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This review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest non-toxic quantum dot (QD) synthesis strategies and their applications in optoelectronics and biomedical engineering. In addition, this review presents the development of synthetic approaches for non-heavy metal QDs that retain the desirable photophysical properties of their traditional counterparts while reducing their potential toxicity. We highlight the pivotal role of non-toxic QDs in advancing display technologies, focusing on their contribution to improving color purity and brightness in next-generation screens. In the biomedical field, applications of non-toxic QDs in bio-imaging, bio-sensing, and targeted drug delivery have been elaborated, emphasizing their enhanced biocompatibility and utility in precise diagnostics and therapeutics. The authors present insights and challenges underlining the transformative potential of non-toxic QDs for high-resolution display devices and advanced biomedical solutions to improve their functional attributes and safety for practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioanalysis based on optical imaging has gained significant progress in the last few decades. Luminescence probes are capable of detecting, monitoring, and tracing particular biomolecules in complex biological systems to figure out the roles of these molecules in organisms. Considering the rapid development of luminescence probes for bio-applications and their promising future, we have attempted to explore the working principles and recent advances in bio-applications of luminescence probes, in the hope of helping readers gain a detailed understanding of luminescence probes developed in recent years. In this review, we first focus on the current widely used luminescence probes, including fluorescence probes, bioluminescence probes, chemiluminescence probes, afterglow probes, photoacoustic probes, and Cerenkov luminescence probes. The working principles for each type of luminescence probe are concisely described and the bio-application of the luminescence probes is summarized by category, including metal ions detection, secretion detection, imaging, and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, silica nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention as biocompatible and stable templates for embedding noble metals. Noble-metal-embedded silica NPs utilize the exceptional optical properties of novel metals while overcoming the limitations of individual novel metal NPs. In addition, the structure of metal-embedded silica NPs decorated with small metal NPs around the silica core results in strong signal enhancement in localized surface plasmon resonance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This review summarizes recent studies on metal-embedded silica NPs, focusing on their unique designs and applications. The characteristics of the metal-embedded silica NPs depend on the type and structure of the embedded metals. Based on this progress, metal-embedded silica NPs are currently utilized in various spectroscopic applications, serving as nanozymes, detection and imaging probes, drug carriers, photothermal inducers, and bioactivation molecule screening identifiers. Owing to their versatile roles, metal-embedded silica NPs are expected to be applied in various fields, such as biology and medicine, in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xiujuan Peng,1 Li Xu,1 Min Zeng,2 Hao Dang1 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Mianyang (Sichuan Mental Health Center), Mianyang, Sichuan, 621000, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, 621010, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Min Zeng; Xiujuan Peng, Email zengmin@swust.edu.cn; 34472941@qq.comAbstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are coordination polymers that comprise metal ions/clusters and organic ligands. MOFs have been extensively employed in different fields (eg, gas adsorption, energy storage, chemical separation, catalysis, and sensing) for their versatility, high porosity, and adjustable geometry. To be specific, Fe2+/Fe3+ exhibits unique redox chemistry, photochemical and electrical properties, as well as catalytic activity. Fe-based MOFs have been widely investigated in numerous biomedical fields over the past few years. In this study, the key index requirements of Fe-MOF materials in the biomedical field are summarized, and a conclusion is drawn in terms of the latest application progress, development prospects, and future challenges of Fe-based MOFs as drug delivery systems, antibacterial therapeutics, biocatalysts, imaging agents, and biosensors in the biomedical field.Keywords: Fe-based MOFs, bio-application, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, green synthesis

Bioanalysis based on optical imaging has gained significant progress in the last few decades. Luminescence probes are capable of detecting, monitoring, and tracing particular biomolecules in complex biological systems to figure out the roles of these molecules in organisms. Considering the rapid development of luminescence probes for bio-applications and their promising future, we have attempted to explore the working principles and recent advances in bio-applications of luminescence probes, in the hope of helping readers gain a detailed understanding of luminescence probes developed in recent years. In this review, we first focus on the current widely used luminescence probes, including fluorescence probes, bioluminescence probes, chemiluminescence probes, afterglow probes, photoacoustic probes, and Cerenkov luminescence probes. The working principles for each type of luminescence probe are concisely described and the bio-application of the luminescence probes is summarized by category, including metal ions detection, secretion detection, imaging, and therapy.

