Engineering ferroptosis radiosensitizer for SPARC-targeted degradation: A strategy to reverse radioresistant non-small cell lung cancer.

Radioresistance poses a significant obstacle in the management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), often diminishing the effectiveness of radiotherapy and leading to treatment failures and adverse clinical outcomes. This study develops radioresistant NSCLC models, revealing that Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) as a crucial modulator of this resistance, through the inhibition of ferroptosis. To address this radioresistance, we propose a novel ferroptosis-oriented radiosensitization strategy specifically designed to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness in radioresistant NSCLC.

A Targeting Senescence and Recycling Intracellular Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Strategy for Attenuation of Senescence-Associated Phenotypes.

Cellular senescence is a critical factor in organismal aging and age-related diseases. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has been shown to be closely related to the cellular senescence process and holds potential as a senotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical application has been hindered by challenges such as its inability to be directly absorbed by cells, instability, and lack of targeting specificity.

Tumor microenvironment-responsive CA@ZIF-8/MnO nanoreactor for self-reinforcing cascade chemodynamic therapy and immunomodulation.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which utilizes endogenous hydrogen peroxide (HO) to generate hydroxyl radicals (OH) via Fenton-like reactions, faces critical limitations in clinical translation, including insufficient intratumoral HO levels and glutathione (GSH)-mediated ROS scavenging. To address these challenges, we developed a tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive nanoreactor, CA@ZIF-8/MnO (CZM), integrating dual functionalities of GSH-depleting and HO self-supplying for cascade-amplified CDT. The ZIF-8 framework serves as a biodegradable carrier for chlorogenic acid (CA), which converts superoxide (O) into HO, while the MnO shell depletes GSH to yield Mn, a Fenton-like catalyst.

Dynamic Fe─F Coordination Triggered Structure-Adaptive Fe-N-C for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis.

The sustainable and widespread developments of fuel cells require material innovation toward the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon material (Fe-N-C) is a promising alternative to scarce and expensive platinum-based electrocatalysts, the linear scaling relationships among the intermediates' adsorption energy limit maximum performance. Herein, we propose a coordination-adaptive catalyst design to bypass the intrinsic scaling relations through incorporating quasi-covalent Fe─F bond.

Engineering Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizers through a Counterion-Modulation Strategy for Enhanced Photodynamic Immunotherapy.

The intersystem crossing (ISC) process of photosensitizers (PSs) is crucial for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in photodynamic immunotherapy. Herein, a counterion-regulation strategy is applied to enhance ISC efficiency in aggregation-induced emission (AIE) PSs, optimizing type-I ROS production. Three PSs with the same cationic donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structure, ,-diphenyl-4-(7-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)aniline (TBP), were synthesized with different counterions: iodide (I), hexafluorophosphate (PF), and tetraphenylborate (PhB).

Therapeutic effects of Panax ginseng polysaccharides on qi deficiency diabetes: Insights from microbiomics and metabolomics.

Panax ginseng, a traditional medicinal and edible plant valued for its tonifying properties, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-fatigue, anti-oxidation and anti-diabetes. Polysaccharides represent a key active ingredient of Panax ginseng, known for their immunomodulatory properties and potential for development as health foods. However, the effect and mechanism of Panax ginseng polysaccharides (GP) on improving qi deficiency diabetes (QDD) is still unclear.

Intravenously injected poly(amino acid) nanoformulation relieves spinal cord injury through synergistical modulation of microenvironments.

The microenvironments play a crucial role in secondary injury following spinal cord injury (SCI). Deterioration of the microenvironments, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and excitotoxicity, exacerbates SCI. However, due to the complexity of these microenvironments, synergistic modulation of multiple factors remains challenging.

TASK2-Inspired pH-Gating Polymeric Nanochannels with Multiple Interconvertible Permeability States by Synergistic Regulation of Conformation and Charge.

Biological ion channels can regulate finely the ion transmembrane permeation, with superhigh ion selectivity and on-off ion flux in response to external stimuli, for signal transduction and energy conversion. However, fabricating smart artificial nanochannels with analogous functions remain challenging by single design of structure or charge property. In vivo, function basis of pH-gated TWIK-related acid-sensitive K channel 2 (TASK2) channels is attributed to synergy control of geometrical conformation and surface potential for filter gates.

Ultrasound-responsive azide nano-prodrugs enable spatiotemporal activation of TLR7/8 agonists for tumor therapy.

