Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Lan Jiang, Tianyun Shen, Xinyuan Wang, Lunzhi Dai, Kefeng Lu, Huihui Li
Summary: Posttranslational modification plays a crucial role in regulating protein functions. The functions and mechanisms of N-terminal acetylation, which occurs on the first amino acids of proteins, in the field of macroautophagy/autophagy are not well understood. Recent studies have shown that the N-terminal acetyltransferase NatB is essential for autophagy and it modifies actin cytoskeleton constituent Act1 and dynamin-like GTPase Vps1, promoting the formation and fusion of autophagosomes.
Article
Cell Biology
Irene Sanchez-Mirasierra, Sergio Hernandez-Diaz, Saurav Ghimire, Carla Montecinos-Oliva, Sandra-Fausia Soukup
Summary: This article introduces two ImageJ/Fiji automated macros for analyzing synaptic autophagy and exosome release from 2D confocal images, revealing their important roles in neurobiology. The tools Autophagoquant and Exoquant can assist researchers in unbiased, standardized, and rapid analysis of autophagy and exosomal release in the Drosophila NMJ.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jissy Jacob, Vijay Robert, Ravi Babu Valapa, Sunny Kuriakose, Sabu Thomas, Sravanthi Loganathan
Summary: The search for sustainable plastics is driven by the environmental pollution issues associated with petrochemical-derived plastics. Bioplastics, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), are increasingly being used in packaging due to limited fuel resources. However, poor ductility and gas barrier characteristics limit the use of PLA as food packaging material. This study aims to overcome these limitations by fabricating PLA/polyethylenimine-modified mesoporous silica (PEI-MS) composites. The influence of PEI content in MS and wt % loadings of optimized PEI content in MS on the properties of PLA is investigated in detail. The results show that PEI-MS modification improves the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PLA.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jissy Jacob, Vijay Robert, Ravi Babu Valapa, Sunny Kuriakose, Sabu Thomas, Sravanthi Loganathan
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication of PLA/PEI-MS composites to improve the limitations of PLA as food packaging material. The addition of PEI-MS enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties while reducing oxygen transmission rate for PLA composites.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Montserrat Colilla, Maria Vallet-Regi
Summary: Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health, and the stalled antibiotic research pipeline has worsened the situation. Nanotechnology offers a potential solution by using nanocarriers to transport and deliver antimicrobials to overcome bacterial resistant barriers. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted attention due to their unique features. This perspective article outlines recent research in the design and development of organically modified MSNs to fight bacterial infections, addressing the current challenges and future perspectives.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Daniela Istrati, Alina Morosan, Maria Stanca, Bogdan Purcareanu, Rodica Cristescu, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Roxana Doina Trusca
Summary: This research focuses on the study of cefotaxime absorption and desorption from different functionalized mesoporous silica supports to obtain new materials with sustained release properties. The MCM-41-type nanostructured mesoporous silica support was synthesized and characterized, showing good micro-structured homogeneity, high surface area, and high silanolic activity. Functionalization of the support was conducted to effectively link the cefotaxime compound. The release experiments revealed significant improved release capacity in the functionalized mesoporous silica support.