Recently, silica nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention as biocompatible and stable templates for embedding noble metals. Noble-metal-embedded silica NPs utilize the exceptional optical properties of novel metals while overcoming the limitations of individual novel metal NPs. In addition, the structure of metal-embedded silica NPs decorated with small metal NPs around the silica core results in strong signal enhancement in localized surface plasmon resonance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This review summarizes recent studies on metal-embedded silica NPs, focusing on their unique designs and applications. The characteristics of the metal-embedded silica NPs depend on the type and structure of the embedded metals. Based on this progress, metal-embedded silica NPs are currently utilized in various spectroscopic applications, serving as nanozymes, detection and imaging probes, drug carriers, photothermal inducers, and bioactivation molecule screening identifiers. Owing to their versatile roles, metal-embedded silica NPs are expected to be applied in various fields, such as biology and medicine, in the future.

Auricularia auricula (A. auricula), is a medicinal and edible fungus in China for thousands of years with rich nutrition and delicious taste. The main active ingredient of A. auricula is polysaccharide, which has antitumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and immune regulation bioactivities. It is widely recognized that the biological activity of polysaccharides is closely related to the chemical structure and advanced structure. In terms of polysaccharides extracted from A. auricula (AAPs), there were distinguished structures reported due to the different original resources and extraction methods, leading to various bioactivities. However, the structure-activity relationship of AAPs has scarcely been reviewed till now. In addition, polysaccharides were found to have specific self-assembly properties recently, together with their bioactivities, endowing them with unique physicochemical properties. Nowadays, an increasing number of polysaccharides, such as cellulose, chitin, and pectin, have been used to construct various functional materials in the fields of food, cosmetics, and biomedical materials. Therefore, the construction of functional materials by AAPs is of great research significance. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the structure-activity relationship of AAPs and summarize the functional materials constructed based on AAPs to provide theoretical references for further research and application of AAPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzymes (cofactors) are essential for bio-redox reactions, group transfer reactions, and heterogeneous reactions of bio-enzymes, as well as the auxiliary transfer of electrons or atoms to promote bio-enzyme activity. However, when mimetic enzymes are scaled to the micro or nanoscale levels, both the absence of cofactor activity and the presence of migrating internal atoms cause self-depletion, eventually limiting sustained usage. Herein, cofactor regulation, a key issue long neglected in traditional mimetic enzyme construction is addressed. In particular, the construction of a mimetic enzyme with monomeric ferrocene is reported. The artificial enzyme consists of both a catalytic center (Fe 2+/3+ ) and a proximate structural unit (functional cyclopentadienyl). The reducing properties of cyclopentadienyl are used as a cofactor to decrease activation energy required to catalyze Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ , lower energy barriers to increase recycling, and, finally, promote electron transfer. This ferrocene-based mimetic enzyme can achieve non-depletion cycle catalysis by keeping the structures and properties of the enzyme constant after the catalytic reaction. Thus, this in situ self-assembly construction of mimetic enzymes using functionalized proximate structural units as cofactors offers a niche concept to solve the predicament of self-depletion such as that seen in traditional mimetic enzymes., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) is the main ingredient in the renewable biomass of cinnamon, which contains natural cinnamaldehyde. To valorize the value of cinnamaldehyde, two simple and useful compounds (1 and 2) from CEO were synthesized using a Schiff-base reaction and characterized by infrared spectra (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Compound 1 was used to confirm the presence of Fe3+ and ClO− in solution, as well as compound 2. Using fluorescence enhancement phenomena, it offered practicable linear relationship of 1’s fluorescence intensity and Fe3+ concentrations: (0–8.0 × 10−5 mol/L), y = 36.232x + 45.054, R2 = 0.9947, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.323 μM, as well as compound 2. With increasing fluorescence, F404/F426 of 1 and the ClO− concentration (0–1.0 × 10−4 mol/L) also had a linear relationship: y = 0.0392x + 0.5545, R2 = 0.9931, LOD = 0.165 μM. However, the fluorescence intensity of 2 (596 nm) was quenched by a reduced concentration of ClO−, resulting in a linear. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 were used to image human astrocytoma MG (U-251), brain neuroblastoma (LN-229) cells, and bamboo tissue by adding Fe3+ or ClO−, with clear intracellular fluorescence. Thus, the two compounds based on CEO could be used to dye cells and bamboo tissues by fluorescence technology.

Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) is a class of functional oligosaccharides that have been demonstrated with prebiotic activity over several decades. XOS has several advantages relative to other oligosaccharide molecules, such as promoting root development as a plant regulator, a sugar supplement for people, and prebiotics to promote intestinal motility utilization health. Now, the preparation and extraction process of XOS is gradually mature, which can maximize the extraction and avoid waste. To fully understand the recent preparation and application of XOS in different areas, we summarized the various technologies for obtaining XOS (including acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrothermal pretreatment, and alkaline extraction) and current applications of XOS, including in animal feed, human food additives, and medicine. It is hoped that this review will serve as an entry point for those looking into the prebiotic field of research, and perhaps begin to dedicate their work toward this exciting classification of bio-based molecules.

Viscosity is an important parameter in cells since it is closely related to a few severe human diseases. The development of fluorescent probes that can detect changes in intracellular viscosity has become an effective tool for monitoring the intracellular microenvironment. In this work, an efficient Schiff base molecular rotor, NaForm , is designed and synthesized by covalently linking a naphthol hydrazine derivative with the methyl 4-formylbenzoate group for the optical detection of viscosity changes. By increasing the viscosity of solvents, a significant enhancement of fluorescence for the probe at the yellow-green channel is observed. The probe also exhibits the advantages of high sensitivity and large Stokes shift of 128 nm. Both theoretical calculations and spectroscopic measurements suggest that the inhibition of chemical bond rotation between the hydrazine and the benzene ring leads to such a profound turn-on response. The successful applications of the probe in HeLa cells and zebrafish sufficiently demonstrate the privilege of NaForm as a practical viscosity-dependant chemosensor in aqueous samples and organisms. This chemosensor holds great promise for studying intracellular viscosity effects in various biological contexts. [Display omitted] • A Schiff base molecular rotor is designed to detect viscosity changes. • Increased solvent viscosity leads to a 24-fold enhanced emission intensity. • The TICT mechanism is suggested with the assistance of theoretical studies. • NaForm exhibits large Stokes shift, excellent stability and anti-interference. • Practical bioapplication of NaForm is demonstrated in HeLa cells and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important type of organic–inorganic hybrids, ionic and covalent polyoxometalate (POM) complexes with organic components have progressed rapidly over the past two decades. Due to the wide availability of organic building blocks and maneuverable combination styles, this field holds open opportunities now and in the near future. By abstracting the recent developments of POM complexes, some worthwhile topics are presented in this perspective. The important potentials of POM complexes are proposed to show in biological systems through ionic and covalent modification of biologically active molecules for immunosuppressive and therapeutic agents; in various functional materials with the incorporation of building and guest components for the construction of rigid/flexible nanostructures and frameworks; and in clean energy and environments via the combination of the photophysical and catalytic properties for chemical reactions with high efficiency.

Due to their similarity to some bio‐architectures, for example, extracellular matrix, hydrogels are considered as bio‐inspired networks with bio‐mimetic and bio‐functional properties. With natural cytocompatibility and biocompatibility, hydrogels nowadays are more and more involved in various bio‐applications including shape morphing, artificial muscles, soft robotics, regenerative medicine, and so on. As an important subclass, stimuli‐responsive hydrogels have been attracting interest within decades. In response to single or multi‐triggers in biological microenvironment, stimuli‐responsive hydrogels can undergo phase transition, stiffness change, or biochemical properties activation, which make them intriguing biomaterials with broad applications including sensing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. This review presents typical synthetic and natural gelators comprising small molecules and polymers as building blocks of functional architectures. The fabrication strategies of hydrogels varied from supramolecular assembly to dynamic covalent binding are detailed. Various exogenous or endogenous, physical or chemical, and synthetic or natural stimuli together with response mechanism, design principle are demonstrated. Through recent examples from different perspectives, such as bionic devices, wound dressing, and cargo carrier, the benefits and opportunities of stimuli‐responsive hydrogels for biological applications are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in view of translation from fundamental researches to clinical application are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxynitrite (ONOO - ) is a quintessential reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), renowned for its potent oxidizing and nitrifying capabilities. Under normal physiological conditions, a baseline level of ONOO - is present within the body. However, its production escalates significantly in response to oxidative stress. ONOO - is highly reactive with various biomolecules in vivo , particularly proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, thereby playing a role in a spectrum of physiological and pathological processes, such as inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, detecting ONOO - in vivo is of paramount importance for understanding the etiology of various diseases and facilitating early diagnosis. Fluorescent probes have become a staple in the identification of biomolecules due to their ease of use, convenience, and superior sensitivity and specificity. This review highlights the recent advancements in the development of fluorescent probes for the detection of ONOO - in diverse disease models and provides an in-depth examination of their design and application.

