Objective: The purpose of this study was to prepare a simulated form of N-BHT (Simu-N-BHT) using a counter-evidence method and to analyze the mechanism by which a natural nanophase was formed. The morphology of nanoparticles in each group was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The Simu-N-BHT nanoparticles were prepared by the decocting-dialysis method. The study also characterized Simu-N-BHT nanoparticles, in vitro release, in vivo pharmacokinetics, antipyretic effects, and pathological analysis. Through the TEM images and correlation analysis of 15 groups, it can be seen that the formation of nano-colloidal particles is inseparable from japonica rice. The Simu-N-BHT nanoparticles were very similar to N-BHT nanoparticles in terms of morphology and were spherical, with a mean size of 223 ± 11.25 nm. Furthermore, Simu-N-BHT nanoparticles exhibited a crystal structure with specific thermodynamic properties. The pharmacokinetic behavior of these nanoparticles supports the non-compartmental model and exhibits antipyretic effects similar to those of N-BHT nanoparticles. The pathological results indicate that treatment with Simu-N-BHT can alleviate lung injury in rats. The nano-phase solution obtained through modern pharmaceutical methods exhibits results similar to the naturally formed N-BHT in decoctions in terms of appearance, particle size, and thermodynamic properties. This provides new methods and experimental evidence for the research and development of novel traditional Chinese medicine preparations. This study ultimately provides a natural polymer carrier material-amylopectin derived from japonica rice-for the formation of spherical nanoparticles with smooth surface morphology.
Nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like activities have demonstrated considerable potential in diverse fields ranging from biosensing to therapeutics. However, their development remains compromised by scientific challenges such as insufficient catalytic efficiency and stability. Herein, we propose an innovative "nano-uniform distribution" strategy to engineer an Au-ceria heterostructure nanocatalyst by in situ anchoring ultrasmall cerium oxide nanoparticles onto Au nanorods. Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, this nanocatalyst exhibits not only excellent photothermal properties but also a significantly enhanced enzyme-mimetic catalytic efficiency. Moreover, in the absence of light, it retains robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability and good biocompatibility. Subsequent evaluation using an epidermal infected wound model demonstrates that the nanocomposite catalyst exhibits an "all-temporal" therapeutic functionality: with NIR irradiation, the Au-ceria composite nanocatalyst synergistically combats bacterial infection through photothermal and enzymatic catalytic effects; without NIR irradiation, it effectively clears excess ROS and mitigates inflammatory responses. In summary, this study presents a "nano-uniform distribution" strategy that markedly improves the catalytic performance of nanozymes, offering valuable insights for the structural design of nanozymes and their biomedical applications.
The development of superhydrophobic and water-repellent surfaces utilizing a facile, economic and environmental-friendly way constitute an important scientific challenge since these materials find applications in a great number of industrial sectors as manufacturing, healthcare, and everyday consumer products. In this work, two-dimensional layered MXenes are utilized as functional additives for the development of superhydrophobic and water-repellent coatings prepared using waterborne nanocomposite formulations, which contain a low surface energy, short-chain perfluoroalkyl silanol, to provide the appropriate hydrophobicity; the nanoadditives are introduced to create the necessary surface roughness. While traditional methods typically employ 0D nanoparticles to achieve surface nanostructuring, the flake-like structure of Ti3C2T x MXenes introduces roughness that extends into the micron-scale. Different smooth substrates were coated by a one-step spraying process and the surface properties were investigated as a function of the additive content. Moreover, ternary nanocomposite coatings were developed with MXenes and alumina nanoparticles by a single-step spraying of an aqueous suspension. This combination results in hierarchical surface structures (with micrometer- and nanometer-scale roughness), achieving excellent water repellence with significantly lower additive concentration than the one needed when single-type of nanoadditives were used. Due to the low Ti3C2T x MXene content, the use of our approach extends beyond dark-colored applications, even in cases where the aesthetic result is critical. The nanohybrid coated surfaces exhibited mechanical and chemical durability, retaining their hydrophobicity after repeated abrasion cycles and under extreme pH conditions (pH 2 or 13). This study highlights the potential of MXenes as an innovative additive for next-generation water-repellent coatings.
