Review
Polymer Science
Harish K. Handral, Tom Adam Wyrobnik, Alan Tin-Lun Lam
Summary: Microcarriers (MCs) are versatile therapeutic tools used in regenerative medicine and drug delivery. They can expand therapeutic cells, serve as tissue engineering scaffolds, and carry drugs and therapeutic compounds. Biodegradable MCs offer solutions to production challenges and can deliver cells at target sites without compromising quality or yield.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tian Hao, Yao Wang, Zhipeng Liu, Jie Li, Liangang Shan, Wenchao Wang, Jixian Liu, Jianguo Tang
Summary: Research on nano-modification of polyester using silica nanoparticles has shown great potential in improving crystalline properties, enhancing strength, and fabricating fluorescent polyester. The focus is on synthesis approaches for silica modifiers, surface modification methods, and processing techniques of silica-polyester nanocomposites to enhance the properties of composite materials. This work aims to provide guidance for researchers working in the fields of silica nanoparticles and modifying polyester.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ayla Hoogendoorn, Thomas D. Avery, Jiahe Li, Christina Bursill, Andrew Abell, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Fumarates have shown efficacy in treating psoriasis and multiple sclerosis due to their antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, their exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood, requiring further research. Consideration of administration route, dosage, treatment timing, frequency, and duration is important in optimizing their clinical application.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ubaid Ur Rahman, Muhammad Humayun, Usman Ghani, Muhammad Usman, Habib Ullah, Adil Khan, Nashwa M. El-Metwaly, Abbas Khan
Summary: Due to their unique layered microstructure, presence of various functional groups, earth abundance, and attractive electrical, optical, and thermal properties, MXenes are considered promising materials for addressing energy and environmental challenges. This review provides an overview of the fabrication, properties, and potential applications of MXenes, as well as the enhancement of their properties and applications through modification and functionalization approaches.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liwei Wang, Di Wang, Zhaoming Ye, Jianbin Xu
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted transport vesicles that play a role in intercellular and inter-organismal communication. EVs can be engineered to deliver bioactivators in therapy, and this review article discusses various aspects of EV engineering, applications in different diseases, and the challenges and possible strategies in EV-based therapies.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Reihaneh Jamshidi, Mehrnoosh Taghavimehr, Yuanfen Chen, Nicole Hashemi, Reza Montazami
Summary: Transient technology plays an important role in sustainable system design and implementation, widely used in medical implants, environmental sensors, and hardware-secured devices; Controlled disintegration of systems without harsh solvents is a step towards achieving green and sustainable electronics.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica N. Ziegler, Changhai Tian
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound vesicles used by cells to deliver biological cargo, and engineered EVs show great promise in targeted therapy and cargo delivery for human diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruoyao Li, Zhengbao Zha, Zhaohua Miao, Cheng-Yan Xu
Summary: This review summarizes the synthesis and biomedical applications of two-dimensional pnictogens, including biosensors, diagnosis, and therapy. It provides an overview of the structure, properties, synthesis strategies, and biocompatibility of these materials, as well as their applications in various biomedical fields. The major challenges and opportunities of two-dimensional pnictogens are also discussed.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tahir Rasheed
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have wide applications in various fields, and their stability is sensitive to water or moisture. Strong water-stability is rare in early-stage MOFs, but more water-stable MOFs (WSMOFs) have been discovered in recent years. This review discusses the variables and processes affecting the aqueous stability of different MOFs, and aims to assist researchers in accurately evaluating the impact of water on MOF stability and identifying effective techniques for the development of WSMOFs and their applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bo Sun, Jie Zhang, Maolin Wang, Shixiang Yu, Yao Xu, Shuheng Tian, Zirui Gao, Dequan Xiao, Guosheng Liu, Wu Zhou, Meng Wang, Ding Ma
