Search Results (1,348)

Multifunctional coatings integrating high transparency, thermal insulation, and self-cleaning properties are critically needed for optical devices and energy-saving applications, yet simultaneously optimizing these functions remains challenging due to material and structural limitations. This study designed a superhydrophobic transparent thermal insulation coating via synergistic co-construction of micro–nano structures using antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) and SiO₂ nanoparticles dispersed in an epoxy resin matrix, with surface modification by perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES) and γ-glycidyl ether oxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). The optimal superhydrophobic transparent thermal insulating (SHTTI) coating, prepared with 0.6 g SiO₂ and 0.8 g ATO (SHTTI-0.6-0.8), achieved a water contact angle (WCA) of 162.4°, sliding angle (SA) of 3°, and visible light transmittance of 72% at 520 nm. Under simulated solar irradiation, it reduced interior temperature by 7.3 °C compared to blank glass. The SHTTI-0.6-0.8 coating demonstrated robust mechanical durability by maintaining superhydrophobicity through 40 abrasion cycles, 30 tape-peel tests, and sand impacts, combined with chemical stability, effective self-cleaning capability, and exceptional anti-icing performance that prolonged freezing time to 562 s versus 87 s for blank glass. This work provides a viable strategy for high-performance multifunctional coatings through rational component ratio optimization. Full article

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in biomedical implants due to their favorable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance; however, their natural surface lacks sufficient bioactivity and antibacterial performance. Micro-arc oxidation is a promising approach to producing bioactive coatings, and the incorporation of nanoparticles such as TiO₂ may further improve their functionality. This study aimed to determine the optimal TiO₂ nanoparticle concentration in the micro-arc oxidation electrolyte that ensures coating stability and biological safety. Calcium–phosphate coatings were fabricated on commercially pure titanium using micro-arc oxidation with two TiO₂ concentrations: 0.5 wt.% (MAO 1) and 1 wt.% (MAO 2). Surface morphology, porosity, and phase composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Corrosion resistance was evaluated via potentiodynamic polarization in NaCl and Ringer’s solutions, while biocompatibility was assessed in vitro using HOS human osteosarcoma cells and MTT assays. Increasing the TiO₂ content to 1% decreased coating porosity (13.7% vs. 26.3% for MAO 1), enhanced corrosion protection, and reduced the friction coefficient compared to bare titanium. However, MAO 2 exhibited high cytotoxicity (81% cell death) and partial structural degradation in the biological medium. MAO 1 maintained integrity and showed no toxic effects (3% cell death). These results suggest that 0.5% TiO₂ is the optimal concentration, providing a balance between corrosion resistance, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility, supporting the development of safer implant coatings. Full article

In recent years, microneedles (MNs), an innovative transdermal drug delivery system, have demonstrated significant advantages in treating diverse skin diseases. The stratum corneum (SC), with its ‘brick-mortar’ structure, is the main barrier to drug penetration into the skin. MNs—including solid, coated, hollow, dissolving, and hydrogel-forming types—penetrate it minimally to form temporary micro-channels, enabling efficient delivery of a wide range of therapeutic agents. These include small molecules, biologics, nanoparticles, and photosensitizers, among others. This technology has been effectively applied in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, acne, scars, melanoma, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. By avoiding stimulation of dermal blood vessels and nerves, MNs offer low pain and high patient compliance. These advantages underscore their broad clinical potential for dermatologic therapy. Future studies must optimize material selection, drug-carrying efficiency, and scale-up production to facilitate clinical translation. Full article

In plant tissues, nanoparticles can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in excess, cause cellular toxicity by damaging membranes, chloroplasts, and DNA. However, they can also activate antioxidant mechanisms, aiding metabolic recovery under oxidative stress. In agriculture, iron oxide (nFe) nanoparticles stand out for their gradual release of the nutrient, preventing leaching and increasing productivity. This study aims to investigate whether iron oxide nanoparticles are effective alternatives for overcoming iron deficiencies, mitigating oxidative stress and restoring metabolic functions, while maintaining photosynthesis. The high H₂O₂ concentration observed in nFe 500 mg L⁻¹ (nFe 500) suggests that Fe, after being transported by the nanoparticles to the leaves, may have acted as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes involved in H₂O₂ decomposition, reducing malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). Maintaining low oxidative stress suggests that H₂O₂ may function not only as a stress indicator but also as a signaling molecule in intracellular processes. nFe 500 suggests the ability of plants to utilize released Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, restoring photosynthetic function in iron-deficient plants. Full article

