Search

Conventional energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, lead–acid batteries, and compressed air energy storage (CAES), have been widely used for energy storage. However, these systems face significant limitations, including geographic constraints, high construction costs, low energy efficiency, and environmental challenges. Among these, lead–acid batteries, despite their widespread use, suffer from issues such as heavy weight, sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, low energy density, and limited depth of discharge. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative, offering portability, fast charging, long cycle life, and higher energy density. However, LIBs still face challenges related to limited lifespan, safety concerns (such as overheating), and environmental impact due to resource extraction and emissions. This review explores the introduction of nanotechnology as a transformative approach to enhance efficiency and overcome the limitations of LIBs. We provide an in-depth overview of various nanotechnology-based solutions for LIBs, focusing on their impact on energy density, cycle life, safety, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, we discuss advanced thermal analysis techniques used to assess and improve the performance of nanotechnology-enhanced LIBs. Finally, we examine the role of nanoparticles in the environmental remediation of LIBs, offering insights into how they can mitigate the ecological footprint of battery disposal and recycling. This review aims to highlight the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize energy storage systems and address the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture is crucial for meeting the growing global food demand. With the pressure of climate change, resource depletion, and the need for increased agricultural productivity, innovative approaches are essential. Nanotechnology is an emerging technology in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite its promising benefits, the safe implementation of nanotechnology in agriculture requires careful consideration of potential health and environmental risks. However, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation on the application, potential and limitations of nanotechnology in the field of agriculture. To address this gap, a desk research approach was used by utilizing peer-reviewed electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct for relevant articles. Out of 157 initially identified articles, 85 were deemed pertinent, focusing primarily on potential nanotechnology in smart agricultural systems. Taking into account research findings worldwide, we found significant improvements with nanotechnology over traditional methods which underscores the practical benefits of nanotechnology, including increased crop yields, efficient resource use, and reduced environmental footprint. The objective of this systematic review is to explore the nexus between nanotechnology and agricultural systems, highlighting its potential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience and to inform researchers, practitioners, and policymakers about the transformative impact of nanotechnology on sustainable agriculture and underscores the need for further research to address safety concerns and maximize its potential for agricultural advancement. Article highlights: A thorough study of nanotechnology's new method to lessen fertilizer and pesticide harmful impacts and their responsibilities. Developing an integrated approach for smart farming systems. A guide for future nanotechnology studies in agriculture suggests breakthroughs in biotic and abiotic remediation using nano-particles for a safe climate change scenario. Identifying setbacks, limitations, and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a distinguishing checkpoint that segregates peripheral organs from neural compartment. It protects the central nervous system from harmful ambush of antigens and pathogens. Owing to such explicit selectivity, the BBB hinders passage of various neuroprotective drug molecules that escalates into poor attainability of neuroprotective agents towards the brain. However, few molecules can surpass the BBB and gain access in the brain parenchyma by exploiting surface transporters and receptors. For successful development of brain-targeted therapy, understanding of BBB transporters and receptors is crucial. This review focuses on the transporter and receptor–based mechanistic pathway that can be manoeuvred for better comprehension of reciprocity of receptors and nanotechnological vehicle delivery. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the expedient noninvasive approaches for brain targeting via manipulating the hurdle of the BBB. Various nanovehicles are being reported for brain-targeted delivery such as nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanoemulsion, nanolipid carriers, liposomes and other nanovesicles. Nanotechnology-aided brain targeting can be a strategic approach to circumvent the BBB without altering the inherent nature of the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While organic fertilizers enhance tobacco quality and economic value, their low maturity levels often limit their effectiveness when applied within the same growing season, discouraging farmer adoption. Conventional composting methods typically require over 90 days to achieve full maturity. This study aimed to optimize composting methods and material formulations for large-scale factory production to shorten the fermentation period, enabling same-season application and benefits. Two large-scale experiments (each exceeding 100 tons) compared molecular membrane forced aeration combined with static and windrow composting against traditional windrow composting. Different material ratios of cow dung, mushroom residue, and distillery waste were also evaluated. Results showed that the optimized method, utilizing molecular membrane technology and adjusted material ratios, reduced the composting time from over 90 days to 60 days. The optimal formula consisted of cow dung, mushroom residue, and distillery waste at a 4:3:3 dry weight ratio with a moisture content = 63%. After 60 days, this optimized process yielded organic fertilizer meeting all quality standards, including humic acid content, nutrient levels, and absence of harmful organisms. This accelerated composting method facilitates same-season fertilizer application, benefiting farmers and enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of organic fertilizer production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior. Design/methodology/approach: Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter. Findings: This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Research limitations/implications: As a panacea to "public droplet prevention," textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs). Practical implications: PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other "oral-respiratory droplet contamination" both within and outside hospitals. Social implications: When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%. Originality/value: NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Outbreak of SARS-CoV2 and the COVID-19 pandemic had posed a threat to the healthcare system. The world had witnessed the failure of the healthcare system in the diagnosis, surveillance, and development of therapeutics effective against COVID-19. Hence, research emphasis has been given to technological inventions in developing robust and effective tools to fight against respiratory viral outbreaks, including SARS-CoV2. Methods: The scientific literature was searched and retrieved from PubMed, PubMed Central, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scielo databases. The scientific literature was screened and selected based on recent studies in the area of nanotechnology based inventions and applications in developing diagnostics, surveillance tools, PPE kits, therapeutics, and vaccines. Results: Based on the scientific literature, there are enormous developments in designing robust diagnostics, surveillance tools, therapeutics, and vaccines. These findings show an increasing demand for nanotechnology-based inventions to tackle zoonotic spillover. Nanotechnology remains a growing area as interdisciplinary science and technology- enable a variety of inventions used in the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE design is a classic example where nanotechnology-driven materials are extensively used. Masks and other fabrics were also developed using nanotechnology-based materials. Conclusion: The study provides insights into nanotechnology based inventions in the fight against respiratory viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV2, and associated diseases. The study showed the application of nanotechnology in the development of diagnostics, surveillance tools, therapeutics, and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is a burgeoning modern technology due to the remarkable properties of nanoparticles. However, the escalating use of toxic reagents during the chemical synthesis of nanoparticles has become a major concern for environmental safety and human and animal health. Regarding this problem, the notion of integrating nanotechnology with green synthesis is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers. This particular study aims at the green synthesis of copper sulphide (CuS) nanoparticles S1, S2, and S3 utilizing the leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem), Syzygium cumini (jamun), and Cascabela thevetia (kaner), respectively. The prepared leaf extract of neem is rich in quercetin, whereas extracts of jamun and kaner leaves contain gallic acid, which serves as a reducing agent during the formation of nanoparticles. The prominent and sharp peaks of x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns match well with ICDD card no. 06-0464, which confirms the hexagonal phase of covellite CuS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal the formation of spherical-shaped CuS nanoparticles with mild agglomeration. The presence of Cu and S as the only elements in the synthesized samples is confirmed by energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). The occurrence of various stretching and bending vibrational modes is observed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the obtained FTIR spectra of S1, S2, and S3 evince the formation of CuS nanoparticles and the presence of bioactive compounds. The UV-Vis absorption data of the prepared samples reveal that their band gap energies lie within the range of 1.5–1.7 eV. