '"Zheng J"'
Search Results
2. Ni, Co-Embedded MOF-Derived N‑Doped Bimetallic Porous Carbon for Adsorption–Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes and Antibiotics
- Author
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Zheng Yang, Yi-Wu Chen, Yu-Fei Jin, Zheng Jin, Heng-Shen Xie, Xing-Shun Cong, and Dao-Guang Teng
- Subjects
Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Feasibility of supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry of polypeptides with up to 40-mers
- Author
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Zheng, J., Pinkston, J.D., Zoutendam, P.H., and Taylor, L.T.
- Subjects
High performance liquid chromatography -- Analysis ,Hydrophobic effect -- Analysis ,Mass spectrometry -- Analysis ,Polypeptides -- Structure ,Polypeptides -- Chemical properties ,Polypeptides -- Electric properties ,Chemistry - Abstract
Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) provides a number of advantages over traditional HPLC such as speed, practical use of longer columns, a normal-phase retention mechanism, and reduced use of organic solvents. Yet, it has been a technique traditionally limited to relatively nonpolar compounds. The nature of SFC mobile and stationary phases did not allow the elution of ionic compounds or of peptides, except, in the latter case, for the most hydrophobic peptides. The characterization of peptides is critically important for drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as for a variety of other important applications. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we show that relatively large peptides (at least 40 mers), containing a variety of acidic and basic residues, can be eluted in SFC. We used trifluoroacetic acid as additive in a C[O.sub.2]/methanol mobile phase to suppress deprotonation of peptide carboxylic acid groups and to protonate peptide amino groups. A 2-ethylpyridine bonded silica column, which was specifically developed for SFC, was used for the majority of this work. The relatively simple mobile phase was compatible with mass spectrometric detection.
- Published
- 2006
4. Narrow bandwidth spontaneous luminescence from oriented semiconducting polymer nanostructures
- Author
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Kumar, P., Mehta, A., Dadmun, M. D., Zheng, J, Peyser, L., and Bartko, A. P.
- Subjects
Optoelectronics -- Research ,Polymers -- Atomic properties ,Luminescence -- Research ,Chemicals, plastics and rubber industries - Abstract
Observation of uniformly oriented transition moments along the z-axis of single MEH-PPV molecules that point to a high degree of intramolecular alignment of conjugated segments is reported. The observation of discrete emission characteristics in this important class of materials suggests exciting possibilities in photonics and molecular optoelectronics.
- Published
- 2003
5. Detection, Structure and Function of Modified DNA Bases.
- Author
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Hofer, Alexandre, Liu, Zheng J., and Balasubramanian, Shankar
- Published
- 2019
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6. At the Intersection of Urbanization, Water, and Food Security: Determination of Select Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Mussels and Oysters from Hong Kong.
- Author
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Burket, S. Rebekah, Sapozhnikova, Yelena, Zheng, J. S., Shan Shan Chung, and Brooks, Bryan W.
- Published
- 2018
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7. Development of a Reduced Chemical Reaction Mechanism for n‑Pentanol Based on Combined Reduction Methods and Genetic Algorithm
- Author
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Songfeng Li, Chunhua Zhang, Zheng Jing, Yangyang Li, Peng Yin, Panpan Cai, and An Lu
- Subjects
Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Revealing the Adsorption and Decomposition of EP-PTCDI on a Cerium Oxide Surface
- Author
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Jinping Hu, Kongchao Shen, Zhaofeng Liang, Jinbang Hu, Haoliang Sun, Huan Zhang, Qiwei Tian, Peng Wang, Zheng Jiang, Han Huang, and Fei Song
- Subjects
Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Anomalous Electronic Transport in Dual-Nanostructured Lead Telluride.
- Author
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He, J. Q., Sootsman, J. R., Xu, L. Q., Girard, S. N., Zheng, J. C., Kanatzidis, M. G., and Dravid, V. P.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
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10. Feasibility of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography! Mass Spectrometry of Polypeptides with Up to 40-Mers.
- Author
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Zheng, J., Pinkston, J. D., Zoutendam, P. H., and Taylor, L. T.
- Subjects
- *
SUPERCRITICAL fluid chromatography , *GAS chromatography , *ORGANIC solvents , *PEPTIDES , *HYDROPHOBIC surfaces , *PHARMACEUTICAL industry , *SILICA , *MASS spectrometry , *AMINO group - Abstract
Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) provides a number of advantages over traditional HPLC such as speed, practical use of longer columns, a normal-phase retention mechanism, and reduced use of organic solvents. Yet, it has been a technique traditionally limited to relatively nonpolar compounds. The nature of SFC mobile and stationary phases did not allow the elution of ionic compounds or of peptides, except, in the latter case, for the most hydrophobic peptides. The characterization of peptides is critically important for drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as for a variety of other important applications. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we show that relatively large peptides (at least 40 mers), containing a variety of acidic and basic residues, can be eluted in SFC. We used trifluoroacetic acid as additive in a CO2/methanol mobile phase to suppress deprotonation of peptide carboxylic acid groups and to protonate peptide amino groups. A 2-ethylpyridine bonded silica column, which was specifically developed for SFC, was used for the majority of this work. The relatively simple mobile phase was compatible with mass spectrometric detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Perfluorinated Compounds in Coastal Waters of Hong Kong, South China, and Korea.
- Author
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So, M. K., Taniyasu, S., Yamashita, N., Giesy, J. P., Zheng, J., Fang, Z., Im, S. H., and Lam, Paul K. S.
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
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12. High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Silk Fibroin-MXene Composite Film for Diagnosing Insomnia Symptoms.
- Author
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Tan X, Huang Z, Chang L, Pei H, Jia Z, and Zheng J
- Abstract
In this study, we developed a flexible, biocompatible, and high-output electrical performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) employing a silk fibroin (SF)-MXene composite film (SF-MXene-F) and a PDMS film as the friction layer. The inclusion of MXene in the SF film increased its surface charge density, presenting a practical approach to designing high-performance SF composite film-based TENGs. At a MXene content of 40%, our SF-MXene composite film-based TENG (SF-MXene-FTENG) achieved optimal output electrical performance, featuring a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 418 V, a maximum short-circuit current (Isc) of 11.6 μA, and a maximum output power density of 9.92 W/m
2 . The Voc and power densities of the SF-MXene-FTENG surpassed previously reported optimal values for SF-based TENGs by 1.6 and 3.8 times, respectively. Furthermore, leveraging the exceptional biocompatibility and light shading performance of TENGs, we designed a wearable smart TENG eye mask capable of diagnosing insomnia symptoms and monitoring sleep quality in real time. The SF-MXene-FTENG holds promising application potential as a wearable electronic device for diagnosing sleep-related diseases.- Published
- 2024
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13. Mucus-Penetrable Biomimetic Nanoantibiotics for Pathogen-Induced Pneumonia Treatment.
- Author
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Wang Y, Ding Q, Ma G, Zhang Z, Wang J, Lu C, Xiang C, Qian K, Zheng J, Shan Y, Zhang P, Cheng Z, Gong P, and Zhao Q
- Abstract
Bacterial pneumonia has garnered significant attention in the realm of infectious diseases owing to a surge in the incidence of severe infections coupled with the growing scarcity of efficacious therapeutic modalities. Antibiotic treatment is still an irreplaceable method for bacterial pneumonia because of its strong bactericidal activity and good clinical efficacy. However, the mucus layer forming after a bacterial infection in the lungs has been considered as the "Achilles' heels" facing the clinical application of such treatment. Herein, traceable biomimetic nanoantibiotics (BioNanoCFPs) were developed by loading indacenodithieno[3,2- b ]thiophene (ITIC) and cefoperazone (CFP) in nanoplatforms coated with natural killer (NK) cell membranes. The BioNanoCFP exhibited excellent demonstrated mucus-penetrating abilities, facilitating their arrival at the infection site. The presence of Toll-like receptors in the NK cell membrane rendered the BioNanoCFP with the capability to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns within bacteria, allowing precise targeting of bacterial colonization sites and achieving substantial therapeutic efficacy. Overall, our findings demonstrate the viability and desirability of using NK cell membrane-mediated drug delivery as a promising strategy for precision treatment.
