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Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials)

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 8791

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Prof. Dr. Tamara Basova

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Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Cmemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
Interests: optical sensors; chemiresistive sensors; amperometric sensors; gas detection; phthalocyanine thin films
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Dear Colleagues,

Research on organic/inorganic nanocomposite materials is a fast growing interdisciplinary area in materials science and engineering. Materials on the basis of "three pillars"—organic compounds, metal nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterials—are of special interest due to their broad practical applications in organic electronic devices and in medicine.

A huge variety of organic molecules, from simple aromatic molecules to complexes with organic ligands to polymers, provides the opportunity for obtaining simple and complex structures with different physicochemical properties. Metal nanoparticles are known for their high surface-to-volume ratio, catalytic activity, and antibacterial properties. Carbon nanostructures belong to a large family, which includes carbon quantum dots, nano-onions, spheres, single- and multi-walled nanotubes, and nanofibers, as well as graphene, reduced-graphene, fullerenes etc. These three pillars are the building blocks for creating hybrid and composite materials with synergistic combinations of physicochemical properties. Organic/inorganic nanocomposite materials combining metal, carbon, and organic nanostructures attract attention both from the point of view of studying and modeling their structure and properties, and from the point of view of their applications in areas such as organic field-effect transistors, solar batteries, memory cells, sensors (monitoring of pollutants in water, food, and biological media), medicine (diagnostics and therapy), nanotechnology, energy, and others.

In this context, we invite authors to submit a manuscript to our upcoming Special Issue, “Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of ‘Three Pillars’ (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials)”, to be published at the end of March 2024. This Special Issue focuses on the development of modern organic/inorganic composite materials, especially multifunctional composites, on the basis of organic molecules with metal nanoparticles and/or carbon nanomaterials, and the study of their properties and application. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

New organic/inorganic composite materials and their synthesis;
Modelling of the structure and properties of organic/inorganic composites;
Study of the synergetic effects in organic/inorganic composites;
Study of the physicochemical properties of organic/inorganic composites;
Applications of organic/inorganic composites.

Prof. Dr. Tamara Basova
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

organic/inorganic composites
hybrid materials
composite materials
organic films
polymers
aromatic molecules
metal nanoparticles
carbon nanomaterials
carbon nanotubes
graphene

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1970 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Constructing Photoactive Au NP/MXene–BiOCl Moiré Superlattice Nanosheets for Photoelectrochemical Detection of Protein Kinase Activity

by Yansen Li, Jingyao Chen, Chaojie Yang, Wenhao Fan, Qirong Chen, Nan Yang, Pingye Deng, Wenlei Zhai, Zhiyong Yan and Feng Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031348 - 5 Feb 2025

Viewed by 632

Abstract

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was proposed by preparing Au NP/MXene–BiOCl Moiré superlattice nanosheets as the probes. Upon irradiation with visible light, the probe exhibited excellent electrical conductivity as well as high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Benefitting from the excellent PEC property of the hybrid probe, sensitive and accurate detection of protein kinase activity was demonstrated with a limit of detection of 0.0029 U mL⁻¹. This study verifies the great PEC potential of MXene hybrid nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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14 pages, 2101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Porous MXene/Cellulose Nanofibers Composite Membrane for Maximum Osmotic Energy Harvesting

by Sha Wang, Zhe Sun, Mehraj Ahmad and Mengyu Miao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313226 - 9 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) nanofluidic channels are emerging as potential candidates for harnessing osmotic energy from salinity gradients. However, conventional 2D nanofluidic membranes suffer from high transport resistance and low ion selectivity, leading to inefficient transport dynamics and limiting energy conversion performance. In this study, we present a novel composite membrane consisting of porous MXene (PMXene) nanosheets featuring etched nanopores, in conjunction with cellulose nanofibers (CNF), yielding enhancement in ion flux and ion selectivity. A mild H₂O₂ oxidant is employed to etch and perforate the MXene sheets to create a robust network of cation transportation nanochannels that effectively reduces the energy barrier for cation transport. Additionally, CNF with a unique nanosize and high charge density further enhances the charge density and mechanical stability of the nanofluidic system. Under neutral pH and room temperature, the PMXene/CNF membrane demonstrates a maximum output power density of 0.95 W·m⁻² at a 50-fold KCl gradient. Notably, this represents a 43% improvement over the performance of the pristine MXene/CNF membrane. Moreover, 36 nanofluidic devices connected in series are demonstrated to achieve a stable voltage output of 5.27 V and power a calculator successfully. This work holds great promise for achieving sustainable energy harvesting with efficient osmotic energy conversion utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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21 pages, 8610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Rearrangement of New 1,3-Diamino-2,7-naphthyridines and 1-Amino-3-oxo-2,7-naphthyridines

by Samvel N. Sirakanyan, Domenico Spinelli, Edoardo Jun Mattioli, Matteo Calvaresi, Athina Geronikaki, Victor G. Kartsev, Elmira K. Hakobyan, Hasmik A. Yegoryan, Hasmik V. Jughetsyan, Mariam E. Manukyan and Anush A. Hovakimyan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 11977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252211977 - 7 Nov 2024