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic outbreak has affected the lives of people globally on many different levels. Whilst a few antiviral drugs have been recommended for COVID‐19, there are no dedicated drugs available for this disease, yet. A virus pandemic could potentially induce severe public health threats, as well as economic and social consequences. Therefore, the discovery of effective, safe, and inexpensive antiviral agents is of great importance. Graphene has extraordinary properties. A series of successful biomedical applications involving graphene/graphene‐hybrid nanocomposites (G/GHNs) have been reported in recent years, including graphene‐based biosensor and related drug delivery system. This review is focused on the properties, synthesis routes, and applications of G/GHNs in antiviral therapy aiming to understand and highlight the unique properties of graphene and its derivatives, particularly for antiviral therapy, to evaluate and discuss the quality of graphene prepared via various preparation methods, to present the recent development of G/GHNs and their antiviral activities in prevention, detection and treatment, to offer perspective outlooks on the role of G/GHNs in antiviral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz (ASFT), belonging to the family of Betulaceae, grows naturally in Asia, Europe, and America. The aims of this study are determining the efficacy of various biomarkers related to hair loss, evaluated by extracting the branch with 60% alcohol, and purely separating diarylheptanoid oregonin, an indicator and active substance, from 60% alcohol extract of the tree. To determine the preventive effects on hair loss, we investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity on human hair dermal papilla cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Western blotting analysis for proving of apoptosis-related marker alteration, respectively. Moreover, we examined the ameliorative effects of 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin against changes of oxidative stress-induced cytokine and testosterone-induced dihydrotestosterone production as crucial pathways of the hair loss mechanism. These results suggest that 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin were available as novel natural materials for maintaining hair health in mammals.

Bamboo shoots are a renewable and abundant biomass containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Although many studies have explored the applications of each of these components in the preparation of biochemicals and biopolymers, few studies have evaluated the utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement. In this study, a powder consisting of the main components of bamboo shoots (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) was prepared from fresh Phyllostachys praecox shoots and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. To evaluate the potential utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement, we conducted an experiment in which this powder was supplemented in the diet of mice for 7 weeks. The experiment included three diet groups (n = 10/group): a low-fat control diet (LFC), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with bamboo shoot powder (HFBSP). Compared with HFD mice, the body weights of LFC and HFBSP mice were lower, indicating that the addition of bamboo shoot powder could reduce the weight gain associated with the HFD. Bamboo shoot powder supplementation could also reduce the levels of triglycerides (TG), blood glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in HFD mice. The fat histology images indicated that obesity was alleviated in HFBSP mice, and the liver histology images indicated that the addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD could reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. The addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD might also improve the gut microbiota of mice. Thus, the major components of bamboo shoot powder (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) could be used as beneficial natural additives in the food industry.

The effect of the solar irradiation on the structure and optical properties of Gafchromic films has been investigated for bio applications. Gafchromic (EBT2 series) films were exposed to different irradiation times (0–120 min) via a solar simulator under AM1.5 conditions. The structural variations of the prepared films were examined using FT–IR spectrophotometry. UV–visible-NIR spectra measurements were recorded to explore the optical properties. The absorbance spectra of the irradiated films increase as the irradiation time increases up to 120 min. The obtained optical bandgap of the prepared films decreases from 2.45 eV to–2.24 eV as the irradiation time increases from 0 to 120 min. Moreover, the increase in the irradiation time up to 120 min. results in an increase in the refractive index (n) and the dielectric constant values in the investigated UV–visible-NIR regions. According to our knowledge, this is the first time that the effect of the solar irradiation on the Gafchromic films has been investigated. Our novel results greatly recommend the use of the Gafchromic films (EBT2 series) in sensors, dosimetry and bio-applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous materials with high specific surface, pores volume and unique pore size were recently intensively studied as bio-materials, such as carriers for controlled bio-active principles delivery. Mesoporous silica materials exhibit greater capacity for drugs loading and insure a controlled bio-active compound release if they are functionalized, in comparison with amorphous colloidal silica. Mesoporous silica nanomaterials have lately earned increasing interest also due to their substantial capability to be used in tumors treatment and imaging. Recently, functionalized mesoporous silica materials known a rapid development in imagistic and curative applications. This review summarizes the recent advancement in the obtaining and biological properties of mesoporous silica nanomaterials, emphasizing the synthesis methods and drug delivery application. Commonly used synthetic strategies are discussed, followed by a systematic review of applicability in optical and MRI imaging.