- Published
- 2024
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14. Halogen-Dependent Circular Dichroism and Magneto-Photoluminescence Effects in Chiral 2D Lead Halide Perovskites.
- Author
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Pan R, Liu Y, Xie J, Wang R, Liu X, Zheng J, Tang X, Wang Y, Wang Z, Zhou X, and Dang Y
- Abstract
Chiral lead halide perovskites (chiral LHPs) have emerged as one of the best candidates for opto-spintronics due to their large spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and unique chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) even in the absence of a magnetic field. Here, we report the impact of halide composition on circular dichroism (CD) and magneto-photoluminescence (PL) effects of chiral 2D LHPs ( R / S -MBA)
2 PbBrx I4- x (MBA = C6 H5 CH2 (CH3 )NH3 ). By tuning the mixing ratio of Br/I halide anions, we find that ( R / S -MBA)2 PbBrx I4- x thin films exhibit tunable and wide wavelength range CD signals. Simultaneously, the main CD signals near the exciton absorption band gradually blue shift until they disappear. Moreover, the halogen-dependent negative magneto-PL effects of ( R / S -MBA)2 PbBrx I4- x thin films excited by left/right circularly polarized light can be detected at room temperature. We demonstrated that the halide composition can effectively modulate exciton splitting and chirality transfer in ( R / S -MBA)2 PbBrx I4- x owing to the chirality-induced SOC and crystalline structure transition, which lead to the adjustable CD signals. The interplay of Rashba-type band spin splitting and spin mixing among bright triplet exciton states is responsible for the halogen-dependent magneto-PL effect of chiral 2D LHPs. This study enables chiral 2D LHPs with CISS to be a new class of promising opto-spintronics materials for exploring high-performance spin-light-emitting diodes by halide engineering.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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15. Au Nanoparticles-Trisbipyridine Ruthenium(II) Nanoaggregates as Signal-Amplifying SERS Tags for Immunoassay of cTnI.
- Author
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Shao J, Zhang W, Huang Y, Zheng J, and Chi Y
- Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of human mortality worldwide. In the early stages of AMI, the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) may not change, so the fast, sensitive, and accurate detection of the specific biomarker of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is of great importance in the early diagnosis of AMI. In this work, for the first time, electrostatic nanoaggregates of negatively charged Au nanoparticles and positively charged trisbipyridine ruthenium(II) ions (i.e., (-)AuNPs|[Ru(bpy)
3 ]2+ ENAs) as novel and signal-amplifying surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags were synthesized in an easy and rapid (<3 min) way and applied in the highly sensitive, rapid detection of cTnI in human serum by being combined with an immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS). The synthesized (-)AuNPs|[Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ ENAs exhibited strong SERS activity due to the multiple Raman-active units (three bpy ligands) carried by each [Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ complex ion and abundant hotspots in each SERS tag. The developed (-)AuNPs|[Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ ENAs-based SERS-ICTS has been validated to be applicable in detection of cTnI in human serum with excellent sensing performances, such as fast testing (5 min) and a low detection limit (60 pg/mL). It is envisioned that the developed (-)AuNPs|[Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ ENAs-based SERS-ICTS sensor may have promising applications in point of care testing of various biomarkers in clinic. Additionally, this work may inspire the finding and the application of new types of Raman reporter molecules based on high valent metal-multi ligand coordination compounds like [Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ .- Published
- 2024
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16. Preparation and Formation Mechanism of β-SiC Coatings Using a SiCl 4 -CH 4 -H 2 -N 2 System.
- Author
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Huo T, Cao K, Zheng J, Zhu D, Lin Y, Dai Y, and Wu J
- Abstract
The mechanism of β-SiC preparation via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of the SiCl
4 -CH4 -H2 -N2 system remains unclear. Consequently, the change of molar Gibbs free energy of the CVD β-SiC chemical reaction in the SiCl4 -CH4 -H2 -N2 system has been studied by the Helsinki Software Corporation (HSC) Chemistry code for the first time. The role of nitrogen in the reaction was confirmed. Seven potential reaction pathways of CVD β-SiC were presented, and the thermodynamic equilibrium components of each reaction were calculated systematically. The most viable reaction pathway and corresponding optimal temperature range for CVD β-SiC were determined. In addition, a kinetic study of CVD β-SiC was conducted. The microscopic morphology and crystal structure of β-SiC coatings prepared on the graphite surface at different temperatures were charactered by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, etc. Ultimately, through SEM, XRD, and Raman observation, uniform and dense β-SiC coatings with fine grains and high crystallinity were successfully obtained. Furthermore, large β-SiC-coated graphite trays with diameters of 230 and 465 mm were prepared by CVD using the SiCl4 -CH4 -H2 -N2 system, and the average thickness of β-SiC was about 100.6 μm. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical recommendations for the fabrication of SiC-coated graphite trays used in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) equipment.- Published
- 2024
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17. Bioactivity-Oriented Separation of "Pepper Alkaloids" from Piper sintenense Hatusima with Potential Antigouty Arthritis Activity.
- Author
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Yao Z, Li T, Jin M, Fang S, Wang J, Zheng J, Pan K, Zhang J, Zhao G, Yin Z, and Huang Y
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, RAW 264.7 Cells, Humans, Male, Molecular Structure, Alkaloids chemistry, Alkaloids pharmacology, Alkaloids isolation & purification, Piper chemistry, Anti-Inflammatory Agents chemistry, Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology, Anti-Inflammatory Agents isolation & purification, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Extracts isolation & purification, Arthritis, Gouty drug therapy, Macrophages drug effects, Macrophages immunology
- Abstract
Piper sintenense Hatusima (PsH) is a member of the Piper genus used as food and folk medicine in China. However, the detailed chemical ingredients and potential pharmacological effects are still underexploited. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antigouty arthritis effect of the ethanolic extract of P. sintenense . Active compounds were isolated from the petroleum ether fraction resulting in six novel amide alkaloids ( 1 - 6 ) and 13 known analogues ( 7 - 19 ). All of the compounds exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activities. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments showed that compound 4 had anti-inflammatory properties (IC
50 = 4.86 ± 0.32 μM) and antigouty arthritis activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 4 exerted its favorable efficacy by regulating macrophage polarization by inhibiting P-STAT1/4. These findings provide new insights into the chemical composition and function of P. sintenense and expand its promising application as a functional food in the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.- Published
- 2024
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18. Polyalkenamers as Drop-In Additives for Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization: A Promising Upcycling Paradigm.
