Combining QCM and SERS on a Nanophotonic Chip: A Dual-Functional Sensor for Biomolecular Interaction Analysis and Protein Fingerprinting.

We present a dual biosensing strategy integrating Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for the quantitative and molecular-specific detection of FKBP12. Silver nanodendritic arrays were electrodeposited onto QCM sensors, optimized for SERS enhancement using Rhodamine 6G, and functionalized with a custom-designed receptor to selectively capture FKBP12. QCM measurements revealed a two-step Langmuir adsorption behavior, enabling sensitive mass quantification with a low limit of detection.

Salt-Induced Modulation of Self-Assembly in C8-10 AlkylPolyGlucoside/Fatty Alcohol Formulations.

A formulation strategy based on the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactant Triton CG-110, in combination with 1-Dodecanol as a co-surfactant and brine as an additive, is developed. The results highlight the pivotal role of brine in modulating the rheological properties of the system, inducing a shift from viscous to viscoelastic and yield-pseudoplastic behavior at elevated surfactant and salt concentrations. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis reveals that increased salinity enhances interparticle correlations within bicellar nanostructures, which are closely associated with improved viscoelasticity and formulation stability.

Structure of the Lipopolysaccharide from : A Chemical Perspective on Immune Recognition.

Gram-negative bacterium , which is increasingly prevalent in elderly individuals, is associated with cognitive decline and gut-brain axis dysfunction. Here, we present a comprehensive structural characterization of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a key modulator of immune recognition and the main component of its outer membrane. Using a multidisciplinary approach combining chemical, spectroscopic, spectrometric, biophysical and computational methods, we unveil a unique O-antigen characterized by a trisaccharide repeating unit containing rhamnose and glucosamine, displaying nonstoichiometric O-acetylation and a terminal methylated rhamnose capping the saccharide chain.

Homocysteine: Canary in the Coal Mine or Hidden Threat? A Biochemical Study on the Role of Plasma Thiols.

Homocysteinemia is routinely measured as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk, but its pathogenic role remains controversial because it is unclear whether-and how-interventions to lower homocysteine levels provide real benefit. In the present original study, we analyzed in detail the effects of oxidative stress, thiol-disulfide exchange reactions, and plasma thiol levels on homocysteinemia. We conducted a clinical study in a group of healthy, homogeneous individuals (n = 62) in which the different redox forms of plasma thiols and several biomarkers of oxidative stress were determined.

Investigation of Surface Properties and Antibacterial Activity of 3D-Printed Polyamide 12-Based Samples Coated by a Plasma SiOCH Amorphous Thin Film Approved for Food Contact.

Microbial contamination and biofilm formation on food contact materials (FCMs) represent critical challenges within the food supply chain, compromising food safety and quality while increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Traditional materials often lack sufficient microbial resistance to contamination, creating a high demand for innovative antimicrobial surfaces. This study assessed the effectiveness of a nanosized deposited SiOCH coating approved for food contact on 3D-printed polyamide 12 (PA12) disk substrates, aiming at providing antimicrobial and anti-biofilm functionality to mechanical components and packaging material in the food supply chain.

The gold nanoparticle-lipid membrane synergy for nanomedical applications.

The integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with lipid bilayers gives rise to powerful synergistic effects arising from nanoscale interactions. Precise control over these interactions enables the rational design of hybrid AuNP-lipid membrane multifunctional composites, unlocking advanced analytical tools and cutting-edge biomedical applications. From a materials design standpoint, functionalizing AuNPs with lipid membranes reduces cytotoxicity and enhances stability in complex biological environments.

Impact of solvent and ligand density on the self-assembly and optical properties of metal nanocrystals.

Metal nanocrystals (M-NCs) and their supramolecular assemblies have attracted significant interest from the scientific community due to their wide range of applications arising from the possibility of accurately tuning the M-NCs properties through self-assembly into supramolecular aggregates. In this study, we investigate the complex interplay between capping agent surface coverage and solvent-capping agent interactions in the self-assembly process of M-NCs into supramolecular structures. Specifically, we explore the self-assembly behavior of gold (Au-NCs), silver (Ag-NCs), and platinum (Pt-NCs) nanocrystals upon functionalization with oleic acid (OA) in water using a microemulsion approach.