Early detection of cancer remains a major challenge in oncology. Circulating tumour markers (CTMs), including circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, exosomes, microRNAs, and tumour-associated proteins, offer a minimally invasive strategy for monitoring tumour dynamics through liquid biopsy. However, their clinical translation is limited by low abundance, heterogeneity, and instability in body fluids. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of highly sensitive and specific nano-biosensors that address many of these barriers. This review highlights the current progress in CTM detection using electrochemical, optical, plasmonic, and microfluidic-integrated platforms. Advanced nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, noble metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, and nanozymes are discussed for their roles in signal amplification, surface functionalization, and biomarker selectivity. Special focus is placed on lab-on-a-chip and wearable biosensors for multi-marker, point-of-care testing. To amplify the signals associated with nanobiosensors, various technologies, such as surface functionalization, aptamer and antibody functionalization, and nanozymes, have been integrated with the nanobiosensors.
The present study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) against heat stress-induced reproductive damage in Hainan Wenchang roosters. Compared with sodium selenite, Nano-Se more effectively improved sperm quality, enhanced activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase), and attenuated lipid peroxidation, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels under heat stress conditions. Nano-Se also inhibited testicular cell apoptosis and preserved blood-testis barrier integrity. Notably, Nano-Se reduced testicular iron accumulation and suppressed ferroptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and NQO1 and decreased expression of DMT1 and ACSL4. Consistently, in heat-stressed GC-2 spd(ts) cells, Nano-Se attenuated ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage. Mechanistically, the protective effects of Nano-Se were associated with modulation of the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 axis and enhanced GPX4 expression. These findings indicate that Nano-Se is an effective antiferroptotic selenium source for mitigating heat stress-induced male reproductive damage.
Selenium (Se) biofortification of staple crops is an effective strategy to alleviate global dietary Se deficiency; however, the physiological mechanisms linking Se application to yield formation and grain quality remain insufficiently understood, particularly for nanoscale Se fertilizers. Here, a field experiment was conducted to investigate how foliar-applied nano-selenium (Nano-Se) at two concentrations (10 and 20 mg L-1) and four growth stages (mid-tillering, stem elongation, heading, and grain-filling) regulate antioxidant defense, photosynthetic capacity, grain filling, and Se accumulation in rice. Nano-Se markedly enhanced leaf antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT) and glutathione content while reducing H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels, especially when applied at heading and grain-filling stages. These physiological improvements were accompanied by increased chlorophyll content, soluble sugars, and proteins, indicating sustained photosynthetic function and metabolic activity during reproductive growth. Consequently, Nano-Se significantly increased grain yield by 2.8%-14.6%, mainly through higher grain-filling rate and 1000-grain weight, with the strongest effects observed at the heading stage. Grain quality was concurrently improved, as reflected by reduced chalkiness, higher head rice rate, and enhanced amylose and fat contents. Nano-Se substantially promoted Se accumulation in grains, predominantly in organic forms, while also increasing beneficial mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn) and reducing the accumulation of toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb). Overall, foliar application of Nano-Se at appropriate concentrations during reproductive stages optimizes antioxidant protection and source-sink coordination, enabling simultaneous improvements in yield, grain quality, and nutritional safety.
Bimetallic nanoparticles are promising catalysts that can improve performance in heterogeneous catalysis and solid-state electrochemistry. Exsolution is a useful method for forming such nanoparticles; however, it is limited by the elements present within the host oxide lattice. In this work, we develop and demonstrate a strategy to form bimetallic particles from La0.5Sr0.5Ti0.94Ni0.06O3 (LSTN) exsolution and using a reducible SnO2 capping layer, expanding the range of elements available for bimetallic nanoparticle formation. Using this capping layer strategy, we formed nickel-tin (Ni0-Sn0) bimetallic nanoparticles via exsolution. We used in situ near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to monitor surface chemical changes during exsolution, showing that first, SnO2 volatilized. This SnO2 loss exposed the perovskite surface of LSTN to reducing conditions, which induced Ni exsolution, and compounded with SnO2 reduction led to the formation of bimetallic Ni0-Sn0 particles. To evaluate the associated microstructural evolution, we measured grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), which confirmed the loss of the SnO2 capping layer, and scattering simulations suggested the formation of bimetallic particles. We confirmed the bimetallic nanoparticle composition and morphology by Auger spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The resulting bimetallic nanoparticles were smaller and more thermally stable than the monometallic Ni counterparts on LSTN. This capping layer and exsolution approach allow synthesizing multimetallic nanoparticles and can be applied to other reducible metal oxides and perovskite hosts, broadening the compositional space for advanced catalytic materials.