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of S1, S2, and S3 display decreased intensity, which could be due to the reduced recombination rate of charge carriers. The CuS nanoparticles synthesized with neem leaf extract exhibit relatively smaller crystallite size, wider band gap of 1.7 eV, and a lower recombination rate of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the design of ferroelectric nanowires using HfO2 and Al2O3. Ferroelectric nanowire transistors have drawn considerable attention recently because of their potential for use in low-power devices and non-volatile memory systems. In this work, the drain current, acceptor concentrations, and electric field are analyzed. The results obtained for the proposed device structure highlight the relevance of Al2O3- and HfO2-based nanowires as potential materials for the development of cutting-edge nanotechnology and materials science advancements. The proposed device structure has ION = 3.8 × 10−5 using HfO2 and ION = 3.48 × 10−4 using Al2O3. The significant improvements in the results make ferroelectric nanowire interesting for the scientific and research community working in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has a crucial potential in cancer treatment. Nowadays, the trend of materials science has also contributed to the development of new nanoscale carrier systems, especially for use in the therapy of cancer patients. Many nanocarriers have been developed and continue to be developed for cancer therapy. Nanocarrier-based systems are widely used in cancer imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics due to its promising properties and potential to increase therapeutic efficacy. The design and use of nano-based delivery systems for cancer therapy are very promising for the future of cancer therapy. This review article has been presented to the literature in order to display the prominent trends in cancer treatment in recent years. For this purpose, key points in designing an ideal nanoplatforms, the latest important nanocarriers such as liposomes, dendrimers, DNA origami, metallic nanoparticles, responsive, smart, biodegradable and biocompatible nanocarriers, together with recent studies, future perspectives are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has significant promise in treating microbial diseases by providing precise therapy that targets a broad spectrum of pathogens. Additionally, it plays a pivotal part in the advancement of microbial detection systems, facilitating expedited and precise microbiological diagnoses. The review covers a variety of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) and different antimicrobial mechanisms that have been explored, with a focus on maintaining scientific rigor in the study. This study also offers significant insights into the synthesis techniques of nanoparticles and the antimicrobial processes investigated, while effectively balancing conciseness and comprehensiveness. Investigated antimicrobial mechanisms include the rupture of bacterial cell membranes, production of reactive oxygen species, and suppression of vital cellular activities. Nanotechnology-produced antimicrobial coatings have shown potential in inhibiting bacterial colonization and decreasing device-associated infections in implanted devices. In addition, nanotechnology-based methods enhance wound healing by enabling the regulated release of medicinal substances and stimulating the regeneration of tissue. This review recognizes the limits and obstacles found in current research while also noting the considerable accomplishments in this subject. These factors include the need for standardized methods of characterizing nanoparticles, enhanced comprehension of nanoparticle toxicity, and comprehensive evaluation of long-term impacts. Examining these constraints enhances the scientific rigor of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Chronic wound' is one of the serious complications of diabetes due to lingering hyperglycaemia, prolonged dysregulation of inflammation, neuropathy, microvascular complications and increased prone to infections. Treatment involves wound debridement, stabilized glycaemia, infection control, offloading and advanced therapies with stem cells or cell- and tissue-based products. Utilization of novel next-generation nano-tools such as nano formulations, multifunctional nanogels, matrix metalloproteinase, nanofibers, phototherapy, etc. has also been approached in-addition. The regulated release of bioactive molecules from these stimuli-responsive scaffolds consistent with the wound microenvironment supports poor wound healing. Correspondingly, it is continually being researched on using various nanocomposite designs to further improve these formulations in overcoming specific issues of poor wound healing and microvascular complications. In this review, we discuss these advanced nanoengineered tools, especially multidimensional hydrogels, 3D-printed technologies and stem cell therapy in detail as therapeutic management of diabetic wounds. We also highlight their formulation aspects and in vitro or in vivo evidence that supports our discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PrC) is the most common cancer — after skin cancer — and the fifth most aggressive neoplasm among men worldwide. In most cases, PrC grow slowly and are limited to the prostate, where they may not cause serious damage. However, although some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may require little or no treatment, other types are highly malignant and can spread quickly. The two main treatments for early-stage prostate cancer are surgery and radiation therapy, in general. The treatment of men with prostate cancer includes surgical surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and using nano drugs. Nanotechnology in cancer medicine has increased the effectiveness of drugs with the targeted development of anti-cancer drugs by nanosystems. This article presents an overview of recent advances in PrC nanomedicine, especially nano drugs in the treatment of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology, with its distinctive characteristics and versatile applications, demonstrates considerable potential in detecting, removing, and degrading pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and microplastics. The utilization of nanotechnology for environmental remediation presents a promising and innovative approach to tackle the growing environmental challenges. This review article offers a thorough examination of recent advancements in nanotechnology and its application in addressing various types of environmental pollutants and highlights the potential of nanomaterials, such as metal-based nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and nanofibrous membranes, in various remediation processes. The article investigates the underlying mechanisms of nanomaterials in pollutant adsorption and degradation, highlighting the significance of their high surface-to-volume ratio, enhanced reactivity, and customizable surface properties. Nanoadsorbents demonstrate high adsorption capacities and selectivity for the removal of pollutants from water and soil. Nanofiltration membranes offer precise separation capabilities for the removal of contaminants from water sources. Photocatalysis using nanomaterials shows promise for air pollution remediation. Additionally, the development of nanosensors enables real-time monitoring and detection of pollutants. Overall, nanotechnology offers innovative and efficient solutions for addressing environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrimp and crab shells are the most promising and viable source of raw material for the manufacturing of chitin and its derivatives. In-depth understanding of the biological properties of chitin and scientific advancements in the field of nanotechnology have enabled the development of high-performance chitin nanomaterials. Nanoscale chitin is of great economic value as a functional and reinforcement material for a wide range of applications including water purification. The use of nano-chitin to produce (bio) nanocomposites offers a good opportunity to prepare membrane materials with enhanced functional and structural properties. Chitosan-based membranes are found to be effective