- Author
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Foster JC, Damron JT, Zheng J, Guan C, Popovs I, Rahman MA, Galan NJ, Dishner IT, and Saito T
- Abstract
We report a distinct strategy to upcycle waste polyalkenamers such as polybutadiene into new, performance-advantaged materials by using them as drop-in additives for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The polyalkenamers serve as competent chain-transfer agents in ROMPs of common classes of cyclic olefin monomers, facilitating good molecular weight control, allowing low Ru catalyst loadings, and enabling efficient incorporation of the polyalkenamer into the synthesized polymeric material. We successfully demonstrate ROMP using model polyalkenamers and translate these learnings to leverage commercial polybutadiene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ( ABS ) as chain transfer agents for ROMP copolymerizations. Critically, our strategy is shown to be highly efficient and operationally simple, quantitatively incorporating the polyalkenamer and inheriting aspects of its thermomechanical performance. Our results highlight a promising pathway for the upcycling of polyalkenamers and provide an alternative to existing deconstruction and functional upcycling strategies.
- Published
- 2024
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19. Silicate Derived from Phaeodactylum tricornutum for Removal of Polystyrene: Interfacial Effects of Living Organism and Its Derivatives with Nanoplastics.
- Author
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Yu T, Huang X, Li H, Zheng J, Gao L, Wang S, and Zhang Y
- Subjects
- Adsorption, Silicates chemistry, Silicates toxicity, Polystyrenes chemistry, Polystyrenes toxicity, Diatoms chemistry, Diatoms drug effects
- Abstract
The deposition of nanoplastics in the environment poses a direct threat to human health through the food chain. There is an urgent need to investigate how they can be effectively removed from water. In this work, the toxic effects of nanopolystyrene (PS) at different concentrations on Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) were investigated. The results show that PS affects the cell activity of PT through cell wall adhesion and shading effect and hinders the transmission of light energy, thus inhibiting the growth of PT. Considering that living PT is not suitable for the removal of heterogeneous aggregation of PS, magnesium silicate (MS) was obtained by calcination of PT biomass based on retaining salt. The maximum adsorption capacity of PS by MS was 40.85 mg g
-1 , which was 10 times higher than that of conventional adsorbents. The presence of competitive anions significantly affects the removal of PS. The application in real water bodies and the reusability of the adsorbents were also verified. By characterizing the materials before and after adsorption, it is found that the adsorption mechanism mainly includes electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, and complexation between Si-O bond and PS. This study explains the toxic effect of nano-PS on PT and innovatively develops a biomass derivative from diatoms, which provides a novel and feasible strategy for environmental remediation.- Published
- 2024
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20. Machine Learning Aided Design and Optimization of Antifouling Surfaces.
- Author
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Tang Y, Wei J, Liu Y, Chang Y, and Zheng J
- Abstract
Antifouling surfaces, renowned for their strong surface resistance to proteins, cells, or tissues in various biological and environmental conditions, have broad applications in implanted devices, antibacterial coatings, biosensors, responsive materials, water treatment, and lab-on-a-chip. While extensive experimental research exists on antifouling surfaces, machine learning studies on this topic are relatively few. This perspective specifically focuses on exploring the complex relationships between the composition, structure, and properties of antifouling surfaces, examining how these factors correlate with surface hydration and protein adsorption. Different machine learning models have been developed to analyze and predict single and multiple protein adsorptions on various types of surfaces, ranging from structureless surfaces to well-ordered and rigid self-assembled monolayers, dynamically ordered polymer brushes, and complex filtration membranes. These models not only identify key descriptors or functional groups critical for antifouling performance (surface hydration, protein adsorption) but also predict the antifouling properties for a specific surface. Recognizing current challenges, this perspective delineates future research directions in the antifouling field. By leveraging and comparing current machine learning approaches, it aims to advance both the design and fundamental understanding of antifouling surfaces, thereby pushing the boundaries of innovation in this critical field.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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21. Computationally Driven Discovery of T Center-like Quantum Defects in Silicon.
- Author
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Xiong Y, Zheng J, McBride S, Zhang X, Griffin SM, and Hautier G
- Abstract
Quantum technologies would benefit from the development of high-performance quantum defects acting as single-photon emitters or spin-photon interfaces. Finding such a quantum defect in silicon is especially appealing in view of its favorable spin bath and high processability. While some color centers in silicon have been emerging in quantum applications, there remains a need to search for and develop new high-performance quantum emitters. By searching a high-throughput computational database of more than 22,000 charged complex defects in silicon, we identify a series of defects formed by a group III element combined with carbon ((A-C)
Si with A = B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) and substituting on a silicon site. These defects are analogous structurally, electronically, and chemically to the well-known T center in silicon ((C-C-H)Si ), and their optical properties are mainly driven by an unpaired electron on the carbon p orbital. They all emit in the telecom, and some of these color centers show improved properties compared to the T center in terms of computed radiative lifetime, emission efficiency, or smaller optical linewidth. The kinetic barrier computations and previous experimental evidence show that these T center-like defects can be formed through the capture of a diffusing carbon by a substitutional group III atom. We also show that the synthesis of hydrogenated T center-like defects followed by a dehydrogenation annealing step could facilitate the formation of these defects. Our work motivates further studies on the synthesis and control of this new family of quantum defects and demonstrates the use of high-throughput computational screening to discover new color center candidates.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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22. Growth Modulation of High-Entropy Alloys for Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation Reaction.
- Author
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Zheng J, Li Y, Xu W, Sun B, Xu T, Liu S, Zhu X, Liu Y, Zhang S, Ge M, and Yuan X
- Abstract
High-entropy alloy (HEA) electrocatalysts have exhibited remarkable catalytic performance because of their synergistic interactions among multiple metals. However, the growth mechanism of HEAs remains elusive, primarily due to the constraints imposed by the current synthesis methodologies for HEAs. In this work, an innovative electrodeposition method was developed to fabricate Pt-based nanocomposites (Pt
1 Bi2 Co1 Cu1 Ni1 /CC), comprising HEA nanosheets and carbon cloths (CCs). The reaction system could be effectively monitored by taking samples out from the system during the reaction process, facilitating in-depth insight into the growth mechanism underlying the material formation. In particular, Pt1 Bi2 Co1 Cu1 Ni1 /CC nanocomposites show superior methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) performance (mass activity up to 5.02 A mgPt -1 ). Upon structural analysis, the d-band center of Pt1 Bi2 Co1 Cu1 Ni1 /CC is lower in comparison with that of Pt1 Bi2 /CC and Pt/CC, demonstrating the formation of a rich-electron structure. Both the uniformity of HEAs and the carbon-supported effect could provide additional active sites. These findings suggest that the strong electronic interaction within HEAs and additional active sites can effectively modulate the catalytic structure of Pt, which benefits the enhanced CO tolerance and MOR performance.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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23. Precise Construction of the Triple-Phase Boundary and Its Antiphosphate Poisoning Effect in the Confined Region.
- Author
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Li Y, Li H, Sun B, Zheng J, Xu T, Liu Y, Zhu X, Zhang S, Liu S, Ge M, and Yuan X
- Abstract
As a critical component for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), platinum (Pt) catalysts exhibit promising catalytic performance in High-temperature-proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Despite their success, HT-PEMFCs primarily utilize phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PA-PBI) as the proton exchange membrane, and the phosphoric acid within the PBI matrix tends to leach onto the Pt-based layers, easily causing toxicity. Herein, we first propose UiO-66@Pt
3 Co1 -T composites with precisely engineered interfacial structures. The UiO-66@Pt3 Co1 -T exhibits an octahedral porous framework with uniform structural dimensions and even distribution of surface nanoparticles, which demonstrate superior ORR performance compared to commercial Pt/C. The unique structure and morphology of the composites also exhibit a favorable half-wave potential in different concentrations of phosphoric acid electrolyte, regulated by the phosphoric acid adsorption site and intensity.This finding suggests that the incorporation of Co could effectively modulate the Pt d-band center, thereby enhancing the ORR performance. Furthermore, the selective adsorption of phosphoric acid by ZrO2 enables precise control over the phosphoric acid distribution. Notably, the retention of the octahedral framework post high-temperature treatment facilitates the establishment of dual transport pathways for gases and protons, leading to a stable and efficient triple-phase boundary.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Epitaxial Growth of Multicolor Lanthanide MOFs by Ultrasound for Photonic Barcodes.