Topical delivery for skin cancer treatment is a better alternative for a highly localized tumor and lower severity of adverse effects associated with oral or parental administration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Topical delivery of drugs requires specific formulation properties to successfully penetrate the interior barriers of skin layers. Our previous in vitro study showed that essential oil (EO) from Piper sarmentosum inhibited both A375 (melanoma) and A431 (non-melanoma) cells, but not HFF1 (human fibroblast) cells. This study aimed to formulate a nanoemulsion incorporating EO from Piper sarmentosum for topical treatment of skin cancer. Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) was employed to optimize the nano-formulation conditions. Tween 80 and Span 80 were used to adjust the HLB value, and prepared using ultrasonication. Optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) at varying concentrations of EO (1-10%), surfactant mixture (Smix) (10-20%), and ultrasonic amplitude (20-70%). The three response variables are particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Our results revealed an optimal HLB value at 13.83, followed by an optimal formulation comprising 10% EO, 10% Smix, and 33% amplitude yielding 27.69 nm, PDI of 0.245, and -13.1 mV. The optimized nano-formulation exhibited desirable physicochemical characteristics, suggesting its potential suitability for topical delivery. Treating a tumor on the skin with natural methods can be more effective and usually causes fewer side effects than using chemical therapies. For a drug to pass through the skin, it needs to be formulated at the nanoscale. In our previous lab study, we found that essential oil from Piper sarmentosum stopped the growth of two types of skin cancer cells (melanoma and non-melanoma) without harming healthy human skin cells (fibroblasts). In this study, we developed nanoscale droplets containing Piper sarmentosum essential oil to treat skin cancer directly on the skin. We tested and optimized the nanoemulsion using a mix of surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) and ultrasonication to improve and stabilize the formula. We chose the best formula based on its physical and chemical properties, showing the most stability. Overall, our results show promise for using this method directly on the skin in the future.
Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular disease and urgently requires more effective and targeted therapies. Here, we present a cholesterol-modulated macrophage membrane-mimetic nanoplatform for rapamycin delivery, in which β-cyclodextrin is employed to selectively deplete cholesterol from donor cell membranes. Cholesterol depletion significantly improves nanoparticle uptake by inflammatory macrophages, potentially through enhanced membrane fluidity and preserved key receptor-ligand interactions. In vitro, the cholesterol-depleted nanomedicines promote foam cell cholesterol efflux and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, with therapeutic efficacy increasing as membrane cholesterol content decreases. In vivo, the resulting "slimming" membrane-coated nanoparticles exhibit enhanced immune evasion, prolonged systemic circulation, and improved plaque targeting, while maintaining excellent biosafety. In atherosclerotic mice, treatment with these nanoparticles reduces plaque area and lipid accumulation while increasing collagen content in a membrane cholesterol-dependent manner, indicating therapeutic effects and enhanced plaque stability. Notably, these benefits are achieved without altering systemic lipid levels, suggesting a primarily lesion-localized mechanism of action. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the "slimming" membrane-mimetic nanoplatform offers a promising approach for precise, inflammation-targeted therapy of atherosclerosis and may be extended to other chronic inflammatory vascular disorders.
Metal-organic frameworks have been intensively investigated for their ability to effectively control the growth and surface chemistry of nanosized guests, with their pores acting as templates and potentially providing anchoring sites. Since the speciation, as determined by the geometry and surface chemistry of hydride-forming metals, such as Pd, under particular conditions (T, p), is controlled by their size at and beyond the nanoscale, metal-organic frameworks are a prospective matrix for speciation or phase selection. This is of relevance because the role and characteristics of the phases in hydrogenation reactions involving hydride-forming Pd catalysts are open questions. In particular, it is a matter of debate which palladium phase is the most active and most selective, as they often occur simultaneously under catalytic conditions. For the first time, our thorough investigation, including operando XAFS and computer simulations, demonstrates that by embedding Pd nanoclusters, ≤1 nm in diameter, in the pores of the NH2-UiO-66 metal-organic framework, the speciation of subnanometric Pd particles can be controlled, such that the active particles only exist in their metallic state under reaction conditions; in fact, the Pd-H2 mixture only affords surface-bound hydrogen atoms. This control of Pd speciation consequently enables the direct probing of the phase activity and selectivity in the model reaction of 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation to butenes, wherein it showed no deactivation and improved selectivity compared to conventionally prepared catalytic systems. This result shows that the metallic phase can be stabilized through subnanometric size control and that it is more selective and less prone to overhydrogenating the butadiene reactant to butane, resulting in a purer product.