Summary: The authors developed a two-step catalytic process to convert PLA into methyl methacrylate, achieving sustainable valorization of waste PLA and reducing CO2 emissions.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Satheesh kumar Balu, Swetha Andra, S. Chitra, Ramya Ramadoss, Y. Ravi Kumar, Manickam Selvaraj, Hamed A. Ghramh, Mohammed A. Assiri, Sakar Mohan
Summary: MXenes have gained significant importance in various applications in the fields of energy, environment, and healthcare. Their tunable surface chemistry and nano-dimensional layered features make them a versatile material with improved multifunctional properties compared to other two-dimensional materials. This review focuses on the synthesis processes, characterizations, and antimicrobial properties of MXenes, and elucidates their mechanisms of action against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The future perspective of MXenes for biomedical applications is also discussed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Myeong Hwan Lee, Jongha Lee, Sung-Kyun Jung, Dayoung Kang, Myung Soo Park, Gi Doo Cha, Kyoung Won Cho, Jun-Hyuk Song, Sehwan Moon, Young Soo Yun, Seok Joo Kim, Young Woon Lim, Dae-Hyeong Kim, Kisuk Kang
Summary: The production of rechargeable batteries is rapidly expanding, introducing new challenges in minimizing the environmental impact of disposing used batteries. A novel eco-friendly and biodegradable sodium-ion secondary battery has been developed, with each component decomposing into non-toxic compounds or elements in nature, offering a potential eco-friendly paradigm for large-scale rechargeable battery systems.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Ding, Zhenqian Pang, Kai Lan, Yuan Yao, Guido Panzarasa, Lin Xu, Marco Lo Ricco, Douglas R. Rammer, J. Y. Zhu, Ming Hu, Xuejun Pan, Teng Li, Ingo Burgert, Liangbing Hu
Summary: The building sector is responsible for a significant amount of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Developing carbon-storage materials and novel designs using wood has the potential to address sustainability challenges and mitigate climate change.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Junlie Yao, Chenyang Yao, Aoran Zhang, Xiawei Xu, Aiguo Wu, Fang Yang
Summary: Mechanical forces have a significant impact on cell fate regulation, leading to the rapid development and popularization of mechanobiology. Magnetic fields in combination with intelligent materials featuring magnetic responsiveness have emerged as a spatially and time-controlled transducing paradigm to generate magnetomechanical forces and induce therapeutic effects. Recent advancements in magnetic materials and magnetic regulation systems provide opportunities for precise manipulation of magnetomechanical forces. Potential applications of magnetomechanical force, including drug controlled release, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine, are highlighted in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the scientific limitations and directions for the further development of magnetomechanical force are discussed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Peng Gao, Xin Chang, Dagan Zhang, Yafei Cai, Gen Chen, Hao Wang, Tianfu Wang
Summary: Therapeutic nanoparticles designed to enhance treatment efficacy leverage the unique properties of bio-inspired metal nanoclusters, which have advantages like tunable fluorescent capability and good biocompatibility. These bio-inspired metal nanoclusters can effectively combine fluorescent inorganic moieties with biomolecules to create molecular nanoparticles for targeted therapy and bioimaging.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dawei Xi, Jiayi Li, Jingxiang Low, Keke Mao, Ran Long, Jiawei Li, Zehui Dai, Tianyi Shao, Yuan Zhong, Yu Li, Zibiao Li, Xian Jun Loh, Li Song, Enyi Ye, Yujie Xiong
Summary: Carbon-supported Ni single-atom catalysts with precisely controlled single-atom structure achieved through joule heating strategy show superior performance in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction, with 80% of N dopants coordinated with metal elements, thereby avoiding unfavorable N species and demonstrating unprecedented activity, selectivity, and stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caixia Yuan, Yucen Yao, Tao Liu, Ying Jin, Chunrong Yang, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: Depression is a common mental illness, and inflammation is considered a significant factor in its development. This review systematically sorts the literature on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms that have an antidepressant effect and summarizes the natural compounds related to inflammation in the past 20 years.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yi Han, Lu Jiang, Huihui Shi, Chenfang Xu, Minting Liu, Qingjian Li, Lan Zheng, Hong Chi, Mingyue Wang, Zuguo Liu, Mingliang You, Xian Jun Loh, Yun-Long Wu, Zibiao Li, Cheng Li
