This study presents the development of hierarchical design concept for the synthesis of multi-scale polymer particles with up to five levels of organization. The synthesis of core-shell microparticles containing nested sets of dispersed metal and polymer micro- and nanoparticles is achieved through in-situ photopolymerization using a double co-axial capillaries microfluidic device. The flow rates of the carrier, shell, and core phases are optimized to control particle size and result in stable core-shell particles with well-dispersed three-level composites in the shell matrix. The robustness and reversibility of these core-shell particles are demonstrated through 5 cycles of drying and re-swelling, showing that the size and structure of core-shell particle remain unchanged. Additionally, the permeability and mobility of dye molecules within the shell matrix are tested and showed that different molecular weight dyes have different penetration times. This study highlights the potential of microfluidics as a powerful tool for the controlled and precise synthesis of complex structured materials and demonstrates the versatility and potential of these core-shell particles for sensing applications as particle-based SERS

The relationship between nanoparticle size, charge, shape, and in vivo biodistribution is of great importance for the rational design and selection of intravenously administered nanoparticles. A resource that aids in the selection and design of nanomaterials for this purpose would be a valuable tool. Previous literature reviews have examined narrow categories of nanomaterials or have not statistically analyzed a broad range of nanomaterial literature. Here, data regarding the biodistribution of intravenously administered synthetic and organic nanomaterials in animal models from literature available in PubMed is collected. This work outlines the effect of nanoparticle size, charge, shape, animal sex, and animal disease status on biodistribution of intravenously administered nanomaterials. Particle size and charge are found to significantly and independently influence biodistribution to several organs. Finally, animal sex and disease state are observed to function as effect modifiers for biodistribution.

Carbon quantum dots (CQD) have received significant attention in recent years due to their potential applications in optics and sensing. In this study, the authors report on the first characterization of the optical activity and broad absorption spectrum covering from short-wave ultraviolet, at 200 nm, to mid-infrared, at 1600 nm, of CQD synthesized using the “low-molecular-weight alcohols electrochemical carbonization” method. The CQD are analyzed using spectroscopic techniques, optical activity in the infrared, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Results show a CQD size distribution of 5±3 nm and spherical morphology. The absorption spectra show increased absorption at both, high and low frequency. Additionally, the specific rotation of the CQD solution is significantly higher than that of pure ethanol, by three orders of magnitude. These findings suggest that CQD may have potential applications in polarized infrared filters and/or sensors due to their ability to rotate the polarization state of light at 1550 nm. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the optical properties of CQD and their potential for infiltration into hollow core photonic crystal fibers, making them a promising material for future research and development in the field of optics and sensing.

Part. Part. Syst. Charact. 2022, 39, 2200097 DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.202200097 In the published version of this article, all of the authors are listed as corresponding authors. This is a mistake, and the only corresponding author should be Nina Jiang. The correct affiliations are therefore as follows: J. L. Wang, D. Y. Li, Q. Xu, H. J. Wang, C. F. Liang, X. Y. Zhang, A. Z. Chen, N. N. Jiang College of Chemical Engineering Huaqiao University Xiamen 361021, P. R. China E-mail: ninajiang@hqu.edu.cn S.-B. Wang, A. Z. Chen, N. N. Jiang Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University) Xiamen 361021, P. R. China

Biocompatible nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as cellular antioxidant agents for the improvement of new therapeutics for several and diverse oxidative stress related disorders. Here, it is shown that the biocompatible cell membrane@gold nanoparticle displays catalase-mimic behavior by decomposing H2O2. This interesting behavior can be used for cell protection against induced oxidative injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS). So, after characterizing this novel biocompatible nanostructure, the protective effect of cell membrane@AuNPs pretreatment in front of a well-defined oxidative stress-inducing chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin (Dox) is assessed. Doxorubicin pretreatment significantly reduces the intracellular ROS production. Similarly, a reduction in the levels of DNA oxidative damage, as measured with the AO/EB staining, is also observed. Obtained results would support that this novel nanostructure can show how a pharmacological agent can be used against oxidative stress-mediated diseases.

