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.

Designing a DNA synchronizer for compact single-rail DNA logic circuits.

DNA has emerged as a robust platform for engineering molecular circuits with arbitrary logic operations. Nevertheless, implementing DNA circuits for such functions generally relies on the use of dual-rail expression that doubles the number of required gates, constraining the achievable complexity in a single solution. A fundamental limitation is that conventional single-rail circuits cannot support nonfirst-layer NOT operations.

Bioinspired porous core-shell microspheres with spatiotemporal delivery coordinate immunomodulatory-osteogenic coupling via NF-κB/P-STAT6 and Rho/MAPK signaling for enhanced calvarial regeneration.

Critical-sized calvarial defects remain a formidable clinical challenge due to dyssynchronous immunomodulation-osteogenesis coupling and unregulated growth factor release. Here, a bioinspired porous core-shell microsphere system (GCI@HPPS) is developed, integrating hydroxyapatite (HA)-loaded shell, surface-immobilized SDF-1α, and IGF-1-encapsulated cores to immunomodulate osteoimmune microenvironment and osteogenesis promotion. The hierarchical architecture achieved spatiotemporally programmed release: HA degradation-dependent mineralization, SDF-1α-mediated BMSC chemotaxis, and sustained IGF-1 delivery, mimicking natural bone repair cascades.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating substance use disorders.

Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have garnered significant attention as potential therapeutic tools for treating substance use disorders (SUDs), such as those related to alcohol, nicotine, heroin (an opioid), or cocaine. Traditional treatments often fall short, leading to high relapse rates and an urgent need for innovative approaches. This article explores the emerging role of psychedelics in SUDs therapy, highlighting their ability to disrupt maladaptive neural circuits, promote neuroplasticity, and facilitate profound psychological insights that address the root causes of SUDs.

A Facile and Scalable α-Diimine Platform for Nickel-Catalyzed Ethylene Polymerization.

The structural design and facile synthesis of ligands are crucial for the development of innovative catalysts. Advances have enabled the iterative design of benchmark α-diimine nickel catalysts for the synthesis of polyolefins, which represent the largest class of polymers. In this work, a versatile post-synthetic modification (PSM) strategy is introduced for the synthesis of a new family of α-diimine nickel catalysts, deviating from the conventional methods.

NIR-Responsive Plasmonic PtSb Alloys with Strong p-d Orbital Hybridization for Synergistic Photothermal-Catalytic Therapy.

Developing platinum (Pt)-based nanostructures with strong near-infrared (NIR) plasmonic response and catalytic activity remains challenging for efficient photothermal-catalytic therapy, due to their poor optical tunability in the NIR region. Here, orbital-engineered PtSb nanoalloys are reported that exhibit broadband NIR plasmonic resonance and enhanced peroxidase (POD)-like activity, driven by strong p-d orbital hybridization between Pt and Sb. Finite-difference time-domain simulations further confirm the presence of localized surface plasmon resonance and enhanced electromagnetic field distribution in PtSb nanocrystals (NCs).

Synthetic biology-driven design and bioproduction of mechanical proteins.

Structural proteins, with exceptional structural versatility and tailored properties, have inspired the design of mechanically robust biomaterials with diverse applications. Nevertheless, the heterologous biosynthesis of high-performance structural proteins faces inherent challenges due to their characteristic high molecular weight, highly repetitive sequences, and intricate folding patterns, frequently leading to reduced production yields, structural defects, and compromised mechanical properties. To overcome these limitations, researchers have adopted various strategies to refine sequence architectures and optimize heterologous expression systems of recombinant structural proteins.

Multiple amplifications of NIR-I ECL signals of AuPtAg nanoclusters and applications in fast detections of noradrenaline.

NIR-I electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is emerging as highly sensitive detection strategy due to its low background at the ambient conditions. Nonetheless, the applications of current NIR-I ECL nanoprobes are limited to the harsh synthetic/testing condition, high toxicity, low signal, and poor biocompatibility. In this study, glutathione/lipoic acid-protected trimetallic AuPtAg nanoclusters (GSH/LA/AuPtAg NCs) are demonstrated as an efficient nanoprobe with strong ECL signals around 850 nm in the presences of triethylamine.

Polyaspartamide-based antimicrobials for combatting bacterial infections.

The increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance has stimulated research on antibacterial polymers, which offer enhanced therapeutic potential due to their facile synthesis, low immunogenicity, and superior stability compared to natural antimicrobial peptides. Herein, a series of cationic polyaspartamides (PASPDA) with different side chain lengths () and degrees of polymerization () were synthesized through ammonolysis reaction of poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate) (PBLA) to systematically investigate their antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. All PASPDA exhibited antibacterial activity.