Viewed by 959

Abstract

Herein we describe the synthesis and rearrangement of 1,3-diamino-2,7-naphthyridines and 1-amino-3-oxo-2,7-naphthyridines. In the case of 1,3-diamino-2,7-naphthyridines, it was found that the rearrangement reaction was influenced by both the substituent at the 7th position of the 2,7-naphthyridine ring and by the nature of the cyclic amine at the 1st position. The influence was mainly steric. The reaction of 1-amino-3-oxo-2,7-naphthyridines with amines was studied for the first time. It was revealed that for these substrates, the rearrangement occurs faster and without any influence of the alkyl and cyclic amine groups. We also observed the nucleophilic addition of the amine to the carbonyl group of the rearranged product with the formation of a Schiff base. The calculation of the ESP charges on these substrates indicates a considerable increase in the positive charge on the cyano group that suffers the nucleophilic attack during the rearrangement process, possibly explaining its increased tendency to react and to have a higher reaction velocity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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23 pages, 11025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Nanoparticles Downregulate IL-6 Expression/Production by Upregulating microRNA-26a-5p and Deactivating the RelA and NF-κBp50 Transcription Pathways in Activated Breast Cancer Cells

by Aisha Farhana, Abdullah Alsrhani, Ruqaih S. Alghsham, Wassila Derafa, Yusuf Saleem Khan and Zafar Rasheed

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031404 - 24 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the modulation of pathogenic genes by binding to their mRNA sequences’ 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is known to promote cancer progression and treatment resistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of gold nanoparticles (GNP) against IL-6 overexpression and the modulation of miRNA-26a-5p in breast cancer (BC) cells. GNP were synthesized using the trisodium citrate method and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To predict the binding of miR-26a-5p in the IL-6 mRNA’s 3′UTR, we utilized bioinformatics algorithms. Luciferase reporter clone assays and anti-miRNA-26a-5p transfection were employed to validate the binding of miR26a-5p in the IL-6 mRNA’s 3′UTR. The activity of RelA and NF-κBp50 was assessed and confirmed using Bay 11-7082. The synthesized GNP were spherical with a mean size of 28.3 nm, exhibiting high stability, and were suitable for BC cell treatment. We found that miR-26a-5p directly regulated IL-6 overexpression in MCF-7 cells activated with PMA. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with GNP resulted in the inhibition of IL-6 overexpression and secretion through the increase of miR26a-5p. Furthermore, GNP deactivated NF-κBp65/NF-κBp50 transcription activity. The newly engineered GNP demonstrated safety and showed promise as a therapeutic approach for reducing IL-6 overexpression. The GNP suppressed IL-6 overexpression and secretion by deactivating NF-κBp65/NF-κBp50 transcription activity and upregulating miR-26a-5p expression in activated BC cells. These findings suggest that GNP have potential as a therapeutic intervention for BC by targeting IL-6 expression and associated pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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24 pages, 8881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vapor-Phase-Deposited Ag/Ir and Ag/Au Film Heterostructures for Implant Materials: Cytotoxic, Antibacterial and Histological Studies

by David S. Sergeevichev, Svetlana I. Dorovskikh, Evgeniia S. Vikulova, Elena V. Chepeleva, Maria B. Vasiliyeva, Tatiana P. Koretskaya, Anastasiya D. Fedorenko, Dmitriy A. Nasimov, Tatiana Y. Guselnikova, Pavel S. Popovetsky, Natalya B. Morozova and Tamara V. Basova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021100 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Using gas-phase deposition (Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)) methods, modern implant samples (Ti alloy and CFR-PEEK polymer, 30% carbon fiber) were functionalized with film heterostructures consisting of an iridium or gold sublayer, on the surface of which an antibacterial component (silver) was deposited: Ag/Ir(Au)/Ti(CFR-PEEK). The biocidal effect of the heterostructures was investigated, the effect of the surface relief of the carrier and the metal sublayer on antibacterial activity was established, and the dynamics of silver dissolution was evaluated. It has been shown that the activity of Ag/Ir heterostructures was due to high Ag⁺ release rates, which led to rapid (2–4 h) inhibition of P. aeruginosa growth. In the case of Ag/Au type heterostructures, the inhibition of the growth of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus occurred more slowly (from 6 h), and the antibacterial activity appeared to be due to the contribution of two agents (Ag⁺ and Au⁺ ions). It was found, according to the in vitro cytotoxicity study, that heterostructures did not exhibit toxic effects (cell viability > 95–98%). An in vivo biocompatibility assessment based on the results of a morphohistological study showed that after implantation for a period of 30 days, the samples were characterized by the presence of a thin fibrous capsule without volume thickening and signs of inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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19 pages, 8060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Ethynylphenylborasilsesquioxanes—Their Reactivity and Behavior during Thermal Decomposition

by Miłosz Frydrych, Bogna Sztorch, Robert E. Przekop and Bogdan Marciniec

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813960 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

In this paper, a new type of borasilsesquioxanes was synthesized through a condensation process, and its reactivity in catalytic hydrosilylation reactions with silanes, siloxanes, and silsesquioxanes was investigated. The obtained compounds were mostly obtained in >90% yield. They were fully characterized using spectroscopic (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si NMR) and spectrometric (MALDI-TOF-MS) methods. The next stage of the research involved studying the thermogravimetric properties of the borasilsesquioxanes. By analyzing the different stages of decomposition using spectroscopic techniques (NMR, ATR-FTIR, Raman) and microscopic imaging, it was found that the structure of the borasilsesquioxanes changed during the pyrolysis process and polymer compounds were formed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on the Basis of 'Three Pillars' (Organic Compounds, Metal Nanoparticles, and Carbon Nanomaterials))

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