In this work, γ-irradiated poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (i-PTFE) and short carbon fibre (SCF) along with different types of ceramic inorganic nanoparticles (i.e., SiC, SiO₂, ZnO, TiO₂, and CaCO₃) were employed to improve the mechanical and tribological performance of polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) composites. The results showed that the flexural strength and modulus of PPS composites increased with the addition of inorganic nanoparticles. Moreover, the inorganic nanoparticles not only exhibited a ‘micro-bearing’ effect during friction tests, but also promoted the formation of high-quality transfer film on the surface of a friction pair, significantly improving the self-lubricating performance of PPS composites. XPS analysis confirmed the occurrence of friction-induced chemical reactions during the friction process in nanoparticle-containing PPS/i-PTFE/SCF composites, which was helpful in improving the tribological performance. PPS/i-PTFE/SCF/SiC composite demonstrated an average friction coefficient of 0.083 and specific wear rate of 9.04 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm, which was the best among the studied systems. This work provided valuable insights for developing high-performance self-lubricating polymer composites that can be applied in high-end engineering sectors. Full article

This work reports a one-step, green synthesis of silver-micro cellulose nanocomposite (Ag@Ce NCs) using Azadirachta indica A. Juss leaf extract to load micro-cellulose isolated from peanut shells with silver nanoparticles, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization (FTIR, TEM, EDX-SEM, zeta potential, and XRD). The composite has pH_PZC ≈ 5.0 and was tested for simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and safranin O (SO) under batch conditions across various pH levels, doses, contact times, initial concentrations, ionic strengths, and temperatures. The high removal efficiencies observed at pH 10 for MB and 6.0 for SO. The adsorption reached the maximum at 45 min before partially declining, indicating reversible binding on saturated surfaces. Isotherm study favored the Langmuir model, with similar affinities (K_L ≈ 0.106, and 0.110 L/mg) and monolayer capacities of 17.99 mg/g for MB and 14.90 mg/g for SO, suggesting non-selective competition on uniform sites. Kinetic data fitted the pseudo-second-order model, while thermodynamic analysis indicated mainly exothermic and physisorption interactions. Higher ionic strength reduced removal efficiency (at 1.0 M NaCl, %RE ≈ 33–48%), highlighting salt sensitivity typical of electrostatic attraction. The adsorbent maintained about 90% of its initial performance after five adsorption–desorption cycles in 0.1 M H₂SO₄, indicating excellent reusability. Overall, Ag@Ce NCs provide an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and reuseable platform for treating binary mixtures of cationic dyes. Full article

The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis (GS-ZnONPs) has demonstrated essential benefits in boosting the clean and sustainable production of agricultural crops worldwide. In this part of the study we evaluate the effect of GS-ZnONPs foliar spraying on the yield, nutraceutical quality, capsaicin concentration, and antioxidant metabolism of chili fruit (Capsicum annuum L., CHISER-522 variety) grown under greenhouse conditions. GS-ZnONPs treatments were applied at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ppm every 15 days post-transplant, with the control group treated only with distilled water. The results indicated that treatments with 40 and 50 ppm of GS-ZnONPs significantly improved fruit yield, length, and fruit amount. At the same time, the concentrations of 30 and 40 ppm significantly increased the levels of vitamin C, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity, indicating a better nutraceutical quality of the fruit. In addition, an increase in the catalase activity and the content of macro and micro-minerals in the fruit treated with GS-ZnONPs was observed. Our results suggest that the foliar application of GS-ZnONPs acts as a nanobioestimulant, offering an excellent biotechnological tool for developing agroecological strategies to increase the nutraceutical and antioxidant quality of chili pepper fruit. Full article

Graphene oxide (GO) is a two-dimensional material with interesting optical properties, widely studied for its potential in ultrasensitive detection of substances and prospective optoelectronic properties. In this study, GO thin films were deposited onto gold layers obtained by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering, and their Raman scattering response was evaluated. While most Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) applications rely on gold nanoparticles, the use of magnetron-sputtered gold films remains relatively underexplored. GO layers were deposited by dip-coating and characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Raman spectra of GO on Au samples show a clear enhancement of signal intensity compared to GO on glass, with well-preserved D and G bands and no evident structural degradation. Full article