This study focuses on the development of theranostic, dual drug-loaded nanocarriers to propose a proof-of-principle therapeutic approach in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The nanoconstructs consist of a core of zinc oxide nanocrystals doped with gadolinium, useful as a potential contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging applications. After functionalizing their surface with amino-propyl groups, the physical adsorption of two hydrophobic drugs is performed: Vismodegib and Sorafenib. Their synergistic use might improve PDAC treatment and stroma depletion when co-delivered in the tumor microenvironment for future in vivo applications. To enhance the nanoconstructs’ biostability, the ensemble is coated by a lipid bilayer and a tumor targeting peptide is incorporated on the outer shell surface. As a first proof of concept, the resulting nanoconstructs are tested against two pancreatic cancer cell lines, showing a modest increase in treatment efficacy compared to the free drug counterparts and proving to spare healthy pancreatic cells. In a second testing set, the dual-drug loaded nanoconstructs are tested on both cell lines previously sensitized to a first-line chemotherapeutic drug, Gemcitabine, showing an improved treatment response. From these preliminary results, the nanotheranostic platforms might constitute a good starting point for future PDAC therapy and diagnosis studies.

The preparation of three different functionalized palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) systems for room temperature BTX (benzene, toluene, p-xylene) sensing detection and their morphostructural characterization is described. PdNPs are prepared through a two-phase water/toluene wet chemical reduction method in the presence of bifunctional organic thiols as stabilizing agents suitable for the formation of covalently linked PdNPs networks: p-terphenyl-4,4″-dithiol (PdNPs-TR), biphenyl-4,4′-dithiol (PdNPs-BP), or with 9,9-didodecyl-2,7-bis(acetylthio)fluorene (PdNPs-FL). Comparing the hydrodynamic diameter values, TR and BP ligands help to obtain networks consisting of spherical NPs of about 2 nm, in which each bifunctional ligand act as a bridge between PdNPs. In contrast, PdNPs-FL show a population centered at = 45 ± 5 nm. To perform preliminary gas sensing measurements, PdNPs networks are cast deposited on interdigitated electrodes to study their resistive response toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene (0–5%), toluene (0–1.7%), and p-xylene (0–0.4%) (BTX) and common interfering gases (H2S, NH3, SO2, and relative humidity, RH). PdNPs-FL show enhanced response to BTX with an appreciable response also toward H2S and RH. PdNPs-TR exhibit a better ability to discriminate benzene gas with a negligible response after H2S exposure. Moreover, all the PdNPs systems show little to no response to NH3 and SO2 gases, offering an interesting perspective in practical sensing applications.

DNA gel not only uses the skeleton function of hydrogel but also the biological function of DNA to realize the unified fusion of the structure and function of hydrogel material. By introducing specific small molecules into the DNA gel, it can respond to pH, temperature, ultraviolet, infrared, metal ions, and drug small molecules. To further realize the detection and loading of various small molecules in the biomedical field, the specific recognition and detection of heavy metal ions and toxins in the environment are done. In this paper, the preparation of pure DNA gel and hybrid DNA gel, their detection in the biomedical and environmental fields are reviewed, and their prospects and further development directions are discussed.

Controlled surface modification of gold particles is of central importance for the preparation of functional nano-objects, which can be used both in fundamental research and in advanced photonic or nanomedicine applications. In this study, the surface modification of gold nanoprisms using different thiols, namely cysteamine, (16-mercaptohexadecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (MTAB), and α-methoxy-ω-mercapto polyethylene glycol (mPEG-SH (5000 Da)) is investigated. The aim is to prepare binary surface-modified thiol/PEG patchy gold nanoprisms, where the tips/edges and the face regions of the particles are covered by different thiol moieties. By investigating the time evolution of the prisms’ extinction spectra at different capping ligand concentration levels, the conditions to prepare such “patchy” particles are identified. While significantly faster adsorption kinetics are observed for MTAB compared to cysteamine, both molecule types can be used to prepare binary surface-modified thiol/PEG particles. Prisms modified with only MTAB or PEG and subsequently assembled with negatively charged spheres show that MTAB forms hetero-aggregates with the spheres, while PEG prevents particle attachment. For thiol (cysteamine or MTAB)/PEG binary surface-modified prisms, it is found that the efficiency of sphere attachment at the tip/side region during self-assembly is rather low, most likely due to the presence of PEG.

