CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL · 2025 · IF 13.2
Li Cong,Longyun Lv,Ying Liu,Yuxin Jia,Xuerui Chang,Yufan Lin,Juan Li,Bin-Bin Cui
Mn (II)−based hybrid metal halides have become a promising class of optoelectronic materials due to their non-toxic, diverse molecular coordination, efficient photoluminescence and tunable emission wavelength. Three novel manganese halides TAMn 2 Cl 5 ·2H 2 O, TA 2 MnBr 4 and TMG 2 MnBr 4 (TA = triethylamine, TMG = 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine) were successfully prepared, exhibiting bright green light emission with the max emission at 525, 525 and 527 nm, with the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of 11.64 %, 89.61 % and 90.02 %, respectively. TAMn 2 Cl 5 ·2H 2 O and TA 2 MnBr 4 exhibit delayed and timely quenching of thermal fluorescence and recovery of green light emission, while TMG 2 MnBr 4 shows thermally stable green luminescence. TA 2 MnBr 4 and TMG 2 MnBr 4 were used to achieve timely information encryption and anti-counterfeiting. The pairing combinations of TAMn 2 Cl 5 ·2H 2 O, TA 2 MnBr 4 and TMG 2 MnBr 4 achieved dual-secure encryption and anti-counterfeiting of information. This work demonstrates the potential applications of Mn (II)-based metal halides in the fields of information encryption and anti-counterfeiting.
Research fields: Materials Science · Optics · Information Encryption Technology
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI High Impact
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering · 2024 · IF 7.4
Yuqian Zhou,Zhongxin Tan
Soft rot is one of the most susceptible soil-borne diseases of pakchoi ( Brassica chinensis L.), severely hindering its industrial development. The research aimed to evaluate the application effect of polyphenols extracted from pineapple peel waste in improving the rhizosphere soil environment of pakchoi infected by soft rot and promoting plant health and growth. We found that using pineapple peel polyphenols (PPPs) at 4 mg/mL concentration (P1 treatment) significantly improved soil quality, reduced pakchoi disease incidence, and effectively promoted pakchoi growth. Compared with the control group (CK), the P1 treatment led to a marked 79.97% reduction in diseased pakchoi leaves. Meanwhile, the rhizosphere soil structure showed reduced diseased genera and increased beneficial bacterial phyla, along with boosted soil enzyme activities. Furthermore, P1 treatment improved key growth parameters of pakchoi, including neck thickness (62.07%), plant height (57.43%), fresh weight (154.52%), dry weight (121.88%), maximum leaf length (47.28%), width (30.98%), and total chlorophyll content (50.11%). The application of PPPs has shown significant effects in enhancing the ecological environment of the diseased soil and reducing the incidence of soft rot disease of pakchoi and has great potential in increasing the yield of pakchoi. This study offers an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for the valorization of PPPs and the management of soil-borne diseases, which holds profound implications for enhancing crop quality, soil health, and human well-being.
Research fields: Agriculture · Plant Pathology · Soil Science · Environmental Science
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI High Impact
INFLAMMATION RESEARCH · 2024 · IF 4.8
Tan Min,Mao Jing,Zheng Jianxiong,Meng Yu,Li Jun,Hao Jiayao,Shen Haili
Background Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1) is involved in the occurrence of cancer and autoimmune diseases by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other functions. However, its role and downstream targets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain unclear. Methods The model of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) overexpressing MST1 was constructed by lentiviral transfection in vitro and analyzed the effects of MST1 on apoptosis, migration, invasion, and inflammation of RA-FLSs. The effect of MST1 on joint synovial membrane inflammation and bone destruction was observed in vivo by establishing a rat model of arthritis with complete Freund’s adjuvant. Results MST1 is down-regulated in RA-FLSs, and up-regulation of MST1 inhibits the survival, migration, invasion and inflammation of RA-FLSs. Mechanistically, MST1 inhibits SIRT3/mTOR-signaling pathway, inducing decreased mitochondrial autophagy and increased mitochondrial fission, resulting in mitochondrial morphological abnormalities and dysfunction, and ultimately increased apoptosis. We have observed that activation of MST1 alleviates synovial inflammation and bone erosion in vivo. Conclusions MST1 reduces the survival, migration, invasion and inflammation of FLSs by inhibiting the SIRT3/mTOR axis to reduce mitochondrial autophagy and promote mitochondrial division, thereby achieving the potential role of relieving rheumatoid arthritis.