in water purification for the removal of pollutants like organic wastes, heavy metals, antibiotics, pathogenic microbes and acid waste. These membranes are environmentally friendly and can be used as a method to reduce humic acid waste from the aquatic environment. This review focuses on the preparation, characterization and chemical modification of nano chitin membrane and its application for water purification and water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary and innovative area, gaining world-wide attention due to its large applications in remediation of pollutants. Nanotechnology is a significant technique for implementing clean, non-hazardous, and environment friendly remediation approaches, because of their nano size and large surface area. The majority pollutants include heavy metals, petrochemicals, hormones, endocrine disruptors, and synthetic dye, pose a serious threat to humans and environment. The conventional approaches are costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, for effectively removing emerging pollutants. Therefore, the present review suggested the applications of nanotechnology by taking nanocatalysis and nanoadsorption process to highlight the shortcomings of traditional methods. Moreover, we discuss the nanomaterials including silver nanoparticles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots etc. as an effective alternative which can increase the sustainability of the applied technology. By exploring current research, this article aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for nano-based approaches, its related challenges and environmental concerns that enhance our understanding of nanomaterials properties and its related hurdles. This article also provides an overview of scientific insight of advanced nanomaterials with main focus given to mechanisms of remediation and demonstrates how recent developments in nanotechnology hold great promise for addressing a number of pressing issues in environmental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovation in ultrasound has greatly promoted the prenatal diagnosis of ventricular septal defect. As a minor lesion of congenital heart disease, the prenatal genetic counseling of isolated ventricular septal defect faces some challenges, including the true genetic correlationship, selection of appropriated testing methods to identify deleterious mutations, and avoidance of overdiagnosis and overintervention. Researchers have explored the prenatal diagnosis efficiency of commonly used cytogenetic and molecular genetic technologies. Small insertions/deletions and monogenic variants with phenotypic heterogeneity play important role and contribute to the comprehend of pathogenesis. Isolated ventricular septal defect fetuses without genetic finding and extracardiac structural abnormality generally have good pregnancy outcome. Long-term follow-up data is needed to describe the comprehensive map, such as the potential missed diagnosis especially late-onset syndromes, the impact on the quality of life and life expectancy. When conducting prenatal genetic counseling, strict adherence to ethical principles is needed to ensure that the rights of all parties involved are fully protected. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits and provide parents with sufficient information and advice to enable them to make informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, nanotechnology has significantly advanced drug delivery systems, particularly in targeting subcellular organelles, thus opening new avenues for disease treatment. Mitochondria, critical for cellular energy and health, when dysfunctional, contribute to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders. This has propelled the development of nanomedicines aimed at precise mitochondrial targeting to modulate their function, marking a research hotspot. This review delves into the recent advancements in mitochondrial-targeted nanotherapeutics, with a comprehensive focus on targeting strategies, nanocarrier designs, and their therapeutic applications. It emphasizes nanotechnology’s role in enhancing drug delivery by overcoming biological barriers and optimizing drug design for specific mitochondrial targeting. Strategies exploiting mitochondrial membrane potential differences and specific targeting ligands improve the delivery and mitochondrial accumulation of nanomedicines. The use of diverse nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles, tailored for effective mitochondrial targeting, shows promise in anti-tumor and neurodegenerative treatments. The review addresses the challenges and future directions in mitochondrial targeting nanotherapy, highlighting the need for precision, reduced toxicity, and clinical validation. Mitochondrial targeting nanotherapy stands at the forefront of therapeutic strategies, offering innovative treatment perspectives. Ongoing innovation and research are crucial for developing more precise and effective treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone cancer primarily affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. The current gold standard for treatment of osteosarcoma patients consists of two to three rounds of chemotherapy, followed by extensive surgical intervention from total limb reconstruction to amputation, followed by additional rounds of chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of osteosarcoma significantly, the overall 5-year survival rate in resistant forms of osteosarcoma is still below 20%. The interaction between cancer and the immune system has long been recognized as a critical aspect of tumour growth. Tumour cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) suppress antitumour immunity, and immunosuppressive cells and cytokines provide the extrinsic factors of tumour drug resistance. Emerging research demonstrates an immunostimulatory role for the cGAS/STING pathway in osteosarcoma, typically considered an immune-cold or immunosuppressed cancer type. cGAS/STING signalling appears to drive an innate immune response against tumours and potentiates the efficacy of other common therapies including chemo and radiotherapy. Nanotechnological delivery systems for improved therapy delivery for osteosarcoma have also been under investigation in recent years. This review provides an overview of cGAS/STING signalling, its divergent roles in the context of cancer, and collates current research which activates cGAS/STING as an adjuvant immunomodulatory target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. It will also discuss current nanotechnological delivery approaches that have been developed to stimulate cGAS/STING. Finally, it will highlight the future directions that we believe will be central to the development of this transformative field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons are essential cells composing our nervous system and orchestrating our body, thoughts, and emotions. Recently, research efforts have been focused on studying not only their collective structure and functions but also the single-cell properties as an individual complex system. Nanoscale technology has the potential to unravel mysteries in neuroscience and provide support to the neuron by measuring and influencing several aspects of the cell. As wearable devices interact with different parts of our body, we could envision a thousand times smaller interface to conform on and around subcellular regions of the neurons for unprecedented contact, probing, and control. However, a major challenge is to develop an interface that can morph to the extreme curvatures of subcellular structures. Here, we address this challenge with the development of a platform that conforms even to small neuronal processes. To achieve this, we produced a wireless platform made of an azobenzene polymer that undergoes on-demand light-induced folding with sub-micrometer radius of curvature. We show that these platforms can be fabricated with an adjustable form factor, micro-injected onto neuronal cultures, and can delicately wrap various morphologies of neuronal processes in vitro, toward obtaining seamless biointerfaces with an increased coupling with the cell membrane. Our in vitro testings did not show any adverse effects of the platforms in contact with the neurons. Additionally, for future functionality, nanoparticles or optoelectronic materials could be blended with the azobenzene polymer, and 2D materials on the platform surface could be safely folded to the high curvatures without mechanical failure, as per our calculations. Ultimately, this technology could lay the foundation for future integration of wirelessly actuated materials within or on its platform for neuromodulation, recording, and neuroprotection at the subcellular level. Neuronal behavior can be controlled by probing and modulating subcellular regions of the cells; however, developing an interface that can morph into the extreme curvatures of neurites is a major challenge. Here, the authors develop a wireless platform made of an azobenzene polymer that undergoes on-demand light-induced folding with an ultra-low curvature radius and wraps various morphologies of neuronal processes in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolving as an outperforming nanotechnology, quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is being efficiently used for the design and development of digital modules. This paper presents a novel design for an ultra-efficient exclusive-OR (EXOR) gate in QCA