A dual-drug delivery, pH-responsive composite nanoplatform (MAPD NPs) that can respond to two biological windows is developed to improve the efficacy of synergetic chemotherapic/photothermal/chemodynamic therapy (CDT) against tumors. This nanoplatform is surface-modified polydopamine (PDA) with excellent biocompatibility as the shell and Ag NPs as the catalyst for CDT. The curcumin (Cur) acts as an organic ligand to be encapsulated in metal−biomolecule frameworks (Bio-MOFs) by self-assembly, and Bio-MOF acts as a delivery carrier to deliver of DOX•HCl and then releases the Cur when it degrades in vivo. Moreover, Bio-MOF can be taken up by cells faster and accelerate cell death compared to free Cur. PDA modification enables MAP (PDA@MOF-Ag) to have photothermal properties under 808 and 1064 nm light irradiation, which not only improves the biocompatibility of MAP but also makes it produce high heat and abundant ·OH. The photothermal performance of MAP is stable after irradiation at 808 or 1064 nm, and the photothermal conversion efficiency reaches 63.57% and 26.25%. The survival rate of HeLa cells co-incubation with MAPD NPs after irradiation at 808 and 1064 nm decreases to 19.52 ± 0.69% and 30.48 ± 0.49%, respectively, providing a feasible scheme for the realization of deep tumor killing.

In this work, silver nanoparticles are synthesized using a simple and sensitive method by using double-stranded DNA (dsDNA-Ag NPs) as a template. The prepared dsDNA-Ag NPs are characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The excitation wavelength of the prepared silver nanoparticles is 295 nm, the emission wavelength is 377 nm, the average particle size is 11.2 nm, and the dispersion is uniform with pleasurable stability. The nanomaterials are used as fluorescent probes to detect glutathione (GSH). After adding glutathione to the dsDNA-Ag NPs fluorescent probes, the fluorescence of dsDNA-Ag NPs is burst due to electron transfer and SAg bond generation, and the linear range of detection concentration is 0–90 mm with a detection limit of 0.37 mm.

Hybrid dendrimers constitute a unique class of well-defined complex architecture featured with a central domain and bifurcated branches with two different dendritic sequences for their atomic configuration and functional groups at the periphery. This review article pioneers the field of new hybrid dendrimers using different generations by nanoconjugation with metals, carbohydrates, nucleotides, proteins/peptides, carbosilane, urea, silica, stem cells, guanidine, etc. The smart dendrimers contain desirable electrical, magnetic, optical, and biological attributes to increase surface area, monodisperse behavior, dose reduction, dissolution, permeability, long-term stability, and significant decrement in nanotoxicity studies. The higher encapsulation of lipid soluble and insoluble moieties explores an excellent platform for the delivery of drugs (ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc.), nucleic acids (oligonucleotide, siRNA, and aptamer), genetic materials , and chemical diagnostic agents (gadolinium chelates and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles) for imaging. Owing to their flexibility in structural adaptability, different health conditions like glaucoma, inflammation, microbial infection, neurodegenerative problems (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsonism), and cancer are benefited using such long-lasting drug delivery. Advancements in molecular engineering techniques, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, robotic, green synthesis, and microwave-assisted methods aid in the development of economically reliable and personalized pharmaceutical hybrid dendritic systems resembling antibodies, globular proteins, stem cells, enzymes, and genetic materials.

In article number 2200123, Saito and co-workers synthesize water-soluble ortho-fluoroazobenzene that can be photoisomerized by visible light. The compound enables reversible photoinduced self-assembly of cubic gold nanorattles without the use of UV light. Their plasmonic properties can be easily tuned by green and blue light irradiation. The dispersion visually changes its color repeatedly.

In article 2200173 by Cavus Falamaki and co-workers, an in-house nanoparticle-tracking analysis (NTA) system for the determination of particle size distribution (PSD) of polydisperse suspensions of transparent nanoparticles is developed. This new analytical system is able to measure the particle size distribution of SiO2 nanoparticles in water medium for a size distribution down to 5 nm.

The macrophage time-dependent metabolic profile changing basal metabolism triggered by nanoparticles can be obtained and used to improve wound healing treatments. Herein this study demonstrates that metabolic status responds systematically to cytotoxicity manipulation, providing an interesting way of cellular control. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolomics and cytotoxic assays are used to study RAW 264.7 cells exposed to AgNPs at different concentrations and incubation times. Cytotoxicity data show a slight decrease in cellular expansion rates accompanied by morphological changes in cells. Metabolomics show that despite the glycolytic activity of treated and non-treated cells remains unchanged; however, only the treated cells present a rich Citrate environment signaling up-regulation of Tricarboxylic-Acid-Cycle (TCA). Cells choose aerobic routes instead of anaerobic ones to produce energy and self-regulate their amino acid metabolism to balance TCA. Choline metabolism is down-regulated once its sub-products, Betaine and Glycine, are reduced, thus compromising Creatine synthesis. Phospholipid metabolism is down-regulated due to the decreasing of Phosphocholine and Sn-Glycerol-3-PC, in agreement with the cytotoxicity results. Pyroglutamate decreases in treated cells, signaling different levels of oxidative stress. These analytical tools can characterize AgNPs-treatments, even distinguishing dose and time dependencies. Therefore, the fine-tuning of exposition parameters can modulate cellular activity to achieve better wound healing.