Research fields: Immunology · Rheumatology · Cell Biology · Molecular Biology
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES · 2024 · IF 7.7
Jiayuan Wang,Laichuang Han,Maofang Teng,Qinghua Li,Jingwen Zhou,Jianghua Li,Guocheng Du,Guoqiang Zhang
Maltogenic amylase is a starch-hydrolyzing enzyme commonly used in bread baking and high-concentration maltose syrup production. However, low catalytic activity limits its industrial application. Improving catalytic activity based on molecular modification and directed evolution requires a High-Throughput Screening (HTS) method. In this study, a maltose gradient-induced (MaGI) biosensor was designed and applied for the directed evolution of maltogenic amylase AmyM, showing a good positive correlation between enzyme activity and fluorescence. The MaGI biosensor detected maltose and maltogenic amylase activity efficiently and specifically. Two mutants, Q440N and S442N/Q661L, were identified through the screening of 3000 mutants using the MaGI biosensor, showing a significant increase in catalytic activity of 35.56 % and 24.51 %, respectively, compared to the wild-type. Meanwhile, the t 1/2 of Q440N and S442N/Q661L at 60 °C increased by 58.53 % and 66.66 %, respectively. In industrial applications, the enhancement of catalytic activity and stability is conducive to improving production efficiency and reducing costs. MD simulation has found that when modifying multidomain enzymes, distal mutations can enhance catalytic activity. In conclusion, the developed MaGI biosensor is a promising tool for high-throughput and specific detection of maltose.
Research fields: Biochemistry · Molecular Biology · Industrial Enzymology
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
FOOD CHEMISTRY · 2024 · IF 8.5
Xiang Luo,Yuanyuan Chen,Zhe Jiang,Hongze Wu,David Julian McClements,Chang Zhang,Yanyan Zhou,Hongliang Fu,Xuguang Yin,Wenna Huang,Zhixin Wang,Lemao Yu,Xin Tang,Kangli Li,Kewu Zhu
A new multifunctional emulsifier was synthesized by coupling maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of 19 to vitamin E succinate. Two emulsifiers with varying degrees of vitamin E succinate substitution were prepared based on different mass ratios of vitamin E succinate to maltodextrin. The molecular structure and purity of these emulsifiers were analyzed. Nanoemulsions were prepared using octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch as a control to investigate the physical stability, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stability, and in vitro simulated digestive properties of the nanoemulsions. The emulsifying and antioxidant activity of the maltodextrin-vitamin E succinate conjugate was significantly superior to that of octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch, demonstrating good physical and oxidative stability. Additionally, they were rapidly digested under simulated small intestinal conditions. This new emulsifier shows broad application potential for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of hydrophobic bioactive substances in the fields of medicine, food, and healthcare products.
Research fields: Food Science · Biochemistry
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS · 2024 · IF 5.3
Zhengwen Lin,Fang Li,Xinyu Liu,Junlin Su
With the development of deep and ultra-deep wells, there is a need to enhance the rheological and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluids under high temperature and salinity conditions. In this study, maltodextrin polymer nanospheres (MDPN) were synthesized through cross-linking maltodextrin and methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) via inverse emulsion polymerization. Then, the polymer MDPN-DAN was synthesized via aqueous solution polymerization, using maltodextrin polymer nanospheres, N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) as raw materials. Structural characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of the polymer MDPM-DAN, with a median particle size of 234.4 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a thermal decomposition temperature of 242 °C for MDPM-DAN. This polymer demonstrated excellent settling stability at 220 °C in high-temperature and weakly alkaline environments. Rheological assessments demonstrated a 754 % enhancement in the drilling fluid’s rheological properties when MDPM-DAN was added compared to the base mud. MDPM-DAN demonstrated significant reduction in filtration loss, with polymer mud aged at 220 °C showing only 5.6 mL of loss, and polymer mud aged at 220 °C with 15 wt% NaCl exhibiting 8.9 mL loss. The filtration loss reduction mechanism elucidated that MDPM-DAN could adsorb onto bentonite particles via hydrogen bonds, while nanoparticles filled the micropores of the filter cake, promoting the formation of a dense filter cake. Furthermore, plugging experiments showcased MDPM-DAN’s ability to block nano-pore throats, with the molecular chain’s amide groups reinforcing the plugging through hydrogen bonding with rocks, while bentonite coats the micro-pore throats.