nanotechnology using the cell translation technique. The analysis for fault tolerance and power dissipation of the proposed design is also assessed. To establish the effectiveness of the proposed design, an extensive comparison with the existing designs is provided. As a test bench implementation, the proposed EXOR gate is available as a module for the development of a parity checker, a full subtractor, and a 4-input binary to gray (B2G) code converter in QCA. The cell count for the proposed design of the EXOR gate, full subtractor, parity checker, and 4-input B2G converter is 8, 35, 24, and 24, and the total area (µm2) is 0.0039, 0.0259, 0.01749, and 0.0129, respectively. The proposed EXOR gate design outclasses the hitherto prevailing designs both in terms of the operational parameters and the dissipation of energy. The design simulations have been performed in QCA Designer 2.0.3, and the energy dissipation analysis has been executed in QCA Designer-E and QCAPro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for sustainable energy solutions drives ongoing research into proton-conducting oxides, also known as protonic ceramics, which hold promise for revolutionizing electrochemical energy technologies. These materials exhibit unique proton conductivity at moderate temperatures, offering advantages over traditional electrolytes. Since Francis Forrat's mid-20th-century discovery of ceramic proton conduction, significant advancements have propelled the field forward, focusing on fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and other energy applications. Challenges persist, including poor electrode adhesion and the need for cost-effective fabrication methods. Recent studies explored cathode material design, innovative fabrication techniques like rapid laser reactive sintering, and theoretical simulations using density functional theory to understand proton migration mechanisms. This review discusses the properties, methodologies, innovations, applications, and future directions of proton-conducting oxide materials. By addressing existing challenges and exploring emerging opportunities, this review aims to contribute valuable insights to the evolving field of protonic ceramics as it continues to evolve. Scheme presentation. [Display omitted] • Overview of Proton-Conducting Oxide Materials: Defines, classifies, explains conduction, and explores applications. • Evaluates benefits and drawbacks of conventional synthesis methods. • Examines recent progress in creating high-performance materials using advanced methods and nanotech. • Investigates methods to enhance proton conductivity through interface engineering. • Assesses potential and obstacles in utilizing proton-conducting oxides for energy conversion and storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Although Naomaitai capsule (NMC) is widely used in clinical practice and has a good curative effect for cerebral infarction, its material basis and mechanism of action remain unclear. Methods: In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap MS technology was used to analyse the in vivo and in vitro components of NMC, and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking website was used to further analyse the components of NMC. Next, systems biology approaches were employed to investigate the mechanism of action of NMC. Finally, molecular docking technology was used to verify the network pharmacological results. Results: In total, 177 compounds were identified in vitro, including 65 terpenoids, 62 flavonoids, 25 organic acids and 11 quinones. 64 compounds were identified in the blood of mice, and the main active components included ginkgolide C, ginkgolide A, ligustilide, tanshinone IIB, olmelin, emodin and puerarin. The main targets in vivo included TP53, SRC, STAT3, PIK3CA and PIK3R1. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study has revealed that NMC acts on multiple targets in the body through various active components, exerting synergistic effects in the treatment of CI. Its mechanism of action may involve inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses as well as reducing cerebral vascular permeability and promoting cerebral vascular regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR) has been a frequently utilized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for an extended period, with its salt‐processed variant being a prevalent application form. Contemporary pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that the salt‐processed iteration exhibits a multitude of markedly augmented pharmacological properties. However, whether the pharmacodynamic material basis of this change is related to volatile substances remains unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a strategy to screen volatile pharmacodynamic substances in AR and salt‐processed AR (SAR). Methods: A comprehensive approach was developed to identify volatile pharmacodynamic compounds by integrating plant metabolomics, target network pharmacology, and molecular docking technology. Plant metabolomics using GC–MS analysis was conducted to identify volatile chemical markers distinguishing between AR and SAR. Subsequently, network pharmacology was utilized to investigate the correlation between chemical markers and associated diseases. Following this, molecular docking technology was utilized to explore the correlation between chemical markers and disease targets, resulting in the discovery of potential quality control markers. Results: Fifty volatile compounds were isolated and identified in the salt of AR and SAR. The findings from plant metabolomics analysis demonstrated a distinct differentiation, revealing 13 volatile chemical markers that distinguish between AR and SAR. A target (PPARG) associated with diabetes was identified through target network pharmacology analysis. Thirteen volatile components were subsequently chosen as potential quality markers, taking into account their hypoglycemic activity. Conclusions: The method developed provides a novel strategy for the identification of pharmacophores in AR and SAR, as well as establishing a foundation for the exploration of the volatile differential components and pharmacodynamics in various processed products of TCMs. Additionally, the findings of this study can serve as a theoretical framework for the development and utilization of volatile components in AR and its processed derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment consists of wide diversity, of which, an integral and most diversifying part is the living organisms, and hence it is imperative to design novel strategies that could alleviate pollutants and detect them at very minute levels. The functionalization of nanomaterials provides a very facile and efficient tool for the design of robust sensors that could detect pollutants that contaminate air, water, and soil. Because of their nanoscale size, these materials have enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio, which in turn provide more reaction sites for the analyte interaction and enables highly specific and sensitive detection. Different nanomaterials like metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon‐based nanomaterials, and miscellaneous nanomaterials like polymer, dendrimers, metal‐organic frameworks are functionalized with suitable ligands for efficient detection of a wide range of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, industrial wastes, volatile organic compounds, toxic gases, and environmental pathogens with efficient level of sensitivity. In this review, we will briefly discuss different types of functionalized nanomaterials, strategies adopted for their functionalization, detection methodologies pursued for specific sensing and detection of different types of pollutants and their critical analysis, and future outlook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroimmunological disorder which causes axonal damage, demyelination and paralysis. Although numerous therapeutics have been developed for the effective treatment of MS and a few have been approved in recent decades, complete remission and treatment of MS remain a matter of concern. Nanotechnology is a potential approach for manipulating the properties of materials at the molecular level to attain desired properties. This approach is effective in the treatment of several CNS disorders by enhancing drug delivery, bioavailability and efficacy. We have briefly discussed the neuroimmunological disorders with a particular emphasis on MS. We also explored nanoengineered drug delivery systems, describing several nano-formulations for the treatment of MS, challenges and future of nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for crops production continues to intensify with the rapid increase in population. Agricultural crops continue to encounter abiotic and biotic stresses, which can substantially hamper their productivity. Numerous strategies have been focused to tackle the abiotic and biotic stress factors in various plants. Nanotechnology has displayed great potential to minimize the phytotoxic impacts of these environmental constraints. Copper (Cu)-based nanoparticles (NPs) have displayed beneficial effects on plant growth and stress tolerance. Cu-based NPs alone or in combination with plant growth hormones or microorganisms have been documented to induce plant tolerance and mitigate abiotic or biotic stresses in different plants. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the uptake and translocation of Cu-based NPs in plants, and beneficial roles in improving the plant growth and development at various growth stages. Moreover, we have discussed how Cu-based NPs mechanistically modulate the physiological, biochemical, metabolic, cellular, and metabolic functions to enhance plant tolerance against both biotic (viruses, bacterial and fungal diseases, etc.) and abiotic stresses (heavy metals or metalloids, salt, and drought stress, etc.). We elucidated recent advancements, knowledge gaps, and recommendations for future research. This review would help plant and soil scientists to adapt Cu-based novel strategies such as nanofertilizers and nanopesticides to detoxify the abiotic or biotic stresses. These outcomes may contribute to the promotion of healthy food production and food security, thus providing new avenues for sustainable agriculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is a leading cause of global cancer mortality, often treated with chemotherapeutic agents. However, conventional approaches such as oral or intravenous administration of drugs yield low bioavailability and adverse effects. Nanotechnology has unlocked new gateways for delivering medicine to their target sites. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are one of the nano-scaled delivery platforms that have been studied to exploit advantages of liposomes and polymers, enhancing stability, drug loading, biocompatibility and controlled release. Pulmonary administration of drug-loaded LPHNPs enables direct lung deposition, rapid onset of action and heightened efficacy at low doses of drugs. In this manuscript, we will review the potential of LPHNPs in management of lung cancer through pulmonary administration. Article highlights Lung cancer arises from various factors and encompasses different types. Conventional treatment approaches lack selectivity toward the tumor cells and leads to adverse effects. Nanomedicine as a novel approach in management of lung cancer Nanoparticles offer targeted drug delivery and aid to evade innate biological impediments. Liposomes and biodegradable polymeric NPs have emerged as two prominent categories. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles Bring together advantages of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles Their structure contains a polymeric core, lipid shell and an outer stabilizer layer. Are developed by single step or two step techniques. Application of LPHNPs in LC Serve as carriers to deliver various therapeutics. Can deliver drugs with different properties at the same time. Provide enhanced characteristics, cellular uptake and treatment efficiency. Pulmonary drug delivery system: benefits & challenges A non-invasive method that provides high local concentration and quick onset of action. Pulmonary barriers limit efficiency of traditional inhalable formulations. Pulmonary delivery of LPHNPs LPHNPs can successfully escape clearance mechanisms in lungs. Effectively deliver drugs and nucleic acids to target cells. Provide proper aerosolization properties. Conclusion Pulmonary delivery increase treatment efficiency and decrease exposure to healthy organs. Nanomedicine provides solutions for many challenges of pulmonary drug delivery. Animal studies are required to optimize the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of LPHNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both lanthanide-containing and fluorine-containing nanomaterials present challenging targets for microbial biosynthesis because these elements are toxic to most bacteria. Here, we overcome these challenges by using an Antarctic Shewanella baltica strain that tolerates these elements and report the first biosynthesis of lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs) from them. NaYF4 NPs doped with Er3+/Yb3+ are prototypical lanthanide-based upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with upconverted luminescence at visible wavelengths under infrared excitation. However, their synthesis employs high precursor concentrations, organic solvents, and elevated temperatures. Microbial biosynthesis offers a greener alternative but has not been explored for these materials. Here, we harness an extremophile S. baltica strain to biosynthesize UCNPs at room temperature, based upon its high tolerance for fluoride and lanthanide ions and the observation that tolerance of lanthanides increased in the presence of fluoride. Our biosynthesis produces electron-dense nanostructures composed of Na, Y, F, Yb, and Er in the bacterial periplasm, adhered to the outer cell membrane, and dispersed extracellularly, which exhibited up-converted emission under 980 nm excitation. This suggests that extracellular or periplasmic mineralization of lanthanides as fluorides protects the bacteria from lanthanide toxicity. Subsequent heating both enhanced upconverted emission from UCNPs and allowed observation of their crystallinity in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This work establishes the first biosynthesis of NaYF4:Yb: Er UCNPs, advancing both nanotechnology and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the impact of varying concentrations of PVC microplastics (PVC–MPs) – specifically 0 (no PVC–MPs), 2, and 4 mg L− 1 –alongside different arsenic (As) levels of 0 (no As), 150, and 300 mg kg− 1 in the soil, with the concurrent application of copper oxide–nanoparticles (CuO–NPs) at 0 (no CuO –NPs), 25 and 50 µg mL− 1 to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants. This research primarily aims to assess plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress indicators, as well as the response of various antioxidants (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) and their relevant genes expression, proline metabolism, the AsA–GSH cycle, and cellular fractionation within the plants. The findings showed that increased levels of PVC–MPs and As stress in the soil significantly reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange characteristics. Additionally, PVC–MPs and As stress increased oxidative stress in the roots and shoots, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL), which in turn stimulated the production of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, gene expression, and sugar content. Furthermore, a notable increase in proline metabolism, the AsA–GSH cycle, and cellular pigmentation was observed. Conversely, the application of CuO–NPs resulted in a substantial improvement in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, and the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, along with a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, CuO–NPs enhanced cellular fractionation while decreasing proline metabolism and the AsA-GSH cycle in H. vulgare plants. These outcomes provide new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and offer significant potential in addressing the critical challenges of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweeds (Spirodela polyrrhiza) are free-floating macrophytes that grow profusely in nutrient-rich waters. Under ideal conditions, they exhibit a rapid growth rate and can absorb a substantial amount of nutrients, macromolecules, and pollutants from bodies of water. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from plant extracts, particularly under stress conditions, have opened new research avenues in the field of nanotechnology. Under salinity stress, the accumulation of flavonoids in duckweeds can affect the structure of ZnO NPs, helping researchers ascertain their antimicrobial role. In our study, we exposed mid-log phase duckweed monocultures to 75 mM NaCl in a full-strength Murashige and Skoog medium for 7 days, followed by a 15-day recovery period. We observed significant overexpression of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide as reactive oxygen species. As a result, chlorophyll and certain metabolites were produced in lesser amounts, while flavonoid and phenol content increased by 12% and 8%, respectively. This overproduction persisted up to 10 days into the recovery treatment period but dropped by 8% and 5%, respectively, by the 15th day. The flavonoid coating transformed the NPs into rosette clusters, which exhibited reduced antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, a Gram-negative, fish-pathogenic bacterium. Herein, we discuss potential mechanisms for the conformational transformation of ZnO NPs into finer dimensions in response to NaCl-induced oxidative stress in duckweed. In this study, the azo dye degradation capacity of salinity-treated plants increased as the flavonoid profile became enriched. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, both prior to and after salinity treatment, were found to be efficient in scavenging azo dye and mitigating its toxicity, as evidenced by improved germination, growth, and overall plant morphometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, quantum nanophotonics has forged a rich nexus of nanotechnology with photonic quantum information processing, offering remarkable prospects for advancing quantum technologies beyond their current technical limits in terms of physical compactness, energy efficiency, operation speed, temperature robustness and scalability. In this perspective, we highlight a number of recent studies that reveal the especially compelling potential of nanoplasmonic cavity quantum electrodynamics for driving quantum technologies down to nanoscale spatial and ultrafast temporal regimes, whilst elevating them to ambient temperatures. Our perspective encompasses innovative proposals for quantum plasmonic biosensing, driving ultrafast single-photon emission and achieving near-field multipartite entanglement in the strong coupling regime, with a notable emphasis on the use of industry-grade devices. We conclude with an outlook emphasizing how the bespoke characteristics and functionalities of plasmonic devices are shaping contemporary research directives in ultrafast and room-temperature quantum nanotechnologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Niclosamide, a drug originally used to treat parasitic infections, has shown potential as a possible cancer treatment, but poor absorptive and solubility properties are believed to limit its effectiveness. Researchers are exploring modified structures of the drug along with advanced delivery methods, particularly nanotechnology, to improve niclosamide's absorption profile and improve its specificity in regard to targeting cancerous cells. These efforts intend to produce more effective tumor-targeting compounds, which can be employed as pharmacological cancer treatment options when appropriate. If successful, these efforts will provide new tools for scientists and doctors, offering a novel approach regarding the treatment of a variety of different cancers and contribute to the elucidation of oncobiology. Inhibition of multiple cancer-related pathways has made niclosamide a promising candidate for the treatment of various cancers. However, its clinical application has been significantly limited by poor bioavailability. This review will discuss current findings on improving niclosamide bioavailability through modification of its chemical structure and utilization of novel nanotechnologies, like electrospraying and supercritical fluids, to improve drug delivery. For example, niclosamide derivatives, such as o-alkylamino-tethered niclosamide derivates, niclosamide ethanolamine salt, and niclosamide piperazine salt, have demonstrated increased water solubility without compromising anticancer activity in vitro. Additionally, this review briefly discusses recent findings on the first pass metabolism of niclosamide in vivo, the role of cytochrome P450-mediated hydroxylation, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase mediated glucuronidation, and how enzymatic inhibition could enhance niclosamide bioavailability. Ultimately, there is a need for researchers to synthesize, evaluate, and improve upon niclosamide derivatives while experimenting with the employment of nanotechnologies, such as targeted delivery and nanoparticle modification, as a way to improve drug administration. Researchers should strive to improve drug-target accuracy, its therapeutic index, and increase the drug's efficacy as an anti-neoplastic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the landscape of anti-aging cosmetics has been marked by significant advances in cosmeceutical delivery systems. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of these technological innovations, with a focus on anti-aging effects, from 2018 to 2023. The methodology included a thorough search on PubMed and through gray literature, applying rigorous exclusion criteria. The descriptors were selected based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). A total of 265 articles were found. Exclusion criteria were applied, and 90 of them were selected for full reading. After reading the full 90 articles, 52 were excluded, leaving 38 articles for final evaluation composing this review. The key findings highlighted a clear prevalence of studies exploring nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, niosomes, and liposomes. Most of the formulations analyzed in this review emphasize antioxidant activities, which play a crucial role in preventing premature aging caused by free radicals. The reviewed studies revealed specific activities, such as the reduction in melanin synthesis, the inhibition of enzymes involved in the skin aging process, and the prevention of morphological changes typical of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological variability poses significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutics, particularly when it comes to drug solubility and bioavailability. Poor solubility across varying physiological conditions often leads to reduced absorption and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. This review examines how nanotechnology, especially through the use of nanomaterials and magnetic nanoparticles, offers innovative solutions to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability. This comprehensive review focuses on recent advancements and approaches in nanotechnology. We highlight both the successes and remaining challenges in this field, emphasizing the role of continued innovation. Future research should prioritize developing universal therapeutic solutions, conducting interdisciplinary research, and leveraging personalized nanomedicine to address biological variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a two-dimensional system of interacting electrons confined in equidistant planar circular rings. The electrons are considered spinless and each of them is localized in one ring. While confined to such ring orbits, each electron interacts with the remaining ones by means of a standard Coulomb interaction potential. The classical version of this two-dimensional quantum model can be viewed as representing a system of electrons orbiting planar equidistant concentric rings where the kinetic energy may be discarded when one is searching for the lowest possible energy. Within this framework, the lowest possible energy of the system is the one that minimizes the total Coulomb interaction energy. This is the equilibrium energy that is numerically determined with high accuracy by using the simulated annealing method. This process allows us to obtain both the equilibrium energy and position configuration for different system sizes. The adopted semi-classical approach allows us to provide reliable approximations for the quantum ground state energy of the corresponding quantum system. The model considered in this work represents an interesting problem for studies of low-dimensional systems, with echoes that resonate with developments in nanoscience and nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic examination of cells in their tissue context has been the driving force behind diagnostic histopathology over the past two centuries. Recently, the rise of advanced molecular biomarkers identified through single cell profiling has increased our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in cancer but have yet to significantly impact clinical care. Spatial technologies integrating molecular profiling with microenvironmental features are poised to bridge this translational gap by providing critical in situ context for understanding cellular interactions and organization. Here, we review how spatial tools have been used to study tumor ecosystems and their clinical applications. We detail findings in cell-cell interactions, microenvironment composition, and tissue remodeling for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Additionally, we highlight the emerging role of multi-omic spatial profiling for characterizing clinically relevant features including perineural invasion, tertiary lymphoid structures, and the tumor-stroma interface. Finally, we explore strategies for clinical integration and their augmentation of therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Gong et al. review how spatial tools have been used to study tumor ecosystems and their clinical applications. They discuss findings in spatial cancer biology, highlight the emerging role of multi-omic spatial profiling for characterizing clinically relevant features, and explore strategies for clinical integration and their augmentation of therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is becoming a promise for scientific advancement nowadays in areas like medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth and Withana somnifera (L) Dunal leaf extract via green synthetic pathway. The leaf of O. lamiifolium and W. somnifera were known to have strong antibiotic and antioxidant properties arising due to the presence of various secondary metabolites, including, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and phenolic compounds which serve as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents for the CuO-Nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were characterized based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. O. lamiifolium and W. somnifera leaf extract mediated synthesis could produce CuO NPs with average crystallite size of 15 nm and 19 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized CuO-NPs were further examined for antibacterial activity with Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). The GZDK-CuO NPs synthesized using W. somnifera leaf extract inhibited the growth of E. coli. and P. aeruginosa largely in comparison to S. aureus. Whereas the DMAZ-CuO NPs synthesized with the help of O. lamiifolium leaf extract showed higher bacterial inhibition on E. coli compared to S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of both types of NPs are also assessed on all three pathogens. The newly biosynthesized nanoparticles, thus, were found to be optional materials for inhibiting the growth of drug- resistant bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are a major threat to agricultural productivity, leading to significant yield losses. This review critically assesses the potential of nanotechnology in developing nanoherbicides as an effective alternative to traditional weed control methods. The properties and encapsulation techniques of various nanoparticles, including interfacial polymerization, in-situ polymerization, coacervation, and organic encapsulation, are analyzed to demonstrate how these methods enhance herbicide efficiency and specificity. A comprehensive literature review synthesizes recent advancements in organic encapsulation techniques, including liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, which enhance herbicide efficacy and targeted delivery. The findings indicate that nanotechnology can improve herbicide effectiveness by reducing required doses and minimizing off-target effects, enhancing stability and bioavailability. Key findings suggest that nanoherbicides can achieve targeted delivery and reduce off-target effects and environmental impact. Additionally, the review highlights evidence showing that nano-formulations can mitigate issues related to herbicide resistance by improving the stability and increasing the diversity of soil microbes. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity for further research into the long-term effects and practical applications of nanoherbicides in diverse agricultural settings. By integrating these innovative techniques, farmers can achieve more sustainable weed control, increasing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental risks. Future research should prioritize field trials to validate these findings and optimize application methods for diverse cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted widespread attention from researchers as an emerging cancer treatment method. There have been many reports on various types of NIR-II photosensitizers for imaging and treatment of tumor sites. However, there are few reports on the development of NIR-II organic small molecule photosensitizers that have intelligent response to the tumor microenvironment, precise imaging, real-time treatment, and high biocompatibility. In this work, we developed a series of NIR-II photosensitizers (RBTs) with near-infrared excitation, good photostability, and large Stokes shift. Among them, RBT-Br exhibited higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency due to the introduction of halogen heavy atoms to enhance intersystem crossing (ISC). It is noteworthy that RBT-Br can generate singlet oxygen (1O 2) and superoxide anion radicals (•O 2 −) simultaneously under 730 nm laser. Subsequently, we used molecular engineering technology to construct three pH-responsive NIR-II photosensitizers (RBT-pHs) by utilizing the closure of the lactam ring, among which RBT-pH-1 (p K a = 6.78) is able to be directionally activated under the stimulation of tumor micro-acid environment, with its fluorescence emission window reaching 933 nm. Subsequently, RBT-pH-1 NPs encapsulated in DSPE-mPEG 5k were applied for PDT treatment of mouse tumors. The results showed that RBT-pH-1 NPs were activated by the acidic tumor microenvironment and generated ROS under laser excitation, exhibiting precise tumor imaging and significant tumor growth inhibition. We look forward to these multifunctional NIR-II organic small molecule photosensitizers providing a more efficient approach for clinical treatment of tumors. A reversible pH-switchable NIR-II nano-photosensitizer RBT-pH-1 NPs (p K a = 6.76) is developed for precise imaging and PDT therapy of mouse tumors, which can be effectively used for targeted enrichment and activation of tumor micro-acid environments. The results show that this NIR-II photosensitizer generates ROS through tumor micro-acid environment stimulation and laser triggering, showing precise tumor imaging guidance and significant tumor growth inhibition. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity represents a considerable environmental risk, exerting deleterious effects on horticultural crops. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Among nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have been demonstrated to mitigate certain stress effects, including salinity. In the present study, the impact of CeO2 NPs (0, 25, and 100 mg L−1) on various morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical parameters, and the essential oil profile of spearmint plants under moderate (50 mM NaCl) and severe (100 mM NaCl) salinity stress conditions was examined. As expected, salinity reduced morphological parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots, as well as photosynthetic pigments, in comparison to control. Conversely, it led to an increase in the content of proline, total phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and antioxidant enzyme activities. In terms of CeO2 NP applications, they improved the salinity tolerance of spearmint plants by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowering MDA and H2O2 levels. However, CeO2 NPs at 100 mg L−1 had adverse effects on certain physiological parameters, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the applied concentration of CeO2 NPs. Considering the response of essential oil compounds, combination of salinity stress and CeO2 treatments led to an increase in the concentrations of L-menthone, pulegone, and 1,8-cineole, which are the predominant compounds in spearmint essential oil. In summary, foliar application of CeO2 NPs strengthened the resilience of spearmint plants against salinity stress, offering new insights into the potential use of CeO2 NP treatments to enhance crop stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone cancer primarily affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. The current gold standard for treatment of osteosarcoma patients consists of two to three rounds of chemotherapy, followed by extensive surgical intervention from total limb reconstruction to amputation, followed by additional rounds of chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of osteosarcoma significantly, the overall 5-year survival rate in resistant forms of osteosarcoma is still below 20%. The interaction between cancer and the immune system has long been recognized as a critical aspect of tumour growth. Tumour cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) suppress antitumour immunity, and immunosuppressive cells and cytokines provide the extrinsic factors of tumour drug resistance. Emerging research demonstrates an immunostimulatory role for the cGAS/STING pathway in osteosarcoma, typically considered an immunecold or immunosuppressed cancer type. cGAS/STING signalling appears to drive an innate immune response against tumours and potentiates the efficacy of other common therapies including chemo and radiotherapy. Nanotechnological delivery systems for improved therapy delivery for osteosarcoma have also been under investigation in recent years. This review provides an overview of cGAS/STING signalling, its divergent roles in the context of cancer, and collates current research which activates cGAS/STING as an adjuvant immunomodulatory target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. It will also discuss current nanotechnological delivery approaches that have been developed to stimulate cGAS/STING. Finally, it will highlight the future directions that we believe will be central to the development of this transformative field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet selective adsorption toward trifluralin, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was fabricated by the dummy template molecular imprinting technology. First, computational simulation was performed to select a suitable dummy template, 3,5‐dinitro‐4‐methylbenzoic acid (T1), based on the maximum basis set superposition error (BSSE)‐corrected binding interaction energy (ΔE) of the monomer N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP)‐T1 complex and its structural overlap with trifluralin. Then, the MIP was prepared via the bulk polymerization. The adsorption experiments showed the MIP exhibited a trifluralin adsorption capacity of 5.1 mg g−1, an imprinting factor (IF) of 2.2, and short adsorption equilibrium time of 5 min. The adsorption of trifluralin conformed to the Freundlich adsorption (R2 = 0.985) and pseudo‐second‐order model (R2 = 0.999). In addition, the MIP exhibited selectivity to trifluralin over other adsorbents, including structural analogs (pendimethalin and oryzalin), pesticide (carbendazim), and nitrocompounds (nitrofurantoin, furazolidone, and furaltadone), with the selectivity factor (β) in the range of 1.2–3.0, respectively. In trifluralin/oryzalin mixture, the IF toward oryzalin was still as high as 1.9. The removal rate of the MIP to trifluralin in environmental water samples ranged from 90.08% to 99.04%. This study provides theoretical and experimental insights for the preparation of MIP using dummy templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid advancements in nano‐exfoliation and dissolution strategies have effectively disassembled hierarchical biomass materials into nanosheets, nanofibers, and even atomic‐scale molecular chains, making them highly applicable in osmotic energy harvesting. However, sub‐nanosheets, situated between molecular chains and nanofibers, remain unexplored due to the demanding nature of their preparation methods. Herein, a pseudosolvent‐driven programmable ion