Bicarbonate ions are the primary source of inorganic carbon for autotrophic organisms living in aquatic environments. In the present study, we evaluated the short-term (hours) effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) addition on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of the green algae Chlorella sorokiniana (211/8k). Bicarbonate was added to nonaxenic cultures at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g L−1 leading to a significant increase in biomass especially at the highest salt concentration (3 g L−1) and also showing a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect that helped to keep a reduced microbial load in the algal culture. Furthermore, bicarbonate stimulated the increase in cellular content of chlorophyll a, improving the photosynthetic performance of cells. Since microalgae of genus Chlorella spp. show great industrial potential for the production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, health, and dietary supplements and the use of bicarbonate as a source of inorganic carbon led to short-term responses in Chlorella sorokiniana, this method represents a valid alternative not only to the insufflation of carbon dioxide for the intensive cultures but also for the production of potentially bioactive compounds in a short period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, high-moment magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) such as FeCo are attracting intense interest for biomedical applications. The synthesized FeCo MNPs have the specific saturation magnetization up to 226 emu/g that is more than three times higher than that of iron oxide MNPs (~ 70–80 emu/g). Core-shell MNPs are also synthesized to enhance the functionality of high-moment MNPs. Shells like SiO2, Au, and Ag are used for these high-moment MNPs to improve biocompatibility. The sputtering-based gas-phase condensation approach to synthesize high-moment MNPs and core-shell nanostructures are reviewed. The applications of these high-moment MNPs such as magnetic hyperthermia, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biosensing are summarized. The heating efficiency of magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery could be significantly enhanced by using high-moment MNPs. MNPs with different crystallinity and shapes (such as cubic, spherical, triangular, and octahedral shapes) are also summarized due to their potential applications in MRI. High-moment MNPs could also provide more magnetic signals for giant magnetoresistance (GMR)-based biosensors, which are also reviewed. We believe that the high-moment MNPs are promising candidates for many bio-applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a simple method of silica coating of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to obtain well-crystalline particles that remain small and not agglomerated after high-temperature post-annealing, and produce bright visible emission when pumped with near-infrared light. This enables many interesting biological applications, including high-contrast and deep tissue imaging, quantum sensing and super-resolution microscopy. These VO4-based UNCPs are an attractive alternative to fluoride-based crystals for water-based biosensing applications.