Research fields: Materials Science · Petroleum Engineering · Polymer Chemistry
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI High Impact
Nature Communications · 2024 ·Vol. 15 ·Issue 1 ·1-13 · IF 14.7
Li Yifan,Huang Aijian,Zhou Lingxi,Li Bohan,Zheng Muyun,Zhuang Zewen,Chen Chang,Chen Chen,Kang Feiyu,Lv Ruitao
Developing highly active and durable air cathode catalysts is crucial yet challenging for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Herein, a size-adjustable, flexible, and self-standing carbon membrane catalyst encapsulating adjacent Cu/Na dual-atom sites is prepared using a solution blow spinning technique combined with a pyrolysis strategy. The intrinsic activity of the Cu-N 4 site is boosted by the neighboring Na-containing functional group, which enhances O 2 adsorption and optimizes the rate-determining step of O 2 activation (*O 2 → *OOH) during the oxygen reduction reaction process. Meanwhile, the Cu-N 4 sites are encapsulated within carbon nanofibers and anchored by the carbon matrix to form a C 2 -Cu-N 4 configuration, thereby reinforcing the stability of the Cu centers. Moreover, the introduction of Na-containing functional groups on the carbon atoms significantly reduces the positive charge on their outer shell C atoms, rendering the carbon skeletons less susceptible to corrosion by oxygen species and further preventing the dissolution of Cu centers. Under these multi-type regulations, the zinc-air battery with Cu/Na-carbon membrane catalyst as the air cathode demonstrates long-term discharge/charge cycle stability of over 5000 h. This considerable stability improvement represents a critical step towards developing Cu-N 4 active sites modified with the neighboring main-group metal-containing functional groups to overcome the durability barriers of zinc-air batteries for future practical applications.
Research fields: Materials Science · Electrochemistry · Energy Storage
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY · 2024 · IF 4.8
Mengze Ding,Xiaohan Wei,Changshun Liu,Xiaomei Tan
Ethnopharmacological relevance Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent nasal inflammatory disorder, and pyroptosis plays a crucial role in aggravating AR. Current medications for AR treatment still have deficiencies, and finding new agents is of great interest. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction (MFXD), an ancient Chinese medicine, is now commonly used to treat AR, which has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but its underlying mechanism is unknown. Aim of this study This study aims to evaluate the effects of MFXD on AR and explore its potential mechanisms in view of the regulatory effect on pyroptosis. Methods MFXD, Mahuang, Fuzi, and Xixin water extracts were analyzed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry. In in vivo study, the effects of MFXD on AR treatment were evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model. Mice were administered saline (control and model groups), MFXD (1.375, 2.75 g/kg), and dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) for 13 days. AR symptoms were evaluated by blinded observers. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 p10/p20, GSDMD-N and IL-1β) in AR mouse nasal mucosa were estimated by immunohistochemistry. In in vivtro study, the effects of MFXD on pyroptosis were assessed in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and incubated with MFXD (12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL). Pyroptosis-related protein expression was measured by western blotting. Results Thirty-three compounds in MFXD were identified, including ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, higenamine, aconine, aconitine, benzoylmesaconitine, benzoylhypaconine and hypaconitine. In the in vivo study, oral taken of MFXD/dexamethasone significantly ameliorated AR symptoms, reduced swelling of the nasal mucosa, and decreased the levels of IgE and histamine in AR mice serum. MFXD/dexamethasone attenuated histopathological changes and reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in nasal mucosa, indicating the inhibitory effect on nasal epithelial pyroptosis. In the in vitro study, MFXD (50 μg/mL) significantly alleviated cytotoxicity, protected cells from swelling and rupture, and downregulated the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in LPS/ATP-induced HNEpCs. Conclusion MFXD suppressed nasal epithelial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-N signaling pathway, which alleviates AR. Our results offer valuable insights into potential AR therapies and provide evidence for the clinical utilization of MFXD to treat AR.
Research fields: Pharmacology · Immunology · Ethnopharmacology · Inflammation · Traditional Chinese Medicine
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY · 2024 · IF 8.1
Shitong Liu,Jun Wang,Yang Liu,Baojun Yang,Chunxiao Zhao,Shichao Yu,Chenxu Wang,Guanzhou Qiu,Junwu Liu,Yingchun Fang
To alleviate the environmental pressure caused by the continuous accumulation of solid waste red mud (RM) and organic pollutants, we developed a magnetic-supported catalyst derived from RM-based Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues (RM-Co PBA-D) using RM as the iron source and carrier. Then, the catalyst was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) and rhodamine B (RhB). Due to the superior dispersion, strong visible light response, and high photo-generated carrier separation efficiency of the RM-Co PBA-D, the RM-Co PBA-D/PMS/Vis system could completely degrade both TC (10 mg/L) and RhB (20 mg/L) in 30 min, with mineralization efficiencies as high as 70.12 % and 60.59 %, respectively. Several reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as SO 4 ⋅− , ⋅OH − , ⋅O 2 − , 1 O 2 , and h + were involved in the degradation process, with SO 4 ⋅− and 1 O 2 playing a dominant role. More importantly, except for the production of ROS, the regeneration of active sites (Co 2+ /Fe 2+ ) mediated by photo-generated carriers was also a critical factor in enhancing the removal of organic pollutants. In addition, the constructed system demonstrated significant potential for practical applications, which was attributed to the stable structure and catalytic performance of the catalyst as well as the strong ability of the system to resist interference by impurity anions and detoxify organic pollutants.