Systemic immunotoxicity caused by off-target activation is still a critical obstacle to clinical translation of imidazoquinoline (IMDQ) drugs, a kind of TLR7/8 agonist. Here, we present an ultrasound-responsive, azide-modified IMDQ nano-prodrug (IMDQ-N NPs) that enables spatiotemporally controlled activation through ultrasound, improving the selectivity and safety. Concomitantly, riboflavin-based sonosensitizers were co-delivered to these nanoparticles, increasing their local concentration surrounding the prodrug, achieving a 12.

Aligned d-orbital energy level of dual-atom sites catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in anion exchange membrane fuel cells.

The inherent scaling relationships between adsorption energies of oxygen-containing intermediates impose an intrinsic limitation on the maximum oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, which represents one of the bottlenecks for the practical application of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). To address this challenge, we align the 3dz orbital energy levels of Fe and Co to selectively customize the dissociative ORR pathway without the formation of OOH* intermediates, circumventing the conventional OH*-OOH* scaling relations. This rational design is achieved by atomic phosphorus(P) substitution, which not only optimizes orbital matching towards O-O cis-bridge adsorption, but also stabilizes the spontaneously adsorbed OH ligand as an electronic modifier.

Atomically Precise Cu(I) Clusters Facilitated by CeO-Derived Reverse Hydrogen Spillover for Selective Electrochemical CO Methanation.

Atomically precise Cu clusters with stabilized low-coordinated Cu species demonstrate promising deep CO reduction capability, although product selectivity requires enhancement. To address this, two Cu clusters, [Cu(PPh)(PET)](BF) and [CuS(PPh)(PET)] (denoted as Cu and Cu, respectively) were constructed via ligand-mediated assembly of Cu triangular units. Both clusters effectively catalyze deep CO reduction, with CH as the dominant product (FE = 60.

Quantifying Landscape and Flux from Single-Cell Omics: Unraveling the Physical Mechanisms of Cell Function.

Recent advancements in single-cell sequencing technology have reshaped our understanding of cellular processes. While in the realm of biological research, the understanding of the underlying physical and chemical mechanisms from single-cell omics stands as a promising frontier, yet it is still not quite adequately explored. This knowledge gap stems from the complexities of mapping nonequilibrium physical and chemical principles onto the heterogeneous and complex dynamics of cellular functions.

In Situ Probing of Polymer Residence on the Nanoparticle Surface by Combining Deep Learning and Single-Molecule Fluorescence Tracking.

This study presents a method for in situ analysis of the adsorption and desorption of polymers on the nanoparticle surface within entangled polymer solutions. This method is based on the principle that when a polymer adsorbs onto the nanoparticle surface, the diffusion coefficient of the polymer becomes equivalent to that of the nanoparticle. Consequently, adsorption events can be identified by properly detecting diffusion-state transitions in trajectories acquired through single-molecule fluorescence tracking experiments.

Application of metal-organic framework-based reactive oxygen species therapy in cancer.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) hold significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment, with metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanocarriers showing considerable promise for ROS-mediated therapies. This review systematically explores the advantages of MOFs in cancer treatment, focusing on their synthesis, structure, and biological applications. It further focuses on the efficacy of MOFs in ROS therapy, emphasizing their role in modulating the tumor microenvironment through Fenton/Fenton-like reactions and enzyme-like activity.

Self-Adaptive Sn-Fe Electron Pair Centers in Pt/SnFeO for Anti-Tumor Synergistic Therapy.

Despite the multiple advantages of high tissue penetration depth, selectivity, and noninvasiveness of photothermal-assisted antitumor synergistic therapy, developing photothermal agents with multifunctional characteristics, desirable tumor therapeutic effects, and biological stability remains a key challenge. Herein, an electronic structure-regulated strategy is proposed to activate self-adaptive Sn-Fe electron pair centers (Sn/Sn and Fe/Fe) through loading the electron donor Pt (Pt/SFO-1, -2, -3, -4). Experimental and theoretical calculations indicate that abundant dynamic active centers can facilitate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which enables Pt/SFO samples to possess catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and oxidase (OXD) enzyme-like activities.

Dynamic and thermodynamic origins of non-equilibrium phase transitions in infectious disease networks.

Understanding the mechanisms driving phase transitions in epidemic dynamics is essential for predicting and controlling infectious disease outbreaks. In this study, we apply the landscape and flux framework from nonequilibrium statistical physics to investigate the physical origins of bifurcations, or nonequilibrium phase transitions, in adaptive epidemic networks. Using a SIRS model, we systematically examine how variations in the rewiring rate (representing individuals' behavioral responses to avoid infection) and the average node degree (indicating the population's contact density) reshape the topography of the system's potential landscape and alter barrier heights, thereby triggering transitions between bistable and monostable regimes.