- Author
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He M, Zhu X, Chen Z, Wang C, Mi L, Shang Y, Zheng J, Xiang C, Song H, and Liu X
- Abstract
Epitaxially grown lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln MOFs) exhibit multicolor and characteristic Ln emission with sharp emission bands, which are of great value in the field of information security and anti-counterfeiting. Epitaxial growth of Ln MOFs is generally achieved by solvothermal or hydrothermal methods, which suffer from challenges such as high reaction temperature and long growth time. Here, we report the fast epitaxial growth of multicolor lanthanide MOFs by an ultrasonic method at room temperature. The TbSmSQ shows a core-shell type structure with the Tb ion in the core and Sm in the shell within one crystal and exhibits the characteristic emission lines of Tb and Sm, respectively. The nonporous structure and large distance between lanthanide ions effectively avoid the influence of solvent vapor on the intensity and color of luminescence emission. Its application as photonic barcodes has been studied. This work demonstrates the feasibility of epitaxial growth of multicolor Ln MOFs by the ultrasonic method and its value for anti-counterfeiting and information security applications.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Enhancing Aromaticity of Alkenylbenzenes May Decrease Their Metabolic Activation and Reduce Their Potential Cytotoxicity: Lessons Learnt from the Investigation of Myristicin and Elemicin.
- Author
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Zhao G, Hu Z, Zheng J, Wu J, Chen Y, Liu T, Li W, Peng Y, and Zheng J
- Abstract
Metabolic activation studies of lead compounds are a crucial step in drug development and offer a key consideration during rational drug design. Myristicin (MRS) and elemicin (ELM), natural products belonging to alkenylbenzenes, share the backbone of 1-allyl-3-methoxybenzene. The backbone fuses with a methylenedioxy five-membered ring in MRS, while ELM is connected with two adjacent methoxy groups. ELM displayed powerful ability to induce cytotoxicity in cultured primary hepatocytes relative to MRS. Additionally, ELM exhibited superior efficiency in metabolic activation by CYP3A4, resulting in the formation of reactive metabolites carbonium ion, epoxides, and α,β-unsaturated ketone. Quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamic studies revealed that the fused methylenedioxy 5-membered ring enhances the aromaticity of MRS, which affects the interaction between the allyl side chain and the heme for metabolic activation by the π-π stacking interaction with the aromatic amino acid residues of the host enzyme.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Transparent, Flexible, Responsive Switching "Delayed" Amphiphilic Coatings Designed on the Basis of the Full-Cycle Antifouling Strategy.
- Author
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Zhang J, Bai X, Chen R, Zheng J, Song D, Li R, Zhang H, and Wang J
- Abstract
Marine fouling on the surface of ships and equipment not only creates problems of enhanced resistance to navigation and increased energy consumption but also leads to unclear vision and inaccurate data collection. Antifouling coatings to resist fouling are effective, but it is difficult to achieve long-lasting fouling protection with a single interface state. Switching the status of the interface by intelligent response is a reasonable way to achieve full-cycle efficient antifouling. In this study, the hydrophobic and active antifouling interface in the initial state was achieved by adopting the fluorine-containing group and the natural extract (citronellol) as the antifouling active site. The switching of the interface relies on silanes, which respond to the generation of zwitterions in a seawater environment. Eventually, the interface switched from the hydrophobic state to the amphiphilic state with delayed formation, which achieved continued antifouling. Based on the full-cycle antifouling concept, the combination of low surface energy and antifouling active ingredients in the initial state sustainably switched surfaces in the midterm (free radicals generated during the hydrolysis process), and amphiphilic interfaces formed by "delays" produced an antifouling effect from the initial stage to the subsequent stage. The excellent antifouling activity (bacterial and diatom attachment inhibition by over 90% and significantly reduced mussel adhesion force), optical transparency, and flexibility of these coatings indicate the potential for the application of antifouling coatings prepared from hyperbranched silicone-based resins; they can also be used for data extraction sensors, underwater probes, marine photovoltaics, and other areas where transparency is required.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Ultrasound-Responsive Nanocarriers Delivering siRNA and Fe 3 O 4 Nanoparticles Reprogram Macrophages and Inhibit M2 Polarization for Enhanced NSCLC Immunotherapy.
- Author
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Li Y, Li M, Zheng J, Ma Z, Yu T, Zhu Y, Li P, and Nie F
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Humans, STAT3 Transcription Factor metabolism, STAT3 Transcription Factor genetics, Liposomes chemistry, Folic Acid chemistry, Magnetite Nanoparticles chemistry, Tumor Microenvironment drug effects, Ultrasonic Waves, Drug Carriers chemistry, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung therapy, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung pathology, RNA, Small Interfering chemistry, Lung Neoplasms therapy, Lung Neoplasms pathology, Immunotherapy, Macrophages metabolism, Macrophages drug effects
- Abstract
Lung cancer has emerged as the second most common type of malignant tumor worldwide, and it has the highest mortality rate. The overall 5-year survival rate stands at less than 20%, which is primarily related to the limited therapeutic options and the complexity of the tumor immune microenvironment. In the tumor microenvironment, M1 macrophages are known for their tumor-killing capabilities. Although they are less numerous, they play an important role in tumor immunity. Therefore, increasing M1 macrophages' presence is considered a strategy to enhance targeted phagocytosis and antitumor efficacy in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study introduces the development of folic acid (FA)-conjugated liposomal nanobubbles for precise delivery of PFH, STAT3 siRNA, and Fe
3 O4 to the tumor microenvironment. These encapsulated PFH liposomal nanobubbles exhibit significant visualization potential and underwent phase transition when exposed to low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The release of Fe3 O4 activates the IRF5 signaling pathway, converting M2-like macrophages to M1. In addition, STAT3 siRNA effectively interrupts the JAK-STAT3 pathway, inhibiting the polarization of M2-like macrophages in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This dual-action therapy facilitates T-cell activation and proliferation, thereby enhancing the immune response against NSCLC.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Injectable and pH-Responsive Metformin-Loaded Hydrogel for Active Inhibition of Posterior Capsular Opacification.
- Author
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Yin C, Zhang Y, Fan C, Zheng J, Yang Y, Zhang Y, and Jiang J
- Abstract
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication following cataract surgery, which can lead to a significant vision loss. This study introduces a facile method for developing a metformin-derived hydrogel (HCM
6 ) stabilized by dynamic covalent bonds among natural polymers. This hydrogel demonstrates antifibrotic properties, on-demand drug release, pH responsiveness, injectability, and self-healing capabilities. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that the HCM6 hydrogel exhibits excellent biocompatibility, inhibiting lens epithelial cell migration, and transforming growth factor-2β (TGFβ2)-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in lens epithelial cells. In vivo studies conducted in a rat extracapsular lens extraction (ECLE) model revealed that HCM6 significantly suppressed PCO after 21 days of implantation with no observed pathological effects on surrounding tissues or the optic nerve. According to our experimental results, the inhibitory mechanism of PCO may be attributed to metformin's suppressive effect on lens cell migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and lens fiber formation. In summary, the long-acting, controllable, and on-demand release characteristics of the HCM6 hydrogel not only provide an effective strategy for preventing PCO but also offer new avenues for treating undesirable proliferative conditions in ophthalmology and beyond.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Small Molecule Hydrogels Loading Small Molecule Drugs from Chinese Medicine for the Enhanced Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury.
