Self-assembly of precisely defined DNA nanotube superstructures using DNA origami seeds

We demonstrate a versatile process for assembling micron-scale filament architectures by controlling where DNA tile nanotubes nucleate on DNA origami assemblies. "Nunchucks," potential mechanical magnifiers of nanoscale dynamics consisting of two nanotubes connected by a dsDNA linker, form at yields sufficient for application and consistent with models

Deciphering the therapeutic potential of trimetazidine in rheumatoid arthritis via targeting mi-RNA128a, TLR4 signaling pathway, and adenosine-induced FADD-microvesicular shedding: In vivo and in silico study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune condition characterized by chronic synovitis, joint damage, and inflammation, leading to impaired joint functionality. Existing RA treatments, although effective to some extent, are not without side effects, prompting a search for more potent therapies. Recent research has revealed the critical role of FAS-associated death domain protein (FADD) microvesicular shedding in RA pathogenesis, expanding its scope beyond apoptosis to include inflammatory and immune pathways. This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between mi-RNA 128a, autoimmune and inflammatory pathways, and adenosine levels in modulating FADD expression and microvesicular shedding in a Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced RA rat model and further explore the antirheumatoid potency of trimetazidine (TMZ). The FCA treated model exhibited significantly elevated levels of serum fibrogenic, inflammatory, immunological and rheumatological diagnostic markers, confirming successful RA induction. Our results revealed that the FCA-induced RA model showed a significant reduction in the expression of FADD in paw tissue and increased microvesicular FADD shedding in synovial fluid, which was attributed to the significant increase in the expression of the epigenetic miRNA 128a gene in addition to the downregulation of adenosine levels. These findings were further supported by the significant activation of the TLR4/MYD88 pathway and its downstream inflammatory IkB/NFB markers. Interestingly, TMZ administration significantly improved, with a potency similar to methotrexate (MTX), the deterioration effect of FCA treatment, as evidenced by a significant attenuation of fibrogenic, inflammatory, immunological, and rheumatological markers. Our investigations indicated that TMZ uniquely acted by targeting epigenetic miRNA128a expression and elevating adenosine levels in paw tissue, leading to increased expression of FADD of paw tissue and mitigated FADD microvesicular shedding in synovial fluid. Furthermore, the group treated with TMZ showed significant downregulation of TLR4/MYD88 and their downstream TRAF6, IRAK and NF-kB. Together, our study unveils the significant potential of TMZ as an antirheumatoid candidate, offering anti-inflammatory effects through various mechanisms, including modulation of the FADD-epigenetic regulator mi-RNA 128a, adenosine levels, and the TLR4 signaling pathway in joint tissue, but also attenuation of FADD microvesicular shedding in synovial fluid. These findings further highlight the synergistic administration of TMZ and MTX as a potential approach to reduce adverse effects of MTX while improving therapeutic efficacy

Review: The increasing importance of carbon nanotubes and nanostructured conducting polymers in biosensors

The growing need for analytical devices requiring smaller sample volumes, decreased power consumption and improved performance have been driving forces behind the rapid growth in nanomaterials research. Due to their dimensions, nanostructured materials display unique properties not traditionally observed in bulk materials. Characteristics such as increased surface area along with enhanced electrical/optical properties make them suitable for numerous applications such as nanoelectronics, photovoltaics and chemical/biological sensing. In this review we examine the potential that exists to use nanostructured materials for biosensor devices. By incorporating nanomaterials, it is possible to achieve enhanced sensitivity, improved response time and smaller size. Here we report some of the success that has been achieved in this area. Many nanoparticle and nanofibre geometries are particularly relevant, but in this paper we specifically focus on organic nanostructures, reviewing conducting polymer nanostructures and carbon nanotubes

Environmental life cycle assessment of biomass conversion using hydrothermal technology : A review

Renewable resources such as biomass are essential in increasing energy security and enabling countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass can be converted into biochar, bio-oil (clean fuel), and valuable chemicals using a thermochemical process. Among thermochemical approaches, hydrothermal technology such as hydrothermal carbonization, hydrothermal liquefaction, and hydrothermal gasification are gaining research interest due to their cost-effectiveness, environmentally-friendly method, and produce high product yield. Hydrothermal technology is developed to transform different types of wet biomass into value-added products such as biochar or hydrochar, bio-oil, and syngas. This systematic review aims to describe hydrothermal technology and the life cycle assessment (LCA) of hydrothermal biomass conversion. Firstly, a systematic review of hydrothermal technology and LCA was carried out using the PRISMA method to analyze publication trends, current research developments, hot topics, and knowledge gaps. Secondly, this review presents the fundamental concept of hydrothermal technology and summarizes the up-to-date technology on hydrothermal carbonization, liquefaction, and gasification. Next, LCA guidelines and the current progress on LCA of biomass conversion using hydrothermal technology are discussed. In addition, the available literature that related to techno-economic evaluation of the hydrothermal process is reviewed. Currently, very limited study has reported on the environmental and economic impacts of hydrothermal biomass conversion. Therefore, to provide a sustainable and green process that can be applied in a commercial plant, a study on environmental impact is critical to show the benefits of biomass hydrothermal processing. This review also presents a step-by-step guideline for beginners and researchers to venture into this field to understand the LCA framework. Transfer of success in lab-scale to large-scale setups (industrial) demands consideration of several criteria, as well as careful and holistic analyses such as the environmental impacts of the overall process from feedstock (biomass) to final process (product)

Molecular induced field effect in superconducting

The study of the effect of self-assembled organic monolayers on the critical current in thin superconducting Nb films is presented. Correlation is found between the coverage of the adsorbed layer and the critical current. A large change of up to 50% in the critical current by the well-organized monolayers is observed. The phenomenon is explained by the adsorption-induced electric field effect diminishing the surface pinning force

Ecotoxicity of Ag-nanoparticles on two microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella tertiolecta

The increasing application of nanotechnology highlights the need to clarify and understand it. In this work, the subacute toxicity of Ag-NPs to the fresh water microalga Chlorella vulgaris and marine microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta were assessed. The effect of Ag-NPs was induced by exposing both algae to increasing concentrations of Ag-NPs (0, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L). Cellular viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were determined to evaluate the toxic effect of Ag-NPs on algal growth. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in the algal cells varied with the concentration of Ag-NPs suspensions and exposure times (up to 8 d). As a result, 100 and 200 mg/L Ag-NPs caused a statistically significant decrease in cell viability, as well as SOD, CAT and POD activities, and a significant increase in ROS formation and MDA levels in tissues (P <0.05), suggesting that the algal cells exposed to these two concentrations of Ag-NPs suffered from oxidative stress. The extent of depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities and the elevation of MDA in Dunaliella tertiolecta was the greatest, indicating that Dunaliella tertiolecta might be the most susceptible to Ag-NP exposure. These results indicated a potential risk from Ag-NPs released into the aqueous environment