Abstract The most challenging task in the preparation of magnetic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (Fe3O4-PNIPAAm) nanocomposites for bio-applications is to maximise their reactivity and stability. Emulsion polymerisation, in situ precipitation and physical addition were used to produce Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-1, Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-2 and Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-3, respectively. Their properties were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (morphology), zeta-potential (surface charge), thermogravimetric analysis (stability), vibrating sample magnetometry (magnetisation) and dynamic light scattering. Moreover, we investigated the antibacterial effect of each nanocomposite against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Both Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-1 and Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-2 nanocomposites displayed high thermal stability, zeta potential and magnetisation values, suggesting stable colloidal systems. Overall, the presence of Fe3O4-PNIPAAm nanocomposites, even at lower concentrations, caused significant damage to both E. coli and S. aureus DNA and led to a decrease in cell viability. Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-1 displayed a stronger antimicrobial effect against both bacterial strains than Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-2 and Fe3O4-PNIPAAm-3. Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli to all three magnetic PNIPAAm nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed by metal ions (or metal clusters) and organic ligands through coordination bonds into 2D or 3D extended periodic network structures have developed rapidly in the last two decades, and showed great promising for numerous applications such as gas storage, separation, chemical sensing, catalysis, nonlinear optics, and potential biomedical applications. • Biological metal-organic frameworks (BioMOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials developed in last decade, which belongs to a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Biomolecules introduced as components of MOFs endow biological compatibility for this emerging type of materials, which would provide new opportunities of applications in the biology, medicine, and a variety of application fields. Since the special function group of the bio-ligands and abundant interaction sites with guest make BioMOFs become excellent host frameworks for molecular recognition, biomimetic catalysis and various fields. In this sense, it is expected that BioMOFs will become a superstar in the field of smart materials. • In this review, to focus the host-guest chemistry and the application of biology and biochemistry, we overview recent examples of BioMOFs made of multifunctional biomolecular ligands and transition metal ions. The bio-ligands include nucleobase, amino acid, polypeptide, protein, cyclodextrin, porphyrin and metalloporphyrin. Host-guest chemistry of BioMOFs is highlighted in light of supramolecular recognition. The potential applications of BioMOFs in several promising research fields are summarized. In the last section, an outlook and possible challenges in advancing these research topics are also pointed out. Abstract Biological metal–organic frameworks (BioMOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials developed in the last decade that represent a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Biomolecules introduced as components of MOFs confer biological compatibility for this emerging type of material, thus providing new opportunities for applications in biology, medicine, and a variety of other fields. In this review, to focus on host–guest chemistry and applications in biology and biochemistry, we provide an overview of recent examples of BioMOFs comprising multifunctional biomolecular ligands and transition metal ions. The bio-ligands include nucleobases, amino acids, polypeptides, proteins, cyclodextrin, porphyrin/metalloporphyrin and others. The host–guest chemistry of BioMOFs is highlighted in light of supramolecular recognition by different technologies. The potential applications of BioMOFs in several promising research fields such as drug delivery, enantioseparation and biomimetic catalysis are also summarized. In the last section, the outlook and possible challenges in advancing these research topics are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is devoted to the medical application of silver nanoparticles produced as a result of “green” synthesis using various living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants). The proposed mechanisms of AgNPs synthesis and the action mechanisms on target cells are highlighted.

Bicarbonate ions are the primary source of inorganic carbon for autotrophic organisms living in aquatic environments. In the present study, we evaluated the short-term (hours) effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) addition on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of the green algae Chlorella sorokiniana (211/8k). Bicarbonate was added to nonaxenic cultures at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g L−1 leading to a significant increase in biomass especially at the highest salt concentration (3 g L−1) and also showing a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect that helped to keep a reduced microbial load in the algal culture. Furthermore, bicarbonate stimulated the increase in cellular content of chlorophyll a, improving the photosynthetic performance of cells. Since microalgae of genus Chlorella spp. show great industrial potential for the production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, health, and dietary supplements and the use of bicarbonate as a source of inorganic carbon led to short-term responses in Chlorella sorokiniana, this method represents a valid alternative not only to the insufflation of carbon dioxide for the intensive cultures but also for the production of potentially bioactive compounds in a short period.

