Lectin-Conjugated Fe₂O₃@Au Core@Shell Nanoparticles as Dual Mode Contrast Agents for <i>in Vivo</i> Detection of Tumor

Here, we report the covalent conjugation of lectin on Fe₂O₃@Au core@shell nanoparticle (lectin–Fe₂O₃@Au NP) for <i>T</i>₂-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) dual-modality imaging. The lectin–Fe₂O₃@Au NPs are prepared by coupling lectins to the Fe₂O₃@Au NP surfaces through bifunctional PEG NHS ester disulfide (NHS-PEG-S-S-PEG-NHS) linkers. After the nonspecific adsorption sites on the nanoparticle surface are blocked by thiolated PEG (PEG-SH), the lectin–Fe₂O₃@Au NPs exhibit excellent stability in biological medium and inappreciable cytotoxicity. A series of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments were then carried out for evaluating the capabilities of three selected lectin (ConA, RCA and WGA)-Fe₂O₃@Au NPs. The results revealed that the lectin–Fe₂O₃@Au NPs had a capacity not only for dual mode MR and CT imaging <i>in vitro</i> but also for MR and CT imaging of colorectal cancer <i>in vivo</i>. The experimental results also suggest that lectin could be used as tumor targeting ligand for synthesizing nanoparticle-based contrast agents

Accurate Monitoring of Renal Injury State through in Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Ferric Coordination Polymer Nanodots

It is highly challenging to detect the pathophysiology of the diseased kidneys and achieve precise diagnosis because there are few in vivo noninvasive imaging techniques to quantitatively assess kidney dysfunction. This longstanding challenge is normally attributed to the limited molecular contrast agents which can be addressed with renal clearable nanoprobes. In this report, we demonstrate the use of magnetic resonance imaging along with renal clearable ferric coordination polymer nanodots (Fe-CPNDs) for in vivo monitoring the kidney dysfunction effects following drug (daunomycin)-induced kidney injury. After intravenous injection of Fe-CPNDs, the change of the MR signal in the kidney can be precisely correlated with local pathological lesion which is demonstrated by renal anatomic details and biochemical examinations of urine and blood. This finding opens the door to the possibility of noninvasively assessing kidney dysfunction and local injuries

Insights into the Nucleation and Structure of Lignin-Based Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized Using Iron via Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition

Lignin is an abundant biomass resource that can be converted to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD). This study investigates how Fe catalyst properties impact the synthesis, structure, and properties of lignin-derived CNTs. During CNTs synthesis via FCCVD, increasing the ferrocene concentration yields more CNT products, but the catalyst efficiency declines, as evidenced by the appearance of shorter CNTs and more Fe residue in the product. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the size and morphology of Fe nanoparticles strongly influence CNT structure, defects, and graphene layer alignment in the nanotube sidewalls during growth. High-temperature graphitization effectively removes residual catalysts from the CNTs and improves their crystallinity and conductivity. During graphitization from 1600 to 2800 °C, the graphene interlayer spacing decreases, while the Raman IG/ID ratio increases from 3.16 to 8.08, electrical conductivity increases from 4.05 × 104 to 5.92 × 104 S m–1, and thermal conductivity can be enhanced from 31.20 to 50.49 W m–1 K–1. Correlating catalyst characteristics with CNT structure evolution provides insights into the controlled synthesis of tailored biomass-derived CNTs with specific structures and properties

Continuous Preparation of a Flexible Carbon Nanotube Film from Lignin as a Sulfur Host Material for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lignin is an abundant natural polymer and a green biomass precursor containing over 60% carbon. However, high-value and sustainable material production from lignin remains underutilized. Here, a flexible carbon nanotube (CNT) film is continuously fabricated via floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) using lignin as the carbon source. The as-prepared CNT film exhibits high conductivity (4.19 × 104 S m–1) and can directly serve as an electrode material without further processing. Moreover, the adaptable CNT film displays strong mechanical properties (54.53 MPa) and fatigue resistance, making it an excellent flexible host for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The intertwined CNTs provide efficient electron transport, accelerating the reaction kinetics. Consequently, the Li–S cells with CNT film-based cathodes maintained capacities of 706.1 and 435.3 mA h g–1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 and 1.0 C, respectively. Foldable Li–S pouch cells with CNT film-based cathodes also powered LED lights. This green, low-cost, straightforward fabrication of lignin-based CNT films as sulfur hosts provides an attractive alternative for valorizing abundant lignin into high-value materials at scale

Vessel-Targeting Nanoclovers Enable Noninvasive Delivery of Magnetic Hyperthermia–Chemotherapy Combination for Brain Cancer Treatment

Despite being promising, the clinical application of magnetic hyperthermia for brain cancer treatment is limited by the requirement of highly invasive intracranial injections. To overcome this limitation, here we report the development of gallic acid-coated magnetic nanoclovers (GA-MNCs), which allow not only for noninvasive delivery of magnetic hyperthermia but also for targeted delivery of systemic chemotherapy to brain tumors. GA-MNCs are composed of clover-shaped MNCs in the core, which can induce magnetic heat in high efficiency, and polymerized GA on the shell, which enables tumor vessel-targeting. We demonstrate that intravenous administration of GA-MNCs following alternating magnetic field exposure effectively inhibited brain cancer development and preferentially disrupted tumor vasculature, making it possible to efficiently deliver systemic chemotherapy for further improved efficacy. Due to the noninvasive nature and high efficiency in killing tumor cells and enhancing systemic drug delivery, GA-MNCs have the potential to be translated for improved treatment of brain cancer