Article
Biophysics
Riyasudheen Nechikkattu, Jungwon Kong, Young-Shin Lee, Hyun-Jung Moon, Jae-Ho Bae, Sun-Hee Kim, Sung Soo Park, Chang-Sik Ha
Summary: Tunable multi-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared through post-condensation/surface modification of MCM-41 nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibited excellent drug-loading capacity and dual responsive behavior, showing potential for cancer therapy.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Carucci, Nicola Scalas, Andrea Porcheddu, Marco Piludu, Maura Monduzzi, Andrea Salis
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) functionalized with triethylenetetramine (MSN-TETA) showed higher adsorption capacity and slower release rate for the antimicrobial drug sulphamethizole (SMZ), indicating the importance of intermolecular interactions in drug delivery systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen Racles, Mirela-Fernanda Zaltariov, Dragos Peptanariu, Tudor Vasiliu, Maria Cazacu
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with different functional groups were synthesized and investigated for the encapsulation and release of anticancer drug Doxorubicin (Dox). The results showed that MSNs with thiol and glucose groups had high loading efficiency and high release rates at pH 5. In vitro experiments demonstrated strong cytotoxic effects of these loaded silica nanoparticles on cancer cells.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alba Garcia-Fernandez, Felix Sancenon, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: Respiratory diseases have become a major clinical concern worldwide and nanomedicine shows promise in overcoming the limitations of current lung therapies by enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing side effects. However, more efforts are needed to achieve effective pulmonary drug delivery despite the different approaches that have been developed.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Mehdi Talaei, S. A. Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi, Ali Saffar-Teluri
Summary: Magnetic CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel combustion and coated with mesoporous SiO2. The CuFe2O4@SiO2 nanocomposite showed high ibuprofen loading and controlled drug release, with potential applications in biomedicine. Coating CuFe2O4 nanoparticles with mesoporous silica reduced cytotoxicity and improved drug release properties, although it decreased hyperthermia ability.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haesoo Lee, Miseop Choi, Ha-Eun Kim, Minki Jin, Woo-Jin Jeon, Minwoo Jung, Hyelim Yoo, Jong-Hee Won, Young-Guk Na, Jae-Young Lee, Hasoo Seong, Hong-Ki Lee, Cheong-Weon Cho
Summary: In this study, doxorubicin-loaded mesopomus silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coated with mannose grafted poly (acrylic acid) copolymer (DOX@MSNs-man-g-PAA) were developed to enhance the hemocompatibility and target efficacy to cancer cells. The DOX@MSNs-man-g-PAA showed sustained and pH-dependent drug release with improved hemocompatibility and enhanced uptake in breast cancer cells through mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis, leading to increased intracellular ROS and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. This formulation exhibited superior tumor-suppressing activity in mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sara Saber Younes Mohamed, Alberto Gambino, Mauro Banchero, Silvia Ronchetti, Luigi Manna, Roberta Cavalli, Barbara Onida
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a hemostat based on mesoporous silica particles for bleeding control. The synthesized mesoporous silica microspheres loaded with tranexamic acid showed promising hemostatic activity and blood compatibility. In vitro release tests demonstrated the complete release of tranexamic acid from the carrier within one hour. This material can be considered as a potential candidate for the development of new hemostats.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giorgia Figari, Jose L. M. Goncalves, Herminio P. Diogo, Madalena Dionisio, Jose Paulo Farinha, Maria Teresa Viciosa
Summary: The impact of surface functionalization on mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) carriers and the release of Fenofibrate (FNB) was investigated. The MSNs were modified with either (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) or trimethoxy(phenyl)silane (TMPS), and the density of the functional groups was measured. The FNB loaded in the MSNs with ordered cylindrical pores showed amorphization, and the glass transition temperature slightly changed depending on the surface modification. Dielectric studies revealed multiple relaxations associated with different FNB populations and correlated their mobility with drug release profiles.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yingjun Cui, Xiangyou Wang, Meng Cheng, Yanli Guo, Rongfei Zhang
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with different pore structures were developed to carry and release thymol, enhancing its bioavailability. The loading capacity of thymol-loaded MSNPs reached the highest when the ratio of thymol to MSNPs was 3:1. The encapsulation of thymol improved its stability and the release behavior followed Fickian diffusion process. Thymol-loaded MSNPs showed remarkable antimicrobial efficiency against S. aureus.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Qian, Yong Liu, Huichao Cheng, Kun Li, Bin Liu, Xin Zhang
Summary: In this study, functionally graded cemented carbides with a multi-principal-element alloy binder were prepared. The results showed that a higher carbon content can increase the diffusion rate and channel of carbon, leading to improved mechanical properties of the carbides obtained at appropriate carburization temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yaojia Ren, Hong Wu, Bin Liu, Quan Shan, Sheng Guo, Zengbao Jiao, Ian Baker