To investigate the influence patterns and underlying mechanisms of solid waste-derived Nano-Micro-Powder (NMP) materials on asphalt performance, this study selected nano-sized silica fume (a typical industrial solid waste) along with conventionally used hydrated lime and cement powders as representative modifiers. Based on material type, dosage, and particle size, the high-temperature rheological properties, low-temperature rheological behavior, and nano-scale mechanical characteristics of NMP-modified asphalt were systematically evaluated through dynamic shear frequency tests, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests, Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements. Additionally, the grey relational analysis method was employed to quantify the impact of key nanoparticle characteristics on modified asphalt performance. The results demonstrate the following: (1) With increasing NMP dosage and decreasing particle size, the complex modulus (G*) of modified asphalt increases significantly, while the creep recovery rate (R) rises and non-recoverable creep compliance (J_nr) decreases. The creep stiffness slope (m-value) diminishes under low-temperature conditions. (2) Among different NMP types, silica fume-modified asphalt exhibits the highest G*, R, and m-value parameters. (3) At the nanoscale, adhesion force, modulus, and surface roughness all increase with higher NMP dosage and smaller particle size. Silica fume demonstrates superior performance in these nano-mechanical properties compared to hydrated lime and cement powders. (4) Grey relational analysis reveals that specific surface area shows the strongest correlation with the overall performance of NMP-modified asphalt. Full article

In this study, the properties of electrophoretically deposited (EPD) coatings on orthodontic implants made from Ti-6Al-4V alloy were evaluated during simulated implantation trials on animal bones. Three types of chitosan-based coatings were prepared using EPD: titanium nitride microparticles (TiNPs), titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs), and boron nitride particles (BNPs). Each of these coatings was also modified by adding a polylactic acid (PLA) layer using a dip-coating technique to compare their properties with and without this additional layer. The coatings were analysed using optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with elemental analysis. Surface roughness measurements of the coated implants were also conducted to highlight differences that could significantly influence the type and strength of the bone-implant interface, directly affecting the stability of the implant as an anchorage unit. Eventually, to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the EPD coatings, their antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains was tested. Scanning electron observations confirmed the homogenous distribution of micro- and nanoparticles in all coatings. The highest surface roughness values were observed in layers containing titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs) and chitosan. The presence of an additional dip-coating PLA layer improved the adhesion, and its effect on the surface roughness depended on the particle size. While the antibacterial properties of the coatings show promising results, achieving optimal adhesion of the coatings to implants remains a challenge that requires further development. Full article

Nanoparticles leverage their unique nanoscale effects to optimize concrete performance through synergistic multi-mechanism interactions. Core mechanisms include micro-filling effects (graded pore filling, optimized pore structure), nucleation (promoting crystallization of hydration products, refining microstructure), chemical reactivity (e.g., pozzolanic reaction of nano-SiO₂, enhancing interfacial transition zones), and interfacial strengthening (improving ITZ structure and stress transfer). Common nanomaterials (e.g., nano-SiO₂, Al₂O₃, carbon nanotubes) significantly enhance concrete’s mechanical properties, durability, and functionalities (e.g., self-sensing, electromagnetic shielding). However, nano-modified concrete still faces challenges such as poor dispersion, high cost, and environmental/health risks. Future efforts should focus on multi-scale mechanism research, green low-cost synthesis processes, and intelligent composite systems development to advance the engineering applications pf nano-modified concrete. Full article

Precise remote temperature sensing at the micro- and nanoscale is a growing necessity in modern science and technology. We report a series of luminescent tris-acetylacetonate lanthanide complexes, Ln(acac)₃(H₂O)₂ (Ln = Eu (1Eu), Tb (1Tb), Yb (1Yb)); acac⁻ = acetylacetonate), operating as self-referenced thermometers in the 290–350 K range, both in the solid state and when embedded in hybrid nanoparticles. Among the investigated systems, the Eu³⁺ complex exhibits excellent lifetime-based thermometric performance, achieving a maximum relative sensitivity (S_rmax) of 2.9%·K⁻¹ at 340 K with a temperature uncertainty (δT) as low as 0.02 K and an average temperature uncertainty ($\overline{\delta T}$) of 0.5 K, placing it among the most effective ratiometric lanthanide-based luminescent thermometers reported to date. The Yb³⁺ analog enables intensity-based thermometry in the near-infrared domain with a good sensitivity S_rmax = 0.5%·K⁻¹ at 293 K, δT = 0.5 K at 303 K, and $\overline{\delta T}$ = 1.6 K. These molecular thermometers were further incorporated into the shell of Prussian Blue@SiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles. Among the resulting hybrids, PB@SiO₂-acac/(1Tb/1Eu) (with a Tb/Eu ratio of 2/8) stood out by enabling ratiometric temperature sensing based on the Eu³⁺⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ lifetime, with satisfactory parameters (S_rmax = 0.9%·K⁻¹, δT = 0.21 K at 303 K, and $\overline{\delta T}$ = 1.1 K). These results highlight the potential of simple coordination complexes and their nanohybrids for advanced luminescent thermometry applications. Full article