Electromechanical Properties and Resistance Signal Fatigue of Piezoresistive Fiber-Based Strain Gauges

Piezoresistive nanocomposite fibers are essential elements for smart wearables and have recently become a research hotspot because of their high sensitivities at large deformations in the plastic regime. However, little attention has been paid to the electromechanical properties of such fibers at low strains where the resistance–strain (R–ε) relationship is reliably linear. In addition, prediction of the resistance signal stability for these materials during cyclic loading remains unreported. Here, we studied these two aspects using wet-spun piezoresistive nanocomposite fibers from polyether block amide (PEBA) composed of a hybrid conductive filler network of carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in which the CB loading in the PEBA matrix was varied at a constant volume fraction of CNTs. We found the R–ε linear relationship (working factor, W) to increase with CB filler loading from 0.01 to 0.058. In addition, the gauge factors of these fibers varied inversely with W from 16.89 to 3.81. Using fatigue theory, we predicted the endurance limit of PEBA/CB-CNT fibers in the elastic regime to be ∼34.9 cycles. Although our fibers were extremely deformable, up to 500% strain, as is the case for most piezoresistive nanocomposite fibers, this work reveals the working range to be actually very small, comparable to rigid conventional strain gauges. We believe with PEBA/CB-CNT fibers’ robust mechanical properties and the ease with which the electromechanical signal can be quantified with the fatigue model, they would be ideal materials to be integrated into textiles to perform as tough, finely tuned strain sensors for a range of rigorous bodily monitoring such as low-strain impacts and joint movements

Thrombin-Responsive, Brain-Targeting Nanoparticles for Improved Stroke Therapy

Current treatments for ischemic stroke are insufficient. The lack of effective pharmacological approaches can be mainly attributed to the difficulty in overcoming the blood–brain barrier. Here, we report a simple strategy to synthesize protease-responsive, brain-targeting nanoparticles for the improved treatment of stroke. The resulting nanoparticles respond to proteases enriched in the ischemic microenvironment, including thrombin or matrix metalloproteinase-9, by shrinking or expanding their size. Targeted delivery was achieved using surface conjugation of ligands that bind to proteins that were identified to enrich in the ischemic brain using protein arrays. By screening a variety of formulations, we found that AMD3100-conjugated, size-shrinkable nanoparticles (ASNPs) exhibited the greatest delivery efficiency. The brain targeting effect is mainly mediated by AMD3100, which interacts with CXCR4 that is enriched in the ischemic brain tissue. We showed that ASNPs significantly enhanced the efficacy of glyburide, a promising stroke therapeutic drug whose efficacy is limited by its toxicity. Due to their high efficiency in penetrating the ischemic brain and low toxicity, we anticipate that ASNPs have the potential to be translated into clinical applications for the improved treatment of stroke patients

Supplementary Data from Pleiotropic Effects of PPARD Accelerate Colorectal Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Invasion

This file includes 2 supplementary tables. Table S1. Comparisons of IHC scores for PPARD, total active β-catenin, nuclear active β-catenin, EIF4G1 and nuclear CDK1 expression levels among colorectal adenomas, CRC tumor centers and CRC invasive fronts in 41 human paired samples. Table S2. Comparisons of IHC scores for PPARD, EIF4G1 and nuclear CDK1 expression levels between CRC invasive fronts and paired CRC tumor centers in relation to nuclear β-catenin localization.</p

Supplementary Data from Pleiotropic Effects of PPARD Accelerate Colorectal Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Invasion

This supplementary file includes additional methods details with tables list of antibodies and TaqMan probes.</p

Supplementary Data from Pleiotropic Effects of PPARD Accelerate Colorectal Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Invasion

Supplementary Figures S1-S7 - This file includes supplementary figures S1-S7: Figure S1. PPARD increased active β-catenin and its target gene (e.g. c-Myc and cyclin D1) expression levels in mouse IECs and human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells by western blot and qRT-PCR. Figure S2. PPARD and its ligand GW501516 promoted intestinal tumorigenesis in multiple APC mutant mouse models, shown by intestinal photographs and tumor number counts. Figure S3. Western blot and IHCs showing that PPARD increased BMP7/TAK1/active β-catenin expression levels in mouse IECs. Figure S4. IHC microphotographs and score results showing active β-catenin expression levels in 41 human paired colorectal adenomas (Adenoma), CRC tumor centers (Tumor center), and cancer invasive fronts (Invasive front). Figure S5. Western blot and IHC results showing that PPARD upregulated AKT1 but not AKT2 to increase p-rpS6 levels in mouse IECs and human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Figure S6. Immunofluorescence staining of rRNA, IHC microphotographs and IHC score results of CDK1 showing rRNA expression levels in mouse intestinal tissues from PD and ApcÎ"580-PD mice and their corresponding control littermates, and nuclear CDK1 expression levels in 41 human paired colorectal adenomas (Adenoma), CRC tumor centers (Tumor center), and cancer invasive fronts (Invasive front). Figure S7. Multiple human public database analyses showing PPARD and BMP7 genetic alterations in colon cancer patients, and comparison of the survival probability for the colon cancer patients with low and high expression of BMP7.</p