Summary: A high hardness, crack-free AlCoCuFeNi high-entropy alloy with good corrosion resistance was successfully produced by spark plasma sintering and hot rolling. The alloy exhibited a fine and uniform microstructure, low anisotropy, good wear and corrosion resistance, and grain boundary sliding as the creep mechanism.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Han Li, Zhonglin Zhang, Bin Liu, Jingli Liu, Bingbing Chen, Jianqiu Zhou
Summary: In this study, the chemical and mechanical stability of the interfaces between Ca2+ doped Na3PS4 solid electrolyte and Na anode, as well as un-doped Na3PS4 solid electrolyte and Na anode, were systematically investigated using first-principles calculations. The crystal structure, electronic structure, and mechanical properties of the two interface structures were analyzed. The results demonstrated that Ca2+ doping enhanced the chemical stability and mechanical strength of the interface structure, leading to improved battery performance and capacity retention. This surface modification provides valuable insights for designing all-solid-state batteries with high capacity and long cycle life.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhihan Cao, Ping Li, Jinchuang Ru, Xuqian Cao, Xu Wang, Bin Liu, Zhi-Hua Li
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of environmental levels of triphenyltin (TPT) on marine Chlorella sp. It found that TPT had both promoting and inhibitory effects on the growth of marine Chlorella sp. depending on the concentration. The chlorophyll composition changed, and oxidative damage and gene expression alterations were observed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the ecological toxicity of TPT in marine environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Yang Chen, Shuo Wang, Hui Feng, Weipeng Li, Bin Liu, Jia Li, Yong Liu, Peter K. Liaw, Qihong Fang
Summary: By conducting high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and random field theory informed discrete dislocation dynamics simulations, this study reveals the influence mechanism of heterogeneous lattice strain on the complex interaction between dislocations and dislocation loops in high entropy alloys (HEAs) under irradiation. The results show that lattice-strain-induced irradiation hardening decreases, in line with the excellent irradiation hardening resistance of HEAs observed in recent experiments. A new cross-slip mechanism is also discovered, involving the co-linear reaction between dislocations and rhombus perfect loops. This study provides insights into the mesoscopic-level irradiation damage behavior, guiding the development of advanced HEA materials for nuclear energy applications through the regulation of heterogeneous lattice strain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jing Peng, Jia Li, Bin Liu, Jian Wang, Haotian Chen, Hui Feng, Xin Zeng, Heng Duan, Yuankui Cao, Junyang He, Peter K. Liaw, Qihong Fang
Summary: Additive manufacturing is believed to open a new era in precise microfabrication. This study investigates the microstructure evolution of a prototype multi-principal-element alloy FeCrNi fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) through experiment and simulation. The results reveal the growth of columnar crystals across cladding layers and the development of dense cellular structures in the filled crystal. At the micron scale, the constituent elements are evenly distributed, while at the near-atomic scale, segregation of Cr element is observed. Simulation results demonstrate changes in the solid-liquid interface and the formation of precipitates, microscale voids, and stacking faults due to the thermal gradient, resulting in residual stress in the SLMed structure. A microstructure-based physical model reveals the presence of strong interface strengthening in tensile deformation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinxin Lv, Ning Cao, LingJun He, Bin Liu, Haotian Sun, Wenting Qiu, Zhu Xiao, Yanbin Jiang, Shen Gong
Summary: A series of Cu-10Fe-xSi (x = 0, 0.8, 1.6 wt%) alloys were prepared and the effects of Si content and a novel multi-stage thermomechanical treatment on the microstructure, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties of the alloys were studied. The results showed that the Cu-10Fe-0.8Si alloy exhibited higher strength, magnetic permeability, and excellent electromagnetic shielding performance compared to the Cu-10Fe alloy. After peak aging treatment, the Cu-10Fe-0.8Si alloy demonstrated a tensile strength of 593.6 MPa, conductivity of 55.66% IACS, elongation of 22.8%, and relative magnetic permeability of 1.57. The addition of an appropriate amount of Si element resulted in the formation of a dual-scale FeSi phase in the alloy, which promoted the precipitation of Fe atoms and refined the alloy grains, thereby improving the strength and magnetic properties synergistically.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Na Li, Yuankui Cao, Ao Fu, Qian Xie, Yong Liu, Bin Liu
Summary: A precipitate-gradient Ti-W alloy with simultaneous high strength and high ductility was prepared by powder metallurgy and subsequent heat treatment. The high strength was mainly caused by solid strengthening and precipitation strengthening, while the gradient structure enhanced the strength through the generation of hetero-deformation induced stress. The good ductility and superior strain hardening capability were attributed to the activation of multiple deformation modes around the gradient interface during plastic deformation.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jian Liu, Na Song, Zhengde Xia, Bin Liu, Jinxiao Pan, Abdul Ghaffar, Jianbin Ren, Ming Yang
Summary: This paper analyzes the correlation and constraint relationship between the optical flow field and motion field of multi-view images to effectively reconstruct the angle domain of the light field based on sparse light field data. The proposed method can reconstruct texture, shadow, and color information in the light field of a long-baseline scene with high quality and is suitable for dense light field reconstruction in complex scenes.