- Author
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Luo W, Yang Z, Zheng J, Cai Z, Li X, Liu J, Guo X, Luo M, Fan X, Cheng M, Tang T, Liu J, and Wang Y
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Drugs, Chinese Herbal chemistry, Drugs, Chinese Herbal pharmacology, Drugs, Chinese Herbal therapeutic use, Male, Rats, Small Molecule Libraries chemistry, Small Molecule Libraries pharmacology, Drug Carriers chemistry, Drug Delivery Systems, Medicine, Chinese Traditional, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Hydrogels chemistry, Hydrogels pharmacology, Brain Injuries, Traumatic drug therapy
- Abstract
Self-assembly of hydrogels for mechanical support and drug delivery has been extensively researched in traumatic brain injury (TBI), where treatment options are limited. The chief challenge is that most self-assembled hydrogels rely on high molecular carriers or the incorporation of exogenous inactive substances as mediators. It is difficult for these drug delivery systems to achieve clinical translation due to concerns regarding biological safety. Here we report a small molecule hydrogel (GBR-gel) loading small molecule drugs (glycyrrhizic acid, berberine, and rhein) that originated from popular Chinese medicines without additional drug loading or inactive components under physiological conditions. In the long run, GBR-gel possesses several advantages, including ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and high biocompatibility. As a proof-of-concept, GBR-gel allows for prompt administration at the site of brain injury to exert potent pharmacodynamic effects. Further single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental validation indicated that GBR-gel can effectively rescue the suppressed glutamatergic synapse pathway after TBI, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses and neural impairments. Our work provides an alternative strategy for timely intervention of TBI.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Fast and Selective Cysteine Conjugation Using para -Quinone Methides.
- Author
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Zhang R, Li B, Dong L, Hu Z, Li X, Yao X, Zheng J, Lin A, Gao S, Hang T, Wu X, and Chu Q
- Subjects
- Humans, Molecular Structure, Kinetics, Cell Line, Tumor, Cysteine chemistry, Indolequinones chemistry, Fluorescent Dyes chemistry, Fluorescent Dyes chemical synthesis
- Abstract
An efficient and selective method for cysteine conjugation utilizing para -quinone methides ( p -QMs) was developed. p -QM labeling exhibits high specificity toward the cysteine residue, as evidenced by its reactivity with various amino acid derivatives, peptides, and proteins. Notably, the p -QM-cysteine reactions display robust kinetics with rate constants up to 1.67 × 10
4 M-1 ·s-1 . Furthermore, p -QM conjugation enables us to attach a fluorescent probe to a HER2 nanobody, resulting in selective labeling of HER2-positive SK-BR-3 cells.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Intracellular Generation of Alkyl Radicals Enabled by a Self-Catalytic ATRP Nanoinitiator.
- Author
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Chen Y, Lu Y, Hua K, Li J, Zheng J, Pan Y, Du Y, Zhang Q, and Li W
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Mice, Catalysis, Copper chemistry, Laccase metabolism, Free Radicals metabolism, Free Radicals chemistry, Cell Line, Tumor, Nanoparticles chemistry, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Antineoplastic Agents chemistry, Glutathione metabolism, Apoptosis drug effects
- Abstract
Oxygen-independent alkyl radicals (R
• ) have demonstrated great promise in combating tumor hypoxia. Currently, Azo compounds have been the primary source of R• , suffering from external stimuli and decomposition during circulation. Herein, we developed a self-catalytic ATRP nanoinitiator that could generate R• via glutathione (GSH) reduction and thus selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Specifically, a conjugation of laccase (possessing a copper(II) complex) and polymeric alkyl bromide, poly(iBBr), was fabricated to yield an ATRP nanoinitiator (Lac-P(iBBr)). After internalization by cells featured with overexpressed GSH, copper(II) in Lac-P(iBBr) was reduced to copper(I) by GSH, which abstracted the Br atom in poly(iBBr) to yield toxic R• . Moreover, GSH-depletion intensified the oxidative damage caused by R• . Efficient generation of R• by Lac-P(iBBr) could happen in lab flasks, living cells, and tumor-bearing mice without any external stimuli, as demonstrated by the radical product, as well as the consumption of GSH. Moreover, the self-catalytic ATRP nanoinitiator significantly induced cell apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth. Our study expands the chemical toolbox to manipulate cell fates.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Two Thiophene-Functionalized Co-MOFs as Green Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Biginelli Reaction.
- Author
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Liu N, Zheng J, Liu T, Yan H, Ji M, Liu GN, Li Y, Dou J, Yang F, and Wang S
- Abstract
Two Co(II) metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs), namely, [Co(DMTDC)(bimb)]
n ( Co-MOF-1 ) and {[Co(DPTDC)(bimb)(H2 O)]·2DMF}n ( Co-MOF-2 ) (H2 DMTDC = 3,4-dimethylthieno[2,3- b ]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, H2 DPTDC = 3,4-diphenylthieno[2,3- b ]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, bimb = 1,4-bis((1 H -imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene), were obtained by the reaction of flexible N-containing ligand bimb and two structurally related thiophene-containing ligands H2 DMTDC and H2 DPTDC, respectively. These Co-MOFs displayed a 3D framework and porous structure, respectively. Co-MOF-1 and the activated sample Co-MOF-2' could act as green heterogeneous catalysts for the one-pot multicomponent Biginelli reaction, specifically the dehydration condensation process involving aldehydes, acetoacetates, and urea to yield dihydropyrimidin-2(1 H )-ones. The reaction has advantages such as solvent-free conditions, water as only byproduct, readily accessible starting materials, excellent functional group compatibility, and simple operation. Both catalysts exhibited a wide substrate scope and maintained significant catalytic activity over five cycles. The special catalytic performance may be ascribed to functional groups within the ligand.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Tumor Microenvironment-Derived Exosomes: A Double-Edged Sword for Advanced T Cell-Based Immunotherapy.
- Author
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Lu Y, Zheng J, Lin P, Lin Y, Zheng Y, Mai Z, Chen X, Xia T, Zhao X, and Cui L
- Subjects
- Humans, Animals, Exosomes immunology, Exosomes metabolism, Tumor Microenvironment immunology, Tumor Microenvironment drug effects, Immunotherapy, Neoplasms therapy, Neoplasms immunology, Neoplasms pathology, T-Lymphocytes immunology
- Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in cancer progression and immune evasion, partially mediated by the activity of the TME-derived exosomes. These extracellular vesicles are pivotal in shaping immune responses through the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, facilitating a complex interplay that promotes tumor growth and metastasis. This review delves into the dual roles of exosomes in the TME, highlighting both their immunosuppressive functions and their emerging therapeutic potential. Exosomes can inhibit T cell function and promote tumor immune escape by carrying immune-modulatory molecules, such as PD-L1, yet they also hold promise for cancer therapy as vehicles for delivering tumor antigens and costimulatory signals. Additionally, the review discusses the intricate crosstalk mediated by exosomes among various cell types within the TME, influencing both cancer progression and responses to immunotherapies. Moreover, this highlights current challenges and future directions. Collectively, elucidating the detailed mechanisms by which TME-derived exosomes mediate T cell function offers a promising avenue for revolutionizing cancer treatment. Understanding these interactions allows for the development of targeted therapies that manipulate exosomal pathways to enhance the immune system's response to tumors.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Diverse Effects of SO 2 -Induced Pt-O-SO 3 on the Catalytic Oxidation of C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 .