Eco-Friendly Octylsilane-Modified Amino-Functional Silicone Coatings for a Durable Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Water-Repellent Textile Finish.

The widespread phase-out of long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has created an urgent need for durable, fluorine-free water-repellent finishes that match the performance of legacy chemistries while minimising environmental impact. Here, the performance of an eco-friendly hybrid organic-inorganic treatment obtained by the in situ hydrolysis-condensation of triethoxy(octyl)silane (OS) in an amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APT-PDMS) aqueous dispersion was investigated. The sol was applied to plain-weave cotton and polyester by a pad-dry-cure process and benchmarked against a commercial fluorinated finish.

Nanoplasmonic Isosbestics Uncover Mesoscale Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles on Soft Templates.

Assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) generates unique optical properties through coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of individual NPs. However, precisely controlling and monitoring how mesoscale assembly dictates final optical properties remain key challenges in designing advanced plasmonic materials. Here, we introduce "nanoplasmonic isosbestics" as optical descriptors of the mesoscale organization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on soft templates.

Defining the Conformation of Water-Soluble Poly(vinyl alcohol) in Solution: A SAXS, DLS, and AFM Study.

This study examines the conformation of soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in aqueous solution using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The focus is on PVA grades used in industrial water-soluble detergent films, comparing their behavior to nanometer-sized polystyrene (PS) beads. SAXS analysis indicates that soluble PVA chains adopt a single molecule random Gaussian coil conformation with a radius of gyration ( ) of approximately 14 nm, consistent across various grades, dissolution temperatures, and water hardness.

Hybrid Se/melanin-like nanoparticles as ROS quenchers and inhibitors of amyloid aggregation.

Hybrid selenium/melanin-like nanoparticles offer different therapeutic strategies against amyloid aggregation. In this study, novel Se-based nanostructures are synthesized, characterized, and preliminarily employed as modulators of amyloid aggregation. In detail, two types of Se NPs are tested: one containing only Se(0), named Se NPs, and the second hybrid Se/melanin structures, indicated as SeMel NPs.

Nonlinear rheology and nanostructural features of twin-chain polymer networks with controlled porosity.

Hypothesis: Twin-Chain Networks (TCNs) are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based cryogels with enhanced porosity. They include two PVAs undergoing a polymer-polymer phase separation in pre-gel solution, granting the formation of sponge-like networks after gelation. Gel structural and transport properties, affecting networks' tortuosity, can be optimized for specific applications, such as the cleaning of Modern and Contemporary Art, by selecting polymer pairs with specific micro-segregation behavior in the pre-gel solution.

Salt or Cocrystal Puzzle Solved by Mechanochemistry: The Role of Solvent in the Pamoic Acid Case Study.

Many drugs are nowadays marketed as salts. Cocrystallization is also emerging as a convenient tool to modify in vivo activity of pharmacologically active compounds. Given the marked difference in physicochemical properties between salts and cocrystals, the possibility of obtaining crystalline systems composed of the same building blocks in their neutral or charged form is desirable.

"Twin-Chain" Hydrogels with Tailored Porosity, Surface Roughness, and Cleaning Capabilities.

The remedial conservation of cultural heritage requires advanced functional materials that span from soft matter to nanostructured formulations, whose study is relevant to different fields, ranging from cosmetics and detergency to tissue engineering. In the vast landscape of innovative materials developed to counteract artwork degradation, gels have emerged as ideal candidates for cleaning delicate and complex surfaces. More specifically, twin-chain networks (TCNs), i.

Hetero Sandwich Immunoassay as Tool to Probe the Composition of the Extracellular Vesicles Membranes: The Case Study of L1CAM Localization.

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) are widely used for point-of-care diagnostic devices due to their simplicity, low cost, and rapid results. In this work, we demonstrate that a heterosandwich design LFIA can be an effective tool for verifying the presence of different proteins on the same particles. As a case study, we address a recent controversy regarding the presence of the protein L1CAM on the extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Chemical Mapping for Insight into Early 1900s Historical Photographic Films.