Neuroactive network tissue based on dual-factor neuroregenerative bioactive coating scaffolds and neural stem cells for spinal cord injury repair.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in sensory and motor dysfunction, with neuronal death, circuit disruption, and the inhibitory microenvironment serving as key limitations to effective treatment. In this study, we developed a neuroactive network tissue for SCI repair by immobilizing dual recombinant growth factors based on biomimetic mussel adhesive units onto an oriented electrospun nanofiber scaffold, and seeding neural stem cells (NSCs) onto the scaffold. This dual-factor system continuously stimulates and enhances the paracrine function of NSCs, promoting repair of the injury site.

Multi-electron redox reactivity of a thorium(ii) hydride synthon.

Molecular thorium complexes are dominated by stable tetravalent thorium, while subvalent thorium and the relevant synthons are very limited. Herein, we report that hydrogenolysis of the half-sandwich penta-arylcyclopentadienyl-supported thorium tribenzyl complex [(Cp)Th(-CH-CH-Me)] (1) (Cp = CAr, Ar = 3,5-Pr-CH) affords the double-sandwich bimetallic hydride complex [(Cp)Th(μ-H)] (2), in which one of the five aryl groups in the Cp ligand is selectively reduced to a puckered di-anionic 1,4-cyclohexadienyl. Complex 2 can be regarded as a thorium(ii) hydride synthon, and exhibits unique redox-active reactivity towards various substrates.

Chiral Single Molecule with Biphenyl Component Exhibiting Both TADF and RTP Emissions Enables Highly Efficient CP-OLEDs.

Chiral single molecules that exhibit both thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) pose significant challenges, primarily due to their competitive luminescence mechanisms and the scarcity of studies on their applications in circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs). In this work, we develop a novel chiral emitter, CP-D3, with an axially chiral biphenyl segment selected as the chiral center. As a result, CP-D3 successfully exhibits both TADF and RTP properties with a high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of 91%.

Tailoring metals, axial ligands, and carbon substrates in TMN-graphene for direct seawater electrolysis: A synergistic approach using density functional theory and machine learning algorithms.

Driven by the surging demand for sustainable energy production, direct seawater electrolysis for hydrogen generation has emerged as a pivotal research frontier. As a result, the design and optimization of highly stable, active, and selective oxygen-evolution-reaction (OER) catalysts has garnered considerable attention. In this study, by modifying the N-doped graphene substrates (S1-S3), introducing different axial ligands (X = Cl or OH), and tuning the transition metals (TM) at the active sites, we designed a total of 144 catalysts, consisting of 48 TMN-Sk and 96 TMN-Sk-X variants.

MIL-100(Fe)-based Co-delivery platform as cascade synergistic chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents for colorectal cancer via the cGAS-STING pathway.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden as the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While combination chemotherapy and immune agonists hold potential to overcome tumor heterogeneity through multi-pathway modulation, their therapeutic efficacy remains limited by off-target drug distribution and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To address this, we developed a tumor-targeted chemo-immunotherapy platform by encapsulating irinotecan (CPT-11) and resiquimod (R848) in hyaluronic acid (HA) coated MIL-100(Fe) metal-organic frameworks (CRMH NPs), enabling CD44-mediated delivery and synergistic anti-tumor responses.

Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Electrochemiluminescence of Sugar Alcohols.

Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sugar substitutes commonly used in sugar-free products. In this study, we report for the first time Ru(bpy) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of sugar alcohols. Ru(bpy) ECL of sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol, isbitol (also called isomalt, isomaltitol, and palatinitol), maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, and erythritol, was investigated.

The Medial Prefrontal Cortex Modulates Psychedelic-like Effects of Psilocin.

Recent advancements in the study of psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin have highlighted their unique psychedelic properties and potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the rapid and sustained treatment of depression. However, the potent acute psychedelic effects of psilocybin necessitate a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying its action. In this study, we investigated the psilocin-induced neural activity in male mice using c-Fos immunofluorescent labeling and identified brain regions associated with psychedelic-like activity.

A Portable and Thermally Degradable Hydrogel Sensor Based on Eu-Doped Carbon Dots for Visual and Ultrasensitive Detection of Ferric Ion.