This study investigates unsteady rotating-disk transport of a water-based Casson nanofluid (Cu/H[Formula: see text]O) and a Casson hybrid nanofluid (Cu+Fe[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text])/H[Formula: see text]O in a porous medium under magnetic forcing, suction, heat source/sink, and thermal radiation, while accounting for thermal relaxation to model non-Fourier heat conduction. Using similarity transformations, the governing multi-physics equations are reduced to a coupled nonlinear system for the radial and tangential velocities and temperature. To obtain reproducible semi-analytical benchmark solutions, the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) is employed with convergence-control parameters selected via [Formula: see text]-curves and residual-error minimization. A central contribution is a controlled comparison between Cu/H[Formula: see text]O and (Cu+Fe[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text])/H[Formula: see text]O under identical parameter sets, focusing on velocity and temperature characteristics. The results show that Cu/H[Formula: see text]O yields higher velocity levels, whereas the hybrid nanofluid sustains higher temperatures within the thermal boundary layer, revealing a thermal-hydraulic trade-off for aqueous rotating systems. The magnetic parameter M physically quantifies Lorentz-force damping, leading to reduced velocities and modified thermal fields, while the thermal relaxation parameter [Formula: see text] delays the heat-flux response and tends to suppress temperature diffusion, thereby lowering the temperature profile. For the hybrid nanofluid, the skin-friction and Nusselt-number trends obtained from the plots are in good agreement with the tabulated values, confirming the consistency of the solution. Physically, increasing M enhances the skin-friction coefficient because stronger Lorentz braking demands greater wall shear to maintain the flow, while increasing Nr elevates the Nusselt number by strengthening radiative heat transport and steepening the wall temperature gradient. In addition, the thermodynamic irreversibility of the system is characterized through entropy generation and the Bejan number. Physically, increasing Br intensifies entropy generation because stronger viscous dissipation converts more mechanical energy into irreversible thermal energy, whereas increasing [Formula: see text] increases the Bejan number by making thermal irreversibility more dominant relative to frictional irreversibility under stronger non-Fourier heat-flux effects. The findings are relevant to rotating-disk cooling, porous heat-exchanger components, and nano-assisted aqueous lubrication/thermal management in compact and micro-scale rotating devices.
C-H terminated nanometer scale diamonds (d = 1 to 15 nm) are synthesized from 1-fluoroadamantane at high pressure (6-8 GPa) and high temperature (500-1500 °C) in a multianvil press. High resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies demonstrate the excellent crystallinity and atomically flat C-H terminated surfaces of nanodiamonds with (111) and (110) facets. The importance of hydrogen to the synthesis of nanodiamond and its faceting is discussed. Following vacancy generation, annealing and oxidation of the nanodiamonds, optically detected magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance coherence times (T2 = 0.9 and 2.1 μs) of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are measured. The obtained T2 values are equivalent to the shallow NV centers (depth <10 nm) in bulk diamond crystals and larger nanocrystals prepared by mechanical milling.
Alopecia, or hair loss, is a multifactorial condition that may arise from genetic, hormonal, or autoimmune causes. This review outlines the major types of alopecia and discusses their underlying etiologies, along with the limitations associated with current therapeutic approaches, including poor efficacy, adverse effects, and low patient adherence. In recent years, lipid-based nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents to the scalp and hair follicles. The present review summarizes different treatment strategies for alopecia while highlighting the potential role of lipid-based nanocarriers in enhancing drug delivery. The review critically summarizes recent advances in the use of these nanocarriers for alopecia management, with focus on their ability to improve skin penetration, follicular targeting, drug stability, and sustained release characteristics. In addition, the advantages and limitations of different lipid-based systems are comparatively discussed, together with current challenges related to formulation stability, large-scale production, safety, and regulatory considerations in dermatological nanomedicine. Overall, this review provides an updated perspective on the therapeutic potential and translational prospects of lipid based nanocarriers as emerging platforms for alopecia treatment, while highlighting the need for further preclinical and clinical validation.