Micro directional wrinkles are widely used to functionalize the surface inside micro chips. In this paper, a nano-second laser, with the assistance of pre-strain stress, was applied to prepare tunable wrinkles on the surface of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane). Experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of the pre-strain stress and the laser fluence on the wrinkles, like the direction and the wavelength. It was noticed that wrinkles prepared in the process grown vertically to the direction of the pre-strain stress. The wrinkles wavelength increased from about 500 nm to 2.5 μm when the power shifted from 5W to 8W. And strengthening the pre-strain stress sharply reduced the wavelength at the beginning then the trend was slowed down and some cracks were observed. And the end, a model was proposed to tune the pattern of wrinkles by precisely control pre-strain stress and the laser power. With that, several pattern of wrinkles was prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most challenging task in the preparation of magnetic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (FeO-PNIPAAm) nanocomposites for bio-applications is to maximise their reactivity and stability. Emulsion polymerisation, in situ precipitation and physical addition were used to produce FeO-PNIPAAm-1, FeO-PNIPAAm-2 and FeO-PNIPAAm-3, respectively. Their properties were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (morphology), zeta-potential (surface charge), thermogravimetric analysis (stability), vibrating sample magnetometry (magnetisation) and dynamic light scattering. Moreover, we investigated the antibacterial effect of each nanocomposite against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Both FeO-PNIPAAm-1 and FeO-PNIPAAm-2 nanocomposites displayed high thermal stability, zeta potential and magnetisation values, suggesting stable colloidal systems. Overall, the presence of FeO-PNIPAAm nanocomposites, even at lower concentrations, caused significant damage to both E. coli and S. aureus DNA and led to a decrease in cell viability. FeO-PNIPAAm-1 displayed a stronger antimicrobial effect against both bacterial strains than FeO-PNIPAAm-2 and FeO-PNIPAAm-3. Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli to all three magnetic PNIPAAm nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies of non-supported bimetallic nanoparticle (BMNP) dispersions, stabilized by ligands or polymers, and copolymers, were started only about 10 years ago. Several preparative procedures have been proposed, and full characterizations on BMNPs have been approved. Studies on BMNPs received huge attention from both scientific and technological communities because most of the NPs’ catalytic activity depends on their structural aspects. In this study, we focus on the preparation, properties, and bio-application of BMNPs and introduction of the recent advance in these NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Magnetic properties of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) depend on various parameters, such as size, size distribution, interparticle distance, shape, condition of synthesis and stabilizing surfactants. Nowadays, those magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are preferably produced in hydrophobic organic solvents, while biomedical applications need hydrophilic properties. Thus, a major challenge is the hydrophilization of the particles, while avoiding destabilization and aggregation. Here we present magnetic characteristics of non-interacting, highly crystalline iron oxide NPs in physiological solutions that are coated with modified polyacrylic acid. The magnetic analysis comprised both static and dynamic magnetic behaviour of 4 nm NPs. The NPs have been further characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, perylenediimide-cored (PDI-cored) dendrimers have been successfully prepared and applied in various fields. In this review, we focus on the structural design and synthesis strategies of PDI-cored dendrimers that involve convergent and divergent synthesis approaches. When building the outer shell of PDI-cored dendrimers, first hydrophobic and then hydrophilic macromolecules are introduced. The advantages of water-soluble PDI-cored dendrimers include strong red fluorescence, excellent photostability, low cytotoxicity, high quantum yield, and versatile surface modification. The biological application of water-soluble PDI-cored dendrimers is broad, including fluorescence live-cell imaging, fluorescent labeling, and gene delivery, owing to the rapid development of these materials in the past decade. The challenges and outlooks in this field will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with appropriate surface chemistry have been widely used. Au coated form of SPION or bimetallic nanocomposite have also gained considerable interest of scientists because of their unique and tunable properties. In this study we attempt to design a uniform gold nano seed decorated SPION having affinity towards biomolecular attachment. The design has been optimized to estimate the number of gold nano-seeds by various mathematical models to cover up the magnetic core with uniform distribution. Computational modeling has also been used in the design. The process of wet lab synthesis of the designed nanocomposite has also been developed. Finally the characterization proves the successful design and synthesis of the desired nanocomposite. Provision of biomolecular attachment onto the nanocomposite serves as a possible diverse application of this nanocomposite in various biological systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) is a class of functional oligosaccharides that have been demonstrated with prebiotic activity over several decades. XOS has several advantages relative to other oligosaccharide molecules, such as promoting root development as a plant regulator, a sugar supplement for people, and prebiotics to promote intestinal motility utilization health. Now, the preparation and extraction process of XOS is gradually mature, which can maximize the extraction and avoid waste. To fully understand the recent preparation and application of XOS in different areas, we summarized the various technologies for obtaining XOS (including acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrothermal pretreatment, and alkaline extraction) and current applications of XOS, including in animal feed, human food additives, and medicine. It is hoped that this review will serve as an entry point for those looking into the prebiotic field of research, and perhaps begin to dedicate their work toward this exciting classification of bio-based molecules., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Huang, Yu, Li, Yan, Pei and Wu.)