Degradable fluorescent sensors present a promising portable approach for heavy metal ion detection, aiming to prevent secondary environmental pollution. Additionally, the excessive intake of ferric ions (Fe), an essential trace element for human health, poses critical health risks that urgently require effective monitoring. In this study, we developed a thermally degradable fluorescent hydrogel sensor (Eu-CDs@DPPG) based on europium-doped carbon dots (Eu-CDs).

Light-Activatable Nanotherapeutic Platform Synchronizing ROS-Mediated Antibacterial Action with Macrophage Polarization for Refractory Wound Infections.

The treatment of persistent drug-resistant bacterial infections in wounds poses a significant global medical challenge. Developing innovative antimicrobial strategies capable of simultaneously achieving bacterial eradication, inflammation resolution, and tissue regeneration has become imperative. Herein, a nanocomposite featuring plasma-enhanced enzymatic activity and immunoregulatory properties is engineered, designed to reprogram the wound microenvironment and expedite healing in drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Recent Advances in Prodrug-Loaded Nanoparticles for Enhanced Immunotherapy Efficacy.

Immunotherapy has emerged as an important approach for cancer treatment. However, most drugs for activating the cancer-immunity cycle have serious side effects from systemic off-target action, endangering patients' safety. Prodrug-loaded nanoparticles integrate prodrug activation strategies based on passive or active targeted delivery, which is expected to improve the enrichment of drugs in tumors, reduce the activation of drugs in normal tissues, and enhance the drugs' tumor selectivity.

A multifunctional nanozyme hydrogel film with antibacterial and antioxidant activity for fruit packaging and freshness preservation.

Hydrogel films have emerged as a significant focus in the field of food preservation, particularly those with multifunctional properties that show considerable promise in both protecting food and monitoring its condition. This research details the development of an antioxidant nanozyme (CuLyz) designed to preserve freshness, achieved by chelating copper ions with lysozyme (Lyz). Subsequently, a multifunctional hydrogel film (PVA/TA/CuLyz) was created, incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tannic acid (TA), and CuLyz.

Efficient adsorption of xylenol orange by reusable carbon quantum dots/cross-linked chitosan composites.

In this work, a series of carbon quantum dots/cross-linked chitosan composites (CQDs/CCS) with different ratios were obtained from citric acid and chitosan by hydrothermal treatment and freeze-drying. The morphology, structure and composition of the composites (CQDs/CCS) were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of the material ratio, adsorption time, pH, and solution concentration on the adsorption performance of xylenol orange were explored.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps-Inspired Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework-Based Bio-orthogonal Nanozymes for Enhanced Bacterial Capture and Sterilization.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent innate antimicrobial microstructures composed of DNA and various proteins and enzymes. NETs can trap microorganisms and then achieve a sterilization effect through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cationic antimicrobial peptides. While these web-like structures physically constrain microbial dissemination, the inherent instabilities, including nuclease-mediated DNA degradation and protease-sensitive antibacterial peptides, limit the antibacterial therapeutic effect of natural NETs.

Photochromic Rare-Earth Complexes with Chiral Macrocycle Ligands for Magnetic and Luminescent Regulations.

The construction of chiral photochromic lanthanide complexes represents a topic of interest in photoresponsive materials for the potential applications of chiroptical photoswitches. Here, the combined employment of chiral hexa-azamacrocycle and photochromic dithienylethene-containing carboxylic ligand, 2,2″,5,5″-tetramethyl-[3,2':3',3″-terthiophene]-5'-carboxylic acid (), results in the assembly of a pair of chiral lanthanide macrocyclic complexes, -[Ln(L)(3ThCOO)](BPh) (, Ln = Eu, Dy, Y; L derived from the condensation of pyridine-2,6-dicarbaldehyde and (1, 2)/(1, 2)-1,2-diphenylethyl-enediamine), which were characterized by single-crystal XRD and CD spectra. The spectroscopic comparisons before and after photoirradiation revealed the occurrence of photochromic behaviors in both solution and solid states arising from the complementary effects of two different photoresponsive mechanisms.

Melamine-Modified Metal-Organic Framework as Novel Electrochemiluminescence Enhancer for Single-Electrode Multiplex cTnI Immunosensor.

The single-electrode electrochemical system (SEES) has emerged as a significant advancement in electrochemiluminescence (ECL), offering enhanced multiplexing efficiency, simplified operation, and reduced fabrication costs. In this study, melamine-modified naphthalene-substituted UiO-66 nanocrystal (Me-UiO-66-NDC) was used as a novel enhancer of Ru(bpy) ECL based on a SEES. The modification of the electrode with Me-UiO-66-NDC remarkably enhanced Ru(bpy) anodic ECL.