- Author
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Zhang B, Yang Y, Zheng J, Zhang D, Chen W, Yuan W, Chen X, Liu R, Chen B, Li L, Shi L, Wang J, Luo Z, and Guo Y
- Subjects
- Catalysis, Platinum chemistry, Volatile Organic Compounds chemistry, Adsorption, Oxygen chemistry, Oxidation-Reduction, Sulfur Dioxide chemistry
- Abstract
The effects of sulfur dioxide (SO
2 ) in the catalytic purification of short-chain hydrocarbons are still controversial, and the exact role of SO2 on adsorption and reaction pathways during the catalytic oxidation of different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains unclear. Herein, a three-dimensional ordered macroporous Ce0.8 Zr0.2 O2 supported Pt nanoparticle monolithic catalyst (Pt/OM CZO) was synthesized to investigate these effects. Our findings uncover the diverse effects of SO2 : Upon SO2 treatment, the coupling between the S 3p and Pt 5d orbitals promotes the Pt-O-SO3 structure in situ formed on the catalyst surface. The propene (C3 H6 ) molecule readily binds with the oxygen atom in Pt-O-SO3 , resulting in the accumulation of acetone and carbon deposition, thereby hindering C3 H6 oxidation. Conversely, a cleaved oxygen atom within the Pt-O-SO3 structure enhances propane (C3 H8 ) adsorption and activates the C-H bond, facilitating C3 H8 oxidation. These insights are pivotal for advancing the frontier of sulfur-tolerant catalysts, addressing both economic and environmental challenges.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. De Novo Biosynthesis of L-Azetidine-2-Carboxylic Acid in Escherichia coli Strains for Powdery Mildew Treatment.
- Author
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Zheng J, Liu H, Zhang J, and Yu B
- Abstract
L-Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (L-Aze), a natural nonproteinogenic amino acid found widely in plants, has recently been identified as an environmentally friendly agent for controlling powdery mildew with low toxicity. In this study, a biological route for L-Aze production via the methionine salvage pathway (Yang Cycle) was first in silico designed for Escherichia coli . Subsequently, systematic engineering strategies were employed to enhance the production efficiency, including the enhancement of the 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) supply, construction of the ATP-adenine cycle, and engineering of the strain's resistance to L-Aze. The final strain produced L-Aze from glucose with a titer of 568.5 mg/L. The antifungal activity of the produced L-Aze in the fermentation broth was also confirmed for treating powdery mildew in cucurbits. This approach not only provides a sustainable and green route for pesticide production to control powdery mildew but also expands our understanding of the exogenous construction of the Yang Cycle in E. coli .
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Target-Navigated CBT-Cys "Stapling" Coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a Amplification for the Photoelectrochemical Nucleic Acid Assay.
- Author
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Zheng J, Wang X, Qin H, Hou Y, Yang Q, Zhang X, and Hun X
- Abstract
Generally, rolling circle amplification (RCA) is based on an enzyme-linked padlock extension reaction. Herein, rapid linking that utilizes click chemistry for joining sticky ends of DNA molecules was developed. The ends of nucleic acid were modified with 2-cyano-6-aminobenzothiazole (CBT) and cystine (Cys-Cys), while glutathione was introduced to break the disulfide bond under target navigation and promote the linkage between CBT and Cys at the terminus of the nucleic acid at pH 7.4. Subsequently, RCA was performed using phi29 polymerase. CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage was triggered by the product of RCA amplification. Assisted by alkaline phosphatase, the electron exchange process between the photoelectroactive Sb@Co(OH)F nanorod and p -aminophenol ( p -AP) was collected in the form of photoelectrochemical (PEC) signals. Mass spectrometry, gel electrophoresis, and PEC signals were employed to verify the linking process and the RCA coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage amplification. CBT-Cys connection exhibited a high reaction rate (23.79 M
-1 ·s-1 ). This enzyme-free linking process was superior to traditional enzyme catalysis in terms of the reaction environment and linking rate. This efficient nonenzymatic joining system holds great potential for constructing nonhomologous end joining, modifying DNA with molecules, and facilitating nucleic acid-protein modification processes.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Ligand-Enabled Copper-Catalyzed Ullmann-Type S-C Bond Formation to Access Sulfilimines.
- Author
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Wu X, Zheng J, He FS, and Wu J
- Abstract
A copper-catalyzed Ullmann-type cross-coupling reaction of sulfenamides with aryl iodides is developed. The key to success is the use of a 2-methylnaphthalen-1-amine-derived amide ligand, which enables the formation of an S-C bond to access functionalized sulfilimines in good to excellent yields at room temperature. This method has the advantages of mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, and high chemoselectivity. The utility of this protocol is highlighted through late-stage modification of drug-relevant molecules and sulfilimine product derivatization.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Knocking Out of UDP-Glycosyltransferase Gene UGT2B10 via CRISPR/Cas9 in Helicoverpa armigera Reveals Its Function in Detoxification of Insecticides.
- Author
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Zheng J, Chen X, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Wu P, Lv J, and Qiu L
- Subjects
- Animals, Inactivation, Metabolic genetics, Gene Knockout Techniques, Helicoverpa armigera, Insecticides metabolism, Insecticides pharmacology, Moths genetics, Moths metabolism, Moths drug effects, Moths enzymology, Insect Proteins genetics, Insect Proteins metabolism, Larva genetics, Larva growth & development, Larva drug effects, Larva metabolism, CRISPR-Cas Systems, Glycosyltransferases genetics, Glycosyltransferases metabolism
- Abstract
The role of insect UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in the detoxification of insecticides has rarely been reported. A UGT gene UGT2B10 was previously found overexpressed in a fenvalerate-resistant strain of Helicoverpa armigera . Herein, UGT2B10 was cloned, and its involvement in insecticide detoxification was investigated. UGT2B10 was highly expressed in the larvae, mainly in the fat body and midgut. Treatment with UGT inhibitors 5-nitrouracil and sulfinpyrazone significantly enhanced the fenvalerate toxicity. Knocking down UGT2B10 by RNAi significantly increased the larvae mortality by 17.89%. UGT2B10 was further knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9, and a homozygous strain (HD-d UGT2B10 ) with a C-base deletion at exon 2 was obtained. The sensitivity of HD-d UGT2B10 to fenvalerate, deltamethrin, cyantraniliprole, acetamiprid, and lufenuron increased significantly, with sensitivity index increased 2.523-, 2.544-, 2.250-, 2.473-, and 3.556-fold, respectively. These results suggested that UGT2B10 was involved in the detoxification of H. armigera to insecticides mentioned above, shedding light upon further understanding of the detoxification mechanisms of insecticides by insect UGTs.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. A Targeted and Protease-Activated Genetically Encoded Melittin-Containing Particle for the Treatment of Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis.