Fe-doped CoCr oxide catalysts are prepared by solid-phase mixing method, coprecipitation method, mechanical mixing method, and citric acid method, respectively, and their catalytic activity in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with NH3 (NH3-SCR) is tested. The Fe0.5CoCrOx catalysts prepared by all preparation methods have good water resistance and sulfur resistance when the calcination temperature is 400 °C. Fe0.5CoCrOx prepared by coprecipitation method by calcination at 400 °C (CP-400) is shown to have the optimum catalyst activity. In addition, the catalysts are characterized by a series of characterizations. The characterization results show that CP-400 has the largest specific surface area, which makes the active and acidic sites highly dispersed on the surface of CP-400, resulting in stronger redox and acidity and improved SCR activity. The removal of NO by NH3-SCR over CP-400 at 150 °C follows the Eley-Rideal (ER) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) mechanisms.

Liquid marbles show promising potential for application in the microreaction field. The efficient and precise approach for the remote coalescence of liquid marbles is desirable. Herein, the ultraviolet-light–induced wettability transition of TiO2 nanoparticles is exploited to develop an ingenious approach for efficient and controlled coalesce of contacting liquid marbles containing separate reagents. This approach is generic and provides ideas for the on-demand initiation of multistep microreactions inside liquid marbles.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a promising method that uses endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via Fenton reaction to kill tumor cells. However, the insufficient contents of H2O2 and the presence of glutathione (GSH) can significantly reduce the therapeutic effect of CDT. Herein, a multifunctional nanoregulator (3-AT&MA@FHM) that combines Fe-doped hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Fe-doped hMSN, or FHM) with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) and maleimide (MA) are developed to overcome these challenges. After endocytosis by tumor cells, FHM part of the nanoregulator degrades in a mildly acidic intracellular environment and releases Fe3+ for CDT. The subsequently released 3-AT serves as a catalase inhibitor to promote the accumulation of H2O2, while MA acts as a GSH scavenger to decrease the GSH content in tumor cells. This multifunctional nanoplatform simultaneously regulates the contents of H2O2-the substrate for Fenton reaction and GSH-the main antioxidant, resulting in a significantly enhanced CDT effect. Moreover, organoids are used for safety and toxicity evaluation. The results of organoids experiments showed similar trends to those of cellular experiments, but MIO is more resistant to stress than cells. This study is expected to provide a novel idea for the design of highly efficient CDT nanosystems.

The biomolecular corona is a key component controlling the identity of nanomaterials in physiological environments. Studies aimed at identifying factors shaping the biomolecular corona have proliferated in the last decade but have been performed by research groups with different backgrounds. Efforts made within the scientific community to guarantee the reproducibility of experimental data have identified protocol standardization as an indispensable step for advancing knowledge in this arena. To contribute to fulfill this gap, here the relevance of interoperator variability in biomolecular corona studies and the benefits arising from automated systems usage are explored. Moreover, the role of molecular crowding during nanoparticle-biofluid incubation and the effect of washing the pellet during corona isolation are thoroughly investigated. It is believed that the findings will help researchers enhance the accuracy of experimental design and reporting.

Hansen solubility parameters (HSP), for particles understood as Hansen similarity parameters, can provide valuable information about the surface behavior of nanoparticles. In the past years, several methodologies were developed for scoring and ranking of probe liquids for HSP determination. Two methods available to carry out this determination in a structured way are based on integral extinctions (IE) by Süß et al. and particle size determinations by Anwar et al., respectively. In this study, we apply these two methods of HSP determination on titania, carbon black and silicon/carbon composites. The differences in scoring and subsequent ranking of a probe liquid list are compared between both methods. We report comparable HSPs from both methods as a best-practice example and emphasize additional considerations that need to be considered to properly derive HSPs from the IE-based method.