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) is the main ingredient in the renewable biomass of cinnamon, which contains natural cinnamaldehyde. To valorize the value of cinnamaldehyde, two simple and useful compounds ( 1 and 2 ) from CEO were synthesized using a Schiff-base reaction and characterized by infrared spectra (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Compound 1 was used to confirm the presence of Fe 3+ and ClO - in solution, as well as compound 2 . Using fluorescence enhancement phenomena, it offered practicable linear relationship of 1 's fluorescence intensity and Fe 3+ concentrations: (0-8.0 × 10 -5  mol/L), y = 36.232 x + 45.054, R 2 = 0.9947, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.323 μM, as well as compound 2 . With increasing fluorescence, F 404 /F 426 of 1 and the ClO - concentration (0-1.0 × 10 -4  mol/L) also had a linear relationship: y = 0.0392 x + 0.5545, R 2 = 0.9931, LOD = 0.165 μM. However, the fluorescence intensity of 2 (596 nm) was quenched by a reduced concentration of ClO - , resulting in a linear. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 were used to image human astrocytoma MG (U-251), brain neuroblastoma (LN-229) cells, and bamboo tissue by adding Fe 3+ or ClO - , with clear intracellular fluorescence. Thus, the two compounds based on CEO could be used to dye cells and bamboo tissues by fluorescence technology., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yang, Guo, Yang and Wu.)

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) were first discovered by Richard P. Blakemore in 1975, and this led to the discovery of a wide collection of microorganisms with similar features i.e., the ability to internalize Fe and convert it into magnetic nanoparticles, in the form of either magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). Studies showed that these particles are highly crystalline, monodisperse, bioengineerable and have high magnetism that is comparable to those made by advanced synthetic methods, making them candidate materials for a broad range of bio-applications. In this review article, the history of the discovery of MTB and subsequent efforts to elucidate the mechanisms behind the magnetosome formation are briefly covered. The focus is on how to utilize the knowledge gained from fundamental studies to fabricate functional MTB nanoparticles (MTB-NPs) that are capable of tackling real biomedical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a simple method of silica coating of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to obtain well-crystalline particles that remain small and not agglomerated after high-temperature post-annealing, and produce bright visible emission when pumped with near-infrared light. This enables many interesting biological applications, including high-contrast and deep tissue imaging, quantum sensing and super-resolution microscopy. These VO4-based UNCPs are an attractive alternative to fluoride-based crystals for water-based biosensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is devoted to the medical application of silver nanoparticles produced as a result of "green" synthesis using various living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants). The proposed mechanisms of AgNPs synthesis and the action mechanisms on target cells are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz (ASFT), belonging to the family of Betulaceae, grows naturally in Asia, Europe, and America. The aims of this study are determining the efficacy of various biomarkers related to hair loss, evaluated by extracting the branch with 60% alcohol, and purely separating diarylheptanoid oregonin, an indicator and active substance, from 60% alcohol extract of the tree. To determine the preventive effects on hair loss, we investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity on human hair dermal papilla cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Western blotting analysis for proving of apoptosis-related marker alteration, respectively. Moreover, we examined the ameliorative effects of 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin against changes of oxidative stress-induced cytokine and testosterone-induced dihydrotestosterone production as crucial pathways of the hair loss mechanism. These results suggest that 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin were available as novel natural materials for maintaining hair health in mammals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Ha, Yun, Si, Bae, Jeong, Park and Choi.)

Bamboo shoots are a renewable and abundant biomass containing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Although many studies have explored the applications of each of these components in the preparation of biochemicals and biopolymers, few studies have evaluated the utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement. In this study, a powder consisting of the main components of bamboo shoots (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) was prepared from fresh Phyllostachys praecox shoots and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. To evaluate the potential utility of these components as a dietary fiber supplement, we conducted an experiment in which this powder was supplemented in the diet of mice for 7 weeks. The experiment included three diet groups ( n = 10/group): a low-fat control diet (LFC), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with bamboo shoot powder (HFBSP). Compared with HFD mice, the body weights of LFC and HFBSP mice were lower, indicating that the addition of bamboo shoot powder could reduce the weight gain associated with the HFD. Bamboo shoot powder supplementation could also reduce the levels of triglycerides (TG), blood glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in HFD mice. The fat histology images indicated that obesity was alleviated in HFBSP mice, and the liver histology images indicated that the addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD could reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. The addition of bamboo shoot powder to the HFD might also improve the gut microbiota of mice. Thus, the major components of bamboo shoot powder (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) could be used as beneficial natural additives in the food industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Yang, Wu, Yang and Pan.)