- Author
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Habib M, Zheng J, Chan CF, Yang Z, Wong ILK, Chow LMC, Lee MM, and Chan MK
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Antiprotozoal Agents pharmacology, Antiprotozoal Agents chemistry, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Humans, Leishmania drug effects, Female, Macrophages drug effects, Macrophages parasitology, Macrophages metabolism, Melitten chemistry, Melitten pharmacology, Leishmaniasis, Visceral drug therapy, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous drug therapy
- Abstract
Intracellular infections are difficult to treat, as pathogens can take advantage of intracellular hiding, evade the immune system, and persist and multiply in host cells. One such intracellular parasite, Leishmania , is the causative agent of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), which disproportionately affects the world's most economically disadvantaged. Existing treatments have relied mostly on chemotherapeutic compounds that are becoming increasingly ineffective due to drug resistance, while the development of new therapeutics has been challenging due to the variety of clinical manifestations caused by different Leishmania species. The antimicrobial peptide melittin has been shown to be effective in vitro against a broad spectrum of Leishmania , including species that cause the most common form, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and the most deadly, visceral leishmaniasis. However, melittin's high hemolytic and cytotoxic activity toward host cells has limited its potential for clinical translation. Herein, we report a design strategy for producing a melittin-containing antileishmanial agent that not only enhances melittin's leishmanicidal potency but also abrogates its hemolytic and cytotoxic activity. This therapeutic construct can be directly produced in bacteria, significantly reducing its production cost critical for a NTD therapeutic. The designed melittin-containing fusion crystal incorporates a bioresponsive cathepsin linker that enables it to specifically release melittin in the phagolysosome of infected macrophages. Significantly, this targeted approach has been demonstrated to be efficacious in treating macrophages infected with L. amazonensis and L. donovani in cell-based models and in the corresponding cutaneous and visceral mouse models.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Highly Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 2,4,5-Trisubstituted 3(2 H )-Furanones Utilizing a Au(I)-Catalyzed Oxidation/Pinacol Rearrangement/ anti -Michael Cascade.
- Author
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Wu Y, Zang S, Ren H, Wang L, Kong L, Zheng J, and Li J
- Abstract
A highly efficient Au(I)-catalyzed cascade reaction between bispropargylic alcohols and pyridine- N -oxides has been realized. The reaction process involved a gold(I)-catalyzed sequential oxidation/Pinacol rearrangement/oxacyclization. Moreover, 1,2-aryl, 1,2-alkyl, or 1,2-vinyl migration was favored over 1,2-alkynyl in the crucial gold(I)-catalyzed Pinacol rearrangement step. A range of 2,4,5-trisubstituted 3(2 H )-furanones were synthesized in high yields (up to 88%) with excellent regioselectivities (up to >19:1) under mild reaction conditions.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Scalable Drug-Mimicking Nanoplasmonic Therapy for Bradyarrhythmia in Cardiomyocytes.
- Author
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Xu D, Lyu X, Han H, Fang J, Xue J, Zheng J, Hu N, and Gao Z
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Photothermal Therapy, Infrared Rays, Mice, Myocytes, Cardiac drug effects, Myocytes, Cardiac metabolism, Gold chemistry, Nanotubes chemistry, Bradycardia therapy
- Abstract
Bradyarrhythmia poses a serious threat to human health, with chronic progression causing heart failure and acute onset leading to sudden death. In this study, we develop a scalable drug-mimicking nanoplasmonic therapeutic strategy by introducing gold nanorod (Au NR) mediated near-infrared (NIR) photothermal effects. An integrated sensing and regulation platform is established for in situ synchronized NIR laser regulation and electrophysiological property recording. The Au NR plasmonic regulation enables the restoration of normal cardiomyocyte rhythm from the bradyarrhythmia. By regulating the aspect ratio and concentration of Au NRs, as well as the intensity and time of NIR irradiation, we precisely optimized the plasmonic photothermal effect to explore effective therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, mRNA sequencing revealed a significant increase in the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the electrophysiological activities of cardiomyocytes following photothermal therapy. Au NR-mediated plasmonic photothermal therapy, as an efficient and noninvasive approach to bradyarrhythmia, holds profound implications for cardiology research.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Machine Learning for Predicting Ultralow Thermal Conductivity and High ZT in Complex Thermoelectric Materials.
- Author
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Hao Y, Zuo Y, Zheng J, Hou W, Gu H, Wang X, Li X, Sun J, Ding X, and Gao Z
- Abstract
Efficient and precise calculations of thermal transport properties and figures of merit, alongside a deep comprehension of thermal transport mechanisms, are essential for the practical utilization of advanced thermoelectric materials. In this study, we explore the microscopic processes governing thermal transport in the distinguished crystalline material Tl
9 SbTe6 by integrating a unified thermal transport theory with machine learning-assisted self-consistent phonon calculations. Leveraging machine learning potentials, we expedite the analysis of phonon energy shifts, higher-order scattering mechanisms, and thermal conductivity arising from various contributing factors, such as population and coherence channels. Our finding unveils an exceptionally low thermal conductivity of 0.31 W m-1 K-1 at room temperature, a result that closely correlates with experimental observations. Notably, we observe that the off-diagonal terms of heat flux operators play a significant role in shaping the overall lattice thermal conductivity of Tl9 SbTe6 , where the ultralow thermal conductivity resembles that of glass due to limited group velocities. Furthermore, we achieve a maximum ZT value of 3.17 in the c -axis orientation for p -type Tl9 SbTe6 at 600 K and an optimal ZT value of 2.26 in the a -axis and b -axis direction for n -type Tl9 SbTe6 at 500 K. The crystalline Tl9 SbTe6 not only showcases remarkable thermal insulation but also demonstrates impressive electrical properties owing to the dual-degeneracy phenomenon within its valence band. These results not only elucidate the underlying reasons for the exceptional thermoelectric performance of Tl9 SbTe6 but also suggest potential avenues for further experimental exploration.- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Correlation of Vanillin-Induced Cytotoxicity with CYP3A-Mediated Metabolic Activation.
- Author
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Zhao Q, Hu Z, Wang A, Ding Z, Zhao G, Wang X, Li W, Peng Y, and Zheng J
- Subjects
- Animals, Rats, Male, Glutathione metabolism, Flavoring Agents metabolism, Flavoring Agents chemistry, Flavoring Agents toxicity, Benzaldehydes metabolism, Benzaldehydes pharmacology, Hepatocytes metabolism, Hepatocytes drug effects, Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A genetics, Microsomes, Liver metabolism, Microsomes, Liver drug effects, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Activation, Metabolic
- Abstract
Vanillin (VAN) is a common flavoring agent that can cause liver damage when ingested in large amounts. Nevertheless, the precise processes responsible for its toxicity remain obscure. The present research aimed to examine the metabolic activation of VAN and establish a potential correlation between its reactive metabolites and its cytotoxicity. In rat liver microsomes incubated with VAN, reduced glutathione/ N -acetylcysteine (GSH/NAC), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), two conjugates formed from GSH and one conjugate derived from NAC were identified. We also discovered one GSH conjugate in both the bile obtained from rats and the rat primary hepatocytes that were subjected to VAN exposure. Additionally, the NAC conjugate exerted in the urine of VAN-treated rats was observed. These results indicate that a quinone intermediate was produced from VAN both in vitro and in vivo . Next, we identified CYP3A as the main enzyme that initiated the bioactive pathway of VAN. After the activity of CYP3A was selectively inhibited by ketoconazole (KTZ), the generation of the GSH conjugate declined in hepatocytes exposed to VAN. Furthermore, the vulnerability to VAN-induced toxicity was alleviated by KTZ in hepatocytes. Thus, we propose that the cytotoxicity of VAN may derive from metabolic activation triggered by CYP3A.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. High-Linearity Ta 2 O 5 Memristor and Its Application in Gaussian Convolution Image Denoising.