Summary: The development of a novel temperature-sensitive hydrogel can improve the solubility and retention time of drugs on the ocular surface, providing an effective treatment for dry eye.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongwei Cheng, Xiaoshan Fan, Enyi Ye, Hu Chen, Jing Yang, Lingjie Ke, Mingliang You, Minting Liu, Yong-Wei Zhang, Yun-Long Wu, Gang Liu, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: This study presents a novel material system using a glucose and TEMPO copolymer to encapsulate clinical therapeutics and a photosensitizer, achieving targeted therapy and multimodal imaging of tumors. The efficient delivery of the therapeutics leads to antitumor immune activation through photodynamic therapy and CD47 inhibition, reshaping the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunoresponsive.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Indranil Dutta, Sudipta Chatterjee, Hongfei Cheng, Rajesh Kumar Parsapur, Zhaolin Liu, Zibiao Li, Enyi Ye, Hajime Kawanami, Jonathan Sze Choong Low, Zhiping Lai, Xian Jun Loh, Kuo-Wei Huang
Summary: The storage and utilization of low-carbon electricity and decarbonization of transportation are crucial for the energy transition into a low-carbon economy. Formic acid (FA) is considered a promising energy carrier due to its high hydrogen storage capacity and low risk. This perspective summarizes recent developments in catalysts for FA dehydrogenation and high-pressure hydrogen production, highlighting the advantages and limitations of FA-to-power options. Existing life cycle assessment and economic analysis studies are reviewed to discuss the feasibility and future potential of FA as a fuel.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri, Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo, Qiang Zhu, Enyi Ye, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: The excessive production and consumption of oil-based plastics are major contributors to global warming and increased carbon footprint. The majority of plastic waste ends up in the oceans, accounting for about 80% of marine debris. To address this pollution problem, a shift towards eco-friendly and marine-biodegradable plastics is necessary, with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) standing out as the best choice due to their ability to degrade in soil and marine environments. PHAs are also favored for their biocompatibility, structural variety, and similarity to conventional plastics in terms of physical properties. This article comprehensively explores the production, applications, and recycling strategies of PHA plastics, as well as the impact of end-of-life strategies and life cycle assessment (LCA) on the environment.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Solco Samantha Faye Duran, Danwei Zhang, Wei Yang Samuel Lim, Jing Cao, Hongfei Liu, Qiang Zhu, Chee Kiang Ivan Tan, Jianwei Xu, Xian Jun Loh, Ady Suwardi
Summary: Thermoelectric materials have the ability to convert waste heat into electricity, with high-temperature thermoelectrics being particularly attractive due to factors like light weight, abundance, and low cost. This review focuses on the usage of high-temperature thermoelectric generators in commercial aviation and space voyages, emphasizing silicon-based compounds and recent works on recycled silicon and their thermoelectric properties. Insights from this review can guide sustainable recycling of e-waste into thermoelectrics for power harvesting.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
W. W. Loh, Q. Lin, C. C. Lim, L. Guo, Y. K. Tang, X. J. Loh, J. Y. C. Lim
Summary: Common inorganic salts have significant effects on the gelation and micellization properties of thermogelling polymers, with the type and concentration of salts being able to alter the properties of the thermogel, likely through changes in solvation of the polymer's hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, as well as direct interactions with hydrophobic polymer segments. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of salts in engineering and optimizing thermogel properties for various biomedical applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Panqin Ma, Lu Jiang, Xi Luo, Jiayun Chen, Qi Wang, Ying Chen, Enyi Ye, Xian Jun Loh, Caisheng Wu, Yun-Long Wu, Zibiao Li