Biomaterials-Involved Construction of Extracellular Matrices for Tumor Blockade Therapy.

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) play a crucial role in the onset and progression of tumors by providing structural support and promoting the proliferation and metastases of tumor cells. Current therapeutic approaches targeting tumor ECMs focus on two main strategies: Inhibiting matrix degradation to prevent metastases and facilitating matrix degradation to enhance the penetration of drugs and immune cells. However, these strategies may lead to unintended consequences, such as tumor growth promotion, drug resistance, and side effects like fibrotic changes in healthy tissues.

Cu-Based Nanozyme-Enabled Triple Channel Colorimetric Sensor Arrays for Efficient Discrimination of Flavonoids.

The accurate identification and quantification of flavonoids are crucial but remain highly challenging, which is attributed to their analogous structures and properties. Based on different and unique cross reactions between receptors and analytes, the sensor array possesses considerable potential to recognize diverse flavonoids simultaneously. In this work, inspired by the excellent catalytic and optical properties of a selected nanomaterial synthesized via a facile method, we developed a sensor array using Cu-hmtz (Hmtz = 3-methyl-1-1,2,4-triazole) as the core element to discriminate five flavonoids.

Nanoshield Architecture Harnessing Neoantigen-Targeting Peptides Enables Durable Post-surgical Glioma Immunotherapy.

Despite advances in immunotherapy, its efficacy against postoperative glioma recurrence remains limited. Here, we present a neoantigen-targeting peptide nanoshield that synergizes with glioma resection to eliminate residual tumor cells and prevent relapse. The nanoshield architecture is constructed using a multicationic protein (MCP) as the structural scaffold, which is assembled with the mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (muIDH1) neoantigen.

Boosting Solar Cell Efficiency: Enhancing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance with Carbon Quantum Dots and Titanium Dioxide Nanostructures from Sri Lankan Ilmenite.

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the performance of commercially available TiO (P25, Degussa) is restricted by a low surface area and insufficient particle connectivity, resulting in hindered optoelectronic performance. This study presents an environmentally friendly and sustainable method for synthesizing TiO nanoparticles (NPs) using Sri Lankan ilmenite as a raw material. Additionally, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are synthesized from coconut shells through a one-step hydrothermal carbonization process, providing a green synthesis process for these carbon-based nanomaterials.

A hydrogel tissue adhesive incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor-loaded liposomes accelerates cutaneous wound healing by enhancing cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and angiogenesis.

Tissue adhesives have become substitutes or adjuvants for surgical sutures owing to their minimal tissue damage and ease of application. However, limitations remain for existing tissue adhesives, such as weak adhesion strength, potential toxicity, and lack of bioactivities to promote wound healing. Here, we developed an injectable and biocompatible hydrogel tissue adhesive incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-loaded liposomes for sutureless wound closure and promoting wound healing.

Integration of an AIE photosensitizer and a COX-2 inhibitor for synergistic and enhanced tumor therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a minimally invasive and precision-guided cancer treatment method. However, single-modality PDT is limited by incomplete tumor ablation, and paradoxical immune evasion triggered by inflammatory cascades. Herein, we present BTDA-IMC, a nanoplatform that integrates an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor to synergistically enhance PDT efficacy.

Simple porphyrin nanoparticles for combined photo-immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 have shown improved survival rates in colorectal cancer patients. Poor clinical response rate due to the low intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes limited their further clinical application. Herein, we designed mono-hydroxyphenyl porphyrin (TPP-OH) for synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT)/photodynamic therapy (PDT)-immunotherapy against colorectal cancer.

CRCs-CAFs crosstalk-targeted nano-delivery system reprograms tumor microenvironment for oxaliplatin resistance reversing and liver metastasis inhibition in colorectal cancer.

The five-year survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis is less than 30 %, and chemotherapy resistance and metastatic microenvironment remodeling are the current treatment bottlenecks. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) form a "CRCs-CAFs crosstalk" with colorectal cancer cells (CRCs) by secreting dense extracellular matrix (ECM), free fatty acids (FFA), and pro-metastatic factors, driving a vicious cycle of drug resistance and metastasis. During liver metastasis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-derived CAFs (HSC-CAFs) promote tumor metastasis by remodeling the pre-metastatic microenvironment.