intercalation‐exfoliation strategy is developed that triggers exfoliation along the lowest energy crystal plane (010), as simulations confirm. This method allows for the controlled exfoliation of chitin assemblies ranging from nanofibers to sub‐nanometer sheets and molecular chains. Specifically, compared to nanofibrils, sub‐nanometer sheet interfacial assembly exhibits higher surface charge density and interplanar spacing, leading to a 2.3‐fold increase in ion transport flux while maintaining high‐performance selective ion behavior, as confirmed by both experiments and molecular scale simulations, respectively. These enhancements result in superior ionic conductivity and power conversion performance (8.45 W m−2) under a 50‐fold salinity gradient, surpassing commercial standards (5.0 W m−2) and other all‐biomass membrane systems (Max. 2.87 W m−2). This work provides insights into the controlled exfoliation of biomass at the sub‐nanometer scale and enhancing osmotic energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to global agricultural challenges, this review examines the synergistic impact of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles on soil amelioration. Bioslurry, rich in N, P, K and beneficial microorganisms, combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly methods, demonstrates remarkable soil improvement capabilities. Their synergistic effects include enhanced nutrient availability through increased soil enzymatic activities, improved soil structure via stable aggregate formation, stimulated microbial activity particularly beneficial groups, enhanced water retention due to increased organic matter and modified soil surface properties and reduced soil pH fluctuations. These mechanisms significantly impact soil physico-chemical properties including cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and nutrient dynamics. This review analyses these effects and their implications for sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on crop yield improvements, reduced chemical fertilizer dependence and enhanced plant stress tolerance. Knowledge gaps such as long-term nanoparticle accumulation effects and impacts on non-target organisms are identified. Future research directions include optimizing bioslurry-nanoparticle ratios for various soil types and developing "smart" nanoparticle-enabled biofertilizers with controlled release properties. This innovative approach contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially enhancing global food security and supporting sustainable agriculture transitions. The integration of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles presents a promising solution to soil degradation and agricultural sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder where melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment, are destroyed by the immune system, leading to white patches on the skin and mucous membranes. This condition affects 0.4% to 2.0% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in females and often beginning in childhood. In India, about 1% of the population is affected, particularly in northern regions, with a higher incidence in females and links to other autoimmune diseases. This review examines recent progress in understanding vitiligo and its treatment. It focuses on the genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors involved in the disease and highlights new therapies, such as targeted molecular treatments and advanced repigmentation methods. Current research shows that oxidative stress and genetic predispositions contribute to the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Novel drug delivery systems, including liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanostructured lipid carriers, have improved treatment effectiveness. Clinical trials are exploring new treatments like Ruxolitinib cream and melanocyte transplantation, while teledermatology is becoming useful for managing patients. Vitiligo also poses a significant economic burden due to its impact on patients’ quality of life. Continued research is essential to develop better, more accessible treatments and reduce the economic impact of vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Selenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) were produced adopting an environmentally benign green synthetic approach from the waste biomaterial obtained from the apple peel extract (APE). The produced NPs were characterized through UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Visible spectra exhibited the absorption peak λmax at 295 nm, confirming the formation of Se‐NPs. The AFM examination revealed the roughness and distribution of the nanoparticles, and FT‐IR ascertained the surface‐contained functional groups presence. The XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the sample, and FE‐SEM validated the surface morphology and the size range of 52 to 84 nm. The TEM demonstrated the spherical shapes of the Se‐NPs with a face‐centered cubic crystal nature, whereas the size distribution analysis showed mean size of 70 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 500 μg mL−1 against Candida spp., namely, C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, and C. ciferrii, confirmed their anti‐fungal activity with the in control and minor statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the dissemination mean zones of inhibition for the Se‐NPs treatment against these fungi. The Se‐NPs effects on MexA gene expression demonstrated the efflux pump role in the anti‐fungal activity and gene's down regulation for the treated fungal strains. The Se‐NPs exhibited their anti‐fungal activity against the multi‐drug resistant microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chirality in inorganic nanostructures has recently stimulated the attention of many researchers, both to unravel fundamental questions on the origin of chirality in inorganic and hybrid materials, as well as to introduce novel promising properties that are originated by the symmetry breaking. MoS2 is one of the most investigated among the large family of layered transition metal dichalcogenides. In particular, the metastable metallic 1T−MoS2 phase is of large interest for potential applications. However, due to thermodynamic reasons, the synthesis of 1T−MoS2 phase is quite challenging. Herein, we present the first synthesis of chiral 1T−MoS2 phase which shows remarkably high chiroptical activity with a g‐factor up to 0.01. Chiral 1T−MoS2 was produced using tartaric acid as a chiral ligand to induce symmetry breaking during the material's growth under hydrothermal conditions, leading to the formation of distorted hierarchical nanosheet assemblies exhibiting chiral morphology. Thorough optimization of the synthetic conditions was carried out to maximize chiroptical activity, which is strongly related to the nanostructures' morphology. Finally, the formation mechanism of the chiral 1T−MoS2 nanosheet assemblies was investigated, focusing on the role of molecular intermediates in the growth of the nanosheets and the transfer of chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)‐mediated propulsion of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and microspheres (MSMs). Nanoparticles are heavily sought as vehicles for drug delivery, but their transport through tissue is often restricted. Here, MSNs and MSMs are hydrophobically modified and coated with phospholipids to facilitate inertial cavitation to promote propulsion under HIFU. Modified nanoparticles show significantly enhanced cavitation and propulsion, achieving a maximum displacement of 250 µm (≈2500 body length) and speed of ≈1600 µm s−1 (16 000 body length s−1), compared to unmodified nanoparticles (2 µm, 20 body length, 60 µm s−1, 600 body length). In contrast, microparticles demonstrate comparable cavitation responses. Modified microparticles reached a maximum speed of 4000 µm s−1 (800 body length s−1) and displacement of 230 µm (46 body length), and unmodified microparticles achieved 2000 µm s−1 (400 body length s−1) and 75 µm (15 body length). In all HIFU‐responsive samples, displacement and speed decreased with successive pulses, implying that particles fatigue with continued pulsing. Analyses of particle trajectories and rotational diffusion times suggest that cavitation occurs uniformly on particle surfaces rather than at specific sites. These principles are important for the design of future drug‐delivery vehicles capable of ultrasound‐triggered motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscience and Technology (NST) have revolutionized the world. It has led to many innovations since it entered our lives. Meanwhile, the number and quality of people trained in this field gained importance. Currently, initiatives are being taken to integrate this field into the primary education curriculum in many countries. This study focuses on integrating NST into the curriculum as a primary education topic. In this context, meta-synthesis research was used. First, developed countries' well-known initiatives on adapting NST to the curriculum will be discussed in the paper. Then, the works on NST in the literature, especially experimental ones, will be addressed. Finally, based on the results, some suggestions will be made for creating a curriculum in this field. Although there are differences in countries' curriculums, the basic knowledge necessary for education in this field is also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]