This study examines the degradation mechanisms of early 1900s gelatin-based photographic films, integrating advanced analytical techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural and chemical changes within these materials. Ultraviolet hyperspectral fluorescence-induced visible fluorescence mapping (HUVFM) revealed fluorescence quenching in degraded regions, indicative of protein and collagen degradation in the gelatin matrix. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct spectral responses in these areas, supporting the hypothesis of gelatin degradation.

Buffer Specificity of Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticle Transfection Efficiency and Bulk Phase Transition.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are efficient and safe carriers for mRNA vaccines based on advanced ionizable lipids. It is understood that the pH-dependent structural transition of the mesoscopic LNP core phase plays a key role in mRNA transfer. However, buffer-specific variations in transfection efficiency remain obscure.

In vitro studies of human erythropoiesis using a 3D silk-based bone marrow model that generates erythroblastic islands.

The pursuit of ex vivo erythrocyte generation has led to the development of various culture systems that simulate the bone marrow microenvironment. However, these models often fail to fully replicate the hematopoietic niche's complex dynamics. In our research, we use a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes physiological red blood cell (RBC) differentiation using a minimal cytokine regimen.

Laser-Induced Graphene from Commercial Inks and Dyes.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been so far obtained from polymer precursors and proposed for numerous applications, including various types of sensors and energy storage solutions. This study examines a radically different class of new precursors for LIG, distinct from polymers: inks and dyes. The identification of specific organic dyes present in commercial markers demonstrates that the aromatic structure, in conjunction with high thermal stability (residual weight > 20% at 800°C), are key factors for laser-induced pyrolysis.

ADAR Therapeutics as a New Tool for Personalized Medicine.

In the field of RNA therapy, innovative approaches based on adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR)-mediated site-directed RNA editing (SDRE) have been established, providing an exciting opportunity for RNA therapeutics. ADAR1 and ADAR2 enzymes are accountable for the predominant form of RNA editing in humans, which involves the hydrolytic deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). This inosine is subsequently interpreted as guanosine (G) by the translational and splicing machinery because of their structural similarity.

Dimer Is Not Double: The Unexpected Behavior of Two-Floor Peptide Nanosponge.

Using the framework of an investigation of the stimuli-responsive behavior of peptide assembly on a solid surface, this study on the behavior of a chemisorbed peptide on a gold surface was performed. The studied peptide is a dimeric form of the antimicrobial peptide Trichogin GAIV, which was also modified by substituting the glycine with lysine residues, while the N-terminus octanoyl group was replaced by a lipoic one that was able to bind to the gold surface. In this way, a chemically linked peptide assembly that is pH-responsive was obtained because of the protonation/deprotonation of the sidechains of the Lys residues.

Microfluidics-Driven Manufacturing and Multiscale Analytical Characterization of Nanoparticle-Vesicle Hybrids.

Coating synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) with lipid membranes is a promising approach to enhance the performance of nanomaterials in various biological applications, including therapeutic delivery to target organs. Current methods for achieving this coating often rely on bulk approaches which can result in low efficiency and poor reproducibility. Continuous processes coupled with quality control represent an attractive strategy to manufacture products with consistent attributes and high yields.

Extracellular vesicles of different cellular origin feature distinct biomolecular corona dynamics.

Initially observed on synthetic nanoparticles, the existence of biomolecular corona and its role in determining nanoparticle identity and function are now beginning to be acknowledged in biogenic nanoparticles, particularly in extracellular vesicles - membrane-enclosed nanoparticle shuttling proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites which are released by cells for physiological and pathological communication - we developed a methodology based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to track biomolecular corona formation on extracellular vesicles derived from human red blood cells and amniotic membrane mesenchymal stromal cells when these vesicles are dispersed in human plasma. The methodology allows for tracking corona dynamics under physiological conditions. Results evidence that the two extracellular vesicle populations feature distinct corona dynamics.

Electrodeposition of Sn-Ru Alloys by Using Direct, Pulsed, and Pulsed Reverse Current for Decorative Applications.

Pulsed current has proven to be a promising alternative to direct current in electrochemical deposition, offering numerous advantages regarding deposit quality and properties. Concerning the electrodeposition of metal alloys, the role of pulsed current techniques may vary depending on the specific metals involved. We studied an innovative tin-ruthenium electroplating bath used as an anti-corrosive layer for decorative applications.