PATTERN RECOGNITION
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Qinli Zhang, Dengwen Deng, Yan Feng, Daolin Wang, Bin Liu, Qiusong Chen
Summary: Water-quenched copper slag modified with alumina has been proven to be a viable substitute for cement. However, the impact of alumina on the structural properties and pozzolanic activity of the slag has not been thoroughly studied. This research characterizes the structural properties and pozzolanic activity of the slag with varying amounts of alumina using various analytical techniques. The results show that the addition of alumina improves the pozzolanic activity of the slag, but the effect is dependent on the curing age of the slag.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahao Xie, Yu Miao, Bin Liu, Siliang Shao, Xu Zhang, Zhiyao Sun, Xiaoqin Xu, Yuan Yao, Chaoyue Hu, Jinlong Zou
Summary: Alloying with transition metals is a feasible way to enhance the electrochemical activity and stability of molybdenum carbide. The composite NG-CoFe/Mo2C was synthesized by combining CoFe-Prussian blue analogues with graphitic carbon nitride and Mo6+. It exhibited excellent ORR and OER performances and provided a strategy to improve the stability of molybdenum carbide in oxygen electrocatalysis.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Gao, Zihan Yang, Haibo Xiao, Qian Lei, Bin Liu, Yong Liu
Summary: A Cu35Ni25Co25Cr15 high-entropy alloy (HEA) coating was deposited on a pure Cu substrate by plasma transfer arc (PTA) welding to enhance its surface hardness and wear resistance. The coating consisted of Cu-rich A1 phase and NiCoCr-rich γ' phase, with an apparent structural gradient and different microstructures in different zones. The coating exhibited improved interfacial bonding with increased welding current, but the hardness showed a non-monotonic trend. At a welding current of 150 A, the coating showed good metallurgical bonding with the Cu substrate and excellent wear resistance, especially at high temperatures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuemin Xing, Jihang Zhang, Jun Zhu, Rui Zhang, Bin Liu
Summary: Health monitoring is crucial for densely distributed urban infrastructures in rapidly progressing cities. A novel time-series InSAR process, based on the AWHPSPO algorithm and TELM, is proposed to address the limitations of PSI. The algorithm provides a reference for the control of the health and safety of urban infrastructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yifan Chen, Feifeng Cao, Weiping Cheng, Bin Liu
Summary: This study proposes a new parameter-inversion model for estimating bed roughness in hydrodynamic models. A numerical experiment was conducted to analyze the impact of various factors on the accuracy of inversed roughness. The results show that increasing the number of measurement stations and observed data significantly improves the model's robustness, with an optimal parameter setting of 3 stations and 30 observed data. The proposed model provides a new approach to estimating bed roughness parameters and can improve the accuracy of water-level forecasting.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xu Wang, Xiaofeng Li, Huiqi Xie, Touwen Fan, Li Zhang, Kaiyang Li, Yuankui Cao, Xiaohui Yang, Bin Liu, Peikang Bai
Summary: The effects of Al and La elements on the mechanical properties of CoNiFe0.6Cr0.6 high-entropy alloys with a face-centered cubic structure were investigated using first-principles calculations. The study discussed in detail the variations of various physical parameters as a function of Al and La concentration. The results showed that the resistance to deformation decreased with the increase of Al and La concentration, while the plasticity and ductility of the alloys improved. The addition of Al and La also strengthened the metallic characteristic of atomic bonding and increased the material's anisotropy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)