Research fields: Environmental Science · Catalytic Materials
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI High Impact
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES · 2024 · IF 7.7
Lingzi Zhang,Hongzhan Chen,Binbin Sun,Tangchun Wang,Zhiliang Zhang,Guirong Xiong
As a kind of unique biomimetic macromolecule, polydopamine (PDA) have prominent in-situ reduction ability and interfacial adhesion. In this work, combined with in-situ reduction ability of PDA and excellent magnetic response performance of nickel foam (NF), a strategy was designed to fabricate a series of NF@PDA@AgNPs as magnetic-responsive surface enhancement Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for highly sensitive Rhodamine B (RhB) detection in chili powder. With crystal violet (CV) as probe molecule, the detection limit of SERS substrate could achieve 10 −10 M, and the enhancement factor was as high as to 2.22 × 10 7 . In addition, the NF@PDA@AgNPs SERS substrates showed excellent magnetic separation efficiency, good SERS uniformity and storage stability. More importantly, these substrates could achieve highly efficient collection and sensitive detection of RhB residues in chili powder by magnetic adsorption method, and the detection of limit was as low as to be 10 −6 g/g. These NF@PDA@AgNPs substrates would be a great prospect for rapid and efficient pernicious contaminant detection in the chemical and biological fields.
Research fields: Food Science · Analytical Chemistry
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
Materials Horizons · 2024 · IF 12.2
Zhi Li,Jian Wang,Junjie Zou,Shuxuan Li,Xin Zhen,Zhonghui Shen,Baowen Li,Xin Zhang,Ce-Wen Nan
Flexible polymer-based dielectrics with high energy storage characteristics over a wide temperature range are crucial for advanced electrical and electronic systems. However, the intrinsic low dielectric constant and drastically degraded breakdown strength hinder the development of polymer-based dielectrics at elevated temperatures. Here, we propose a magnetic-assisted approach for fabricating a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based nanocomposite with precisely aligned nanofibers within the polymer matrix, and with Al2O3 deposition layers applied on the surface. The resulting polymer nanocomposite exhibits simultaneously increased dielectric constant and enhanced breakdown strength at high temperatures compared to pristine PEI. The enhanced dielectric constant is contributed by the depolarization effect of out-of-plane orientated nanofibers in composite films, while the surficial Al2O3 layers, with a wide bandgap, effectively prevent charge injection and transport at the electrode/dielectric interface. The optimally aligned composite films exhibit a significantly enhanced discharged energy density of 6.5 J cm−3 at 150 °C, with approximately 41% and 132% enhancement compared to random films and pristine PEI films, respectively. Additionally, a metalized multilayer polymer-based capacitor utilizing this composite film produces a high capacitance of 88 nF, while demonstrating excellent cyclability and flexibility at 150 °C. This work offers an effective strategy for developing polymer-based composite dielectrics with superior capacitive performance at elevated temperatures and demonstrates the potential of fabricating high-quality flexible capacitors.
Research fields: Materials Science · Electrical Engineering · Nanotechnology
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
Nanoscale · 2025 · IF 5.1
Hanye Xing,Xingyu Liu,Ju Wang,Tao Zhou,Xiangxiang Jin,Rui Qiu,Yang Lu,Changhong Liu,Yonghong Song
The effectiveness of orally delivered probiotics in treating gastrointestinal diseases is restricted by inadequate gut retention. In this study, we present a magnetically controlled strategy for probiotic delivery, which enables controlled accumulation and residence of probiotics in the intestine. The magnetically controlled probiotic is established by attaching amino-modified iron oxide (Fe3O4–NH3+ NPs) to polydopamine-coated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG@P) through electrostatic self-assembly and named as LGG@P@Fe3O4. In a simulated gastrointestinal environment, LGG@P@Fe3O4 maintains both structural stability and probiotic viability. Furthermore, the LGG@P@Fe3O4 clusters can be easily manipulated by an external magnetic field, inducing directional movement and aggregation. In vitro simulations demonstrated significant accumulation and retention of LGG@P@Fe3O4 under a magnetic field, with the optical density (OD) value of the suspension decreasing from ∼1.17 to ∼0.29. In contrast, the OD value of the suspension without a magnetic field remained at its original level (∼1.15). In a mouse model with intragastrically administered LGG@P@Fe3O4, the group exposed to a magnet exhibited stronger gut fluorescence after 24 h. The magnetically controlled probiotic delivery strategy offers an easy manufacturing and feasible method to enhance the effectiveness of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Research fields: Biomedical Engineering · Microbiology · Drug Delivery
✓ Verified Product-linked DOI PubMed High Impact