Summary: An injectable in situ hydrogel with thermal responsiveness and prolonged drug release capabilities was studied as a drug delivery system for liver cancer treatment. The hydrogels were created using specific chemical cross-linking materials and showed potential for sustained drug release. The study investigated the hydrogels' chemical composition, thermal properties, rheological characteristics, gelation period, and drug release behavior.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liuzhou Mao, Panqin Ma, Xi Luo, Hongwei Cheng, Zhanxiang Wang, Enyi Ye, Xian Jun Loh, Yun-Long Wu, Zibiao Li
Summary: The development of nanovaccines that use polymeric delivery carriers has gained significant attention for therapeutic treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Stimuli-responsive polymeric nanocarriers have shown promise for targeted delivery of antigens and adjuvants, improving immune responses and immunotherapy. This review presents the recent advancements in stimulus-responsive polymer-based nanovaccines for immunotherapeutic applications and discusses strategies for future designs of multifunctional polymeric nanovaccines.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuyi Liu, Qi Wang, Yun-Long Wu
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts patients' lives and can be life-threatening. Recent studies have shown the potential of nanozyme-based materials for IBD treatment. This review summarizes the advancements in nanozymes for enteritis treatment, including structural design and therapeutic strategies, and discusses the potential and limitations of using nanozymes in IBD. Overall, this review provides guidance for the development of enzyme-mimetic nanomaterials for effective IBD treatment.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yingying Pan, Dejun Yang, Min Zhou, Yong Liu, Jiandan Pan, Yunlong Wu, Lijiang Huang, Huaqiong Li
Summary: Pressure injuries (PIs) are localized tissue damage caused by prolonged compression or shear forces. Different stages of PIs exhibit similar characteristics, including oxidative stress, abnormal inflammatory response, cell death, and impaired tissue remodeling. Monitoring early-stage PIs is challenging, while healing late-stage PIs is difficult and has a negative impact on quality of life. This review discusses the underlying pathogenesis of PIs, key biochemical pathways leading to delayed wound healing, and recent advances in biomaterial-assisted prevention and healing.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dejun Yang, Yi Han, Yili Wang, Yingying Pan, Lan Zheng, Zuguo Liu, Cheng Li, Yunlong Wu, Huaqiong Li
Summary: Dry eye disease (DED) is a globally recognized complex problem caused by oxidative stress damage and inflammation. A new micellar system with antioxidative and ROS-responsive properties is developed to enhance the delivery of hydrophobic cyclosporine A (CSA) for DED treatment. The micelles self-assemble from a selenium substituted random copolymer, which can penetrate the cornea due to its small size and neutral shell. The micelles not only deliver CSA but also reduce oxidative stress and inhibit cell apoptosis through ROS-scavenging selenium ether group. The efficacy of CSA@Se-PEG-PPG eye drops in treating DED is demonstrated in a mouse model, showing promising potential for the treatment of DED and other ROS-related ocular diseases.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Panqin Ma, Qi Wang, Xi Luo, Liuzhou Mao, Zhanxiang Wang, Enyi Ye, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li, Yun-Long Wu
Summary: This review summarizes the recent exploration of non-viral polymeric vectors with good biocompatibility as delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas nucleases. It discusses the advantages of stimulus-responsive polymeric delivery vectors (pH, redox, or enzymes) for controllable CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system delivery and the advances in using stimulus-responsive CRISPR/Cas9 polymeric carriers for cancer treatment. The review also addresses the key challenges and promising development strategies of stimulus-responsive polymeric vector designs for CRISPR/Cas9 systems.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Houjuan Zhu, Xian Jun Loh, Enyi Ye, Zibiao Li
Summary: Flexible polymeric patches integrated with nanomaterial systems have made significant progress as a delivery approach for tumor therapeutics, offering improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. This technology enables on-demand and controllable drug delivery.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
