Investigation of interface materials for enhancing stability in nonfullerene solar cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted attention due to their lightweight nature, flexibility, and facile preparation using solution-based methods. Their efficiency has been further elevated by the rapid advancement of nonfullerene materials, achieving individual cell efficiencies that surpass 19%. Hence, the stability of nonfullerene solar cell production must be scrutinized. The stability of the cathode interface layer significantly impacts the overall stability of OSC devices. PFN-Br, a commonly employed cathode interface material, is susceptible to degradation due to its sensitivity to environmental humidity, consequently compromising the device stability. In this study, we introduce fluorescent dye molecules, rhodamine 101, as cathode interface layers in OSCs to establish device stability and assess their universality. A comparative investigation of rhodamine 101 and PFN-Br devices demonstrates the former’s distinct advantages in terms of thermal stability, photostability, and storage stability even without encapsulation, particularly in an inert environment. By employing the Kelvin probe, we compare the work function of different cathode interface films and reveal that the work function of the rhodamine 101 interface material remains relatively unaffected by environmental factors. As a consequence, the device performance stability is significantly enhanced. The application of such fluorescent dye molecules extends the scope of cathode interface layers, amplifies device stability, and propels industrialization

Cannabinoids Modulate Neuronal Activity and Cancer by CB1 and CB2 Receptor-Independent Mechanisms

Cannabinoids include the active constituents of Cannabis or are molecules that mimic the structure and/or function of these Cannabis-derived molecules. Cannabinoids produce many of their cellular and organ system effects by interacting with the well-characterized CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it has become clear that not all effects of cannabinoid drugs are attributable to their interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Evidence now demonstrates that cannabinoid agents produce effects by modulating activity of the entire array of cellular macromolecules targeted by other drug classes, including: other receptor types; ion channels; transporters; enzymes, and protein- and non-protein cellular structures. This review summarizes evidence for these interactions in the CNS and in cancer, and is organized according to the cellular targets involved. The CNS represents a well-studied area and cancer is emerging in terms of understanding mechanisms by which cannabinoids modulate their activity. Considering the CNS and cancer together allow identification of non-cannabinoid receptor targets that are shared and divergent in both systems. This comparative approach allows the identified targets to be compared and contrasted, suggesting potential new areas of investigation. It also provides insight into the diverse sources of efficacy employed by this interesting class of drugs. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms of cannabinoid action may lead to the design and development of therapeutic agents with greater efficacy and specificity for their cellular targets

Structural Basis for the Interaction of isoDGR with the RGD-binding Site of αvβ3 Integrin

Asparagine deamidation at the NGR sequence in the 5th type I repeat of fibronectin (FN-I(5)) generates isoDGR, an alpha v beta 3 integrin-binding motif regulating endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. By NMR and molecular dynamics studies, we analyzed the structure of CisoDGRC (isoDGR-2C), a cyclic beta-peptide mimicking the FN-I(5) site, and compared it with NGR, RGD, or DGR-containing cyclopeptides. Docking experiments show that isoDGR, exploiting an inverted orientation as compared with RGD, favorably interacts with the RGD-binding site of alpha v beta 3, both recapitulating canonical RGD-alpha v beta 3 contacts and establishing additional polar interactions. Conversely, NGR and DGR motifs lack the fundamental pharmacophoric requirements for high receptor affinity. Therefore, unlike NGR and DGR, isoDGR is a new natural recognition motif of the RGD-binding pocket of alpha v beta 3. These findings contribute to explain the different functional properties of FN-I(5) before and after deamidation, and provide support for the hypothesis that NGR 3 isoDGR transition can work as a molecular timer for activating latent integrin-binding sites in proteins, thus regulating protein function

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals subset-specific metabolic profiles underpinning the bronchial epithelial response to flagellin

Summary: Airway epithelial cells represent the first line of defense against respiratory pathogens. Flagellin drives the motility of many mucosal pathogens and has been suggested as an immune enhancing adjunctive therapeutic in infections of the airways. This study leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing to determine cell-specific effects of flagellin in primary human bronchial epithelial cells growing in air-liquid interface. Seven cell clusters were identified, including ciliated cells, ionocytes, and several states of basal and secretory cells, of which only inflammatory basal cells and inflammatory secretory cells demonstrated a proportional increase in response to flagellin. Inflammatory secretory cells showed evidence of metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis, while in inflammatory basal cells transcriptome profiles indicated enhanced oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of mTOR prevented the shift to glycolysis and reduced inflammatory gene transcription specifically in inflammatory secretory cells. These data demonstrate the functional heterogeneity of the human airway epithelium upon exposure to flagellin