- Author
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Wang Y, Wang H, Guo D, An Z, Zheng J, Huang R, Bi A, Jiang J, and Wang S
- Abstract
In the image Gaussian filtering process, convolving with a Gaussian matrix is essential due to the numerous arithmetic computations involved, predominantly multiplications and additions. This can heavily tax the system's memory, particularly with frequent use. To address this issue, a W/Ta
2 O5 /Ag memristor was employed to substantially mitigate the computational overhead associated with convolution operations. Additionally, an interlayer of ZnO was subsequently introduced into the memristor. The resulting Ta2 O5 /ZnO heterostructure layer exhibited improved linearity in the pulse response, which enhanced linearity facilitates easy adjustment of the conductance magnitude through a linear mapping of the number of pulses and the conductance. Subsequently, the conductance of the W/Ta2 O5 /ZnO/Ag bilayer memristor was employed as the weights for the convolution kernel in convolution operations. Gaussian noise removal in image processing was achieved by assembling a 5 × 5 memristor array as the kernel. When denoising was performed using memristor arrays, compared to denoising achieved through Gaussian matrix convolution, an average loss of less than 5% was observed. The provided memristors demonstrate significant potential in convolutional computations, particularly for subsequent applications in convolutional neural networks (CNNs).- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Biomimetic Liposome for Targeted Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Author
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Ma L, Wu H, Cao J, Zhang N, Li Y, Zheng J, Jiang X, and Gao J
- Subjects
- Humans, Animals, Mice, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Mice, Inbred DBA, Male, Biomimetics, Cartilage drug effects, Cartilage pathology, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Liposomes therapeutic use, Arthritis, Rheumatoid drug therapy, Arthritis, Rheumatoid pathology, Dexamethasone administration & dosage, Drug Delivery Systems
- Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that severely compromises joint health. The primary therapeutic strategy for advanced RA aims to inhibit joint inflammation. However, the nonspecific distribution of pharmacological agents has limited therapeutic efficacy and heightens the risks associated with RA treatment. To address this issue, we developed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based biomimetic liposomes, termed MSCsome, which were composed of a fusion between MSC membranes and liposomes. MSC some with relatively simple preparation method effectively enhanced the targeting efficiency of drug to diseased joints. Interaction between lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 enhanced the affinity of the MSCsome for polarized macrophages, thereby improving its targeting capability to affected joints. The effective targeted delivery facilitated drug accumulation in joints, resulting in the significant inhibition of the inflammation, as well as protection and repair of the cartilage. In conclusion, this study introduced MSCsome as a promising approach for the effective treatment of advanced RA, providing a novel perspective on targeted drug delivery therapy for inflammatory diseases.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Reactive Oxygen Species-Scavenging Mesoporous Poly(tannic acid) Nanospheres Alleviate Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis.
- Author
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Qin J, Li Z, Feng Y, Guo Y, Zhao Z, Sun S, Zheng J, Zhang M, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wei J, Ding C, and Xue W
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Male, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase metabolism, Porosity, Reperfusion Injury drug therapy, Reperfusion Injury metabolism, Mice, Inbred C57BL, NF-E2-Related Factor 2 metabolism, Humans, Polyphenols, Ferroptosis drug effects, Acute Kidney Injury drug therapy, Acute Kidney Injury metabolism, Acute Kidney Injury pathology, Nanospheres chemistry, Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism, Tannins pharmacology, Tannins chemistry, Tannins therapeutic use
- Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI), predominantly associated with the excess production of endogenous ROS, is a serious renal dysfunction syndrome. Ferroptosis characterized by iron-dependent regulated cell death has significant involvement in AKI pathogenesis. As symptomatic treatment of AKI remains clinically limited, a new class of effective therapies has emerged, which is referred to as nanozyme. In our research, a natural mesoporous poly(tannic acid) nanosphere (referred to as PTA) was developed that can successfully mimic the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by Mussel-inspired interface deposition strategy, for effective ROS scavenging and thus inhibition of ferroptosis to attenuate AKI. As anticipated, PTA mitigated oxidative stress and inhibited ferroptosis, as opposed to other modes of cell death such as pyroptosis or necrosis. Furthermore, PTA exhibited favorable biocompatibility and safeguarded the kidney against ferroptosis by enhancing the expression of SLC7a11/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and Nrf2/HO-1, while reducing the levels of ACSL4 protein in the ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI model. Moreover, PTA effectively suppressed aberrant expression of inflammatory factors. Overall, this study introduced antioxidative nanozymes in the form of mesoporous polyphenol nanospheres, showcasing exceptional therapeutic efficacy in addressing ROS-related diseases. This novel approach holds promise for clinical AKI treatment and broadens the scope of biomedical applications for nanozymes.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Diversified Reactivity of Triphenylphosphine: Reinvestigation of the Phosphine-Mediated Reductive Condensation Approach for the Synthesis of Substituted Furans.
- Author
-
Wang X, Peng Y, Zheng J, and Li WZ
- Abstract
A reinvestigation of "Phosphine-Mediated Reductive Condensation of γ-Acyloxy Butynoates: A Diversity Oriented Strategy for the Construction of Substituted Furans" ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004 , 126 , 4118-4119) revealed different chemoselectivity of triphenylphosphine in the reactions with the γ-acyloxy butynoate substrates of varying substitution patterns/electronics. Furthermore, the electronics of the triaryl phosphine reagent could be tuned to trap a putative intermediate such as A, leading to the semihydrogenation of propiolamide substrates.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Synthesis of 5-Trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazin-4-one Compounds using Trifluoromethyl Acrylic Acid as a Synthon.
- Author
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Huang Z, Yang H, Lai X, Li J, Yang W, and Zheng J
- Abstract
A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of 1,3-thiazin-4-one compounds containing trifluoromethyl groups utilizing 2-trifluoromethyl acrylic acid and thioamides as key starting materials. This protocol is characterized by its simplicity, practicality, and tolerance toward various functional groups. Given the straightforward nature of the procedure, the ready availability of both starting materials, and the significance of drugs containing trifluoromethyl, it is anticipated that this reaction will have wide-ranging applications.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Correction to "Structural Mass Spectrometry Captures Residue-Resolved Comprehensive Conformational Rearrangements of a G Protein-Coupled Receptor".
- Author
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Liu H, Yan P, Han H, Zhang Z, Zhou Q, Zhang J, Zheng J, Xu F, and Shui W
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Extremely Durable K-Ion Batteries Enabled by Heteroatom Co-Doped Highly-Ordered Porous Carbon Spheres with Nearly 100% Capacity Retention up to 11,000 Cycles.
- Author
-
Fu Y, Shen X, You J, Yu R, Zheng J, Wu B, Sofěr Z, Wei Q, and Yang W
- Abstract
Currently, one major target for exploring K-ion batteries (KIBs) is enhancing their cycle stability due to the intrinsically sluggish kinetics of large-radius K
+ ions. Herein, we report a rationally designed electrode, the S/O co-doped hard carbon spheres with highly ordered porous characteristics (SPC), for extremely durable KIBs. Experimental results and theory calculations confirm that this structure offers exceptional advantages for high-performance KIBs, facilitating rapid K+ diffusion and (de)-intercalation, efficient electrolyte penetration and transport, improved K+ storage sites, and enhanced redox reaction kinetics, thus ensuring the long-term cycle stability. As a result, the as-constructed SPC anode delivers a high reversible capacity of ca. 200 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 2.0 A g-1 and robust stability with ∼100% capacity retention up to 11,000 cycles, outperforming most carbon-based KIB anodes. This work offers insight into developing advanced KIBs with durable stability toward practical applications.- Published
- 2024
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