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are aggressive malignancies with limited therapeutic options and poor prognoses. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention as key molecular regulators involved in tumor progression, chemoresistance, and metastasis. This review explores the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in CCA and PDAC, emphasizing their shared and distinct molecular pathways and their utility in the context of precision oncology. Several dysregulated miRNAs, most notably miR-21 and miR-155, are overexpressed in both cancers and contribute to activation of oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/AKT signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory cascades. miR-21, in particular, is associated with resistance to gemcitabine and cisplatin. In contrast, tumor-suppressive miRNAs such as miR-34a and miR-145 are often downregulated, and their restoration using synthetic mimics has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in preclinical studies. Moreover, circulating miRNAs show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring. Advanced delivery platforms, including nanoparticles and exosome-based systems, are being developed to improve the stability and tumor specificity of miRNA-based therapeutics. miRNAs represent a promising class of molecules in the diagnosis, stratification, and treatment of CCA and PDAC. Their dual role as biomarkers and therapeutic agents positions them at the intersection of molecular pathology and personalized medicine. Further multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies are needed to validate their clinical applicability and to refine delivery strategies for targeted miRNA modulation. Full article

This study presents an in situ and laboratory evaluation of an innovative biocide-free nanocomposite coating designed to provide dual anti-corrosion and anti-fouling protection for EH36 naval steel in marine environments. The coating, comprising polyaniline nanorods, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and Fe₃O₄-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes embedded in a robust resin matrix, was systematically assessed through electrochemical, microscopic, and field-based methods. Laboratory immersion tests and extended exposures at two Mediterranean sea sites (Thessaloniki and Heraklion) revealed substantial improvements in corrosion resistance and significant suppression of marine biofouling over periods of up to 24 months. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that coated specimens maintained a corrosion inhibition efficiency exceeding 93% throughout the study, exhibiting markedly lower corrosion current densities and higher charge transfer resistances than uncoated controls. Impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit modeling confirmed sustained barrier properties, while digital imaging and qualitative biological assessments showed reduced colonization by both micro- and macrofouling organisms. Comparative analysis with conventional biocidal and alternative eco-friendly coatings underscored the superior durability, environmental compatibility, and anti-fouling efficacy of the developed system. The results highlight the coating’s promise as a sustainable, high-performance solution for long-term protection of naval steels against the combined challenges of corrosion and biofouling in harsh marine settings. Full article

MicroRNAs are closely associated with various physiological and pathological processes, making their in situ fluorescence imaging crucial for functional studies and disease diagnosis. Current methods for the in situ fluorescence imaging of microRNA predominantly rely on linear signal amplification, resulting in relatively weak imaging signals. This study introduces a Y-shaped cascade assembly (YCA) method for high-brightness microRNA imaging in cells. Triggered by target microRNA, catalytic hairpin assembly forms double-stranded DNA (H). Through annealing and hybridization, a Y-shaped structure (P) is created. These components assemble into DNA nanofluorescent particles with multiple FAM fluorophores, significantly amplifying fluorescence signals. Optimization experiments revealed that a 1:1 ratio of P to H and an assembly time of 60 min yielded the best results. Under these optimal conditions, the resulting fluorescent nanoparticles exhibited diameters of 664.133 nm, as observed by DLS. In Huh7 liver cancer cells, YCA generated DNA nanoparticles with a fluorescence intensity increase of 117.77%, triggered by target microRNA-21, producing high-intensity fluorescence images and enabling qualitative detection of microRNA-21. The YCA in situ imaging method offers excellent imaging quality and high efficiency, providing a robust and reliable analytical tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of microRNA-related diseases. Full article