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat effectively, primarily due to the complex and adaptive nature of the tumour microenvironment. Traditional therapies often fail to target the TME adequately, leading to resistance and relapse. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for targeted cancer therapy, offering innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nano-therapeutics designed to target the TME, highlighting their mechanisms, current progress, and prospects. By emphasizing the relationship between nanotherapeutics and different TME constituents, such as immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix, we want to clarify how these innovative techniques might improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. The potential of combining nano-therapeutics with conventional treatments is also explored, emphasizing a multi-faceted strategy in the fight against cancer.
Spatially confined β-adrenergic receptor-cAMP nanodomain signaling depends on scaffolded protein-protein interactions (PPIs), yet converting such nanointerfaces into cell-active disruptor peptides remains challenging. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A)-filamin A complex in human cardiac tissue that is disrupted in dilated cardiomyopathy. To target this interaction, we developed a nanodomain-resolved AlphaFold3 workflow integrating interface-recurrence filtering, orthogonal docking, and peptide-binding site inference to define a tractable binding region. This approach identified a filamin A docking sequence spanning R2520-H2528, which was optimized to RLVSNHSLH and rendered cell-permeant by N-terminal polyarginine tagging. In ventricular cardiomyocytes, the peptide reduced PDE4A-filamin A proximity and selectively attenuated β-adrenergic cAMP signaling in cytosolic and sarcolemmal compartments, measured by FRET biosensors. This work establishes a potential transferable strategy for translating predicted scaffolded PPI nanointerfaces into functional disruptor peptides and highlights compartmentalized signaling complexes as actionable targets for selective cellular modulation.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is attractive for molecular diagnostics, but direct sensing in unprocessed whole blood is hindered by biofouling and poor operational stability. Here, we report a biomimetic-SERS platform integrating vancomycin-responsive structure-switching aptamers and a self-assembled lubricin (PRG-4) antifouling layer on a nanostructured plasmonic nanoslide. The aptamer provides molecular recognition, while the hydrated glycocalyx-mimicking lubricin layer suppresses nonspecific adsorption from blood and preserves access of vancomycin to the sensing interface. The sensor enables direct vancomycin detection in unprocessed whole blood with subnanomolar sensitivity and retains analytical performance after 3 weeks of storage. It also shows proof-of-concept operational stability, retaining 75% peak intensity across six measurement cycles over more than 5 weeks. Although repeated 20 min UV-Ozone cleaning reduces calibration sensitivity, the nanoslide maintains qualitative detection capability and SERS activity, supporting its potential for point-of-use therapeutic drug monitoring.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive condition, conventional therapies yield inadequate long-term efficacy and possess limited regenerative potential, while the diseased microenvironment driven by inflammation and oxidative stress further hampers tissue repair. Crucially‌, because of the unique nature of the periodontal microenvironment, limitations still exist, such as a short drug retention period and low drug delivery efficiency. To overcome these limitations, we developed a new nanoplatform designed to improve local drug retention and target the core pathological mechanisms of periodontitis. Comprising cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) modified Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) and loaded with the dual-action agent Syringic Acid (SA), these nanoparticles create a local drug reservoir through enhanced cellular uptake, SA@ZIF-8-cRGD showed the time-sequence regulation of cellular inflammation and oxidative stress levels. This nano-platform orchestrates sequential therapeutic actions: initial rapid uptake by macrophages confers anti-inflammatory effects, then restores the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) by decreasing oxidative stress, partly through the metallothionein protein family. In the periodontitis model, SA@ZIF-8-cRGD significantly attenuated periodontal inflammation and promoted tissue regeneration. Collectively, our findings indicate that SA@ZIF-8-cRGD achieves excellent periodontitis treatment outcomes by temporally regulating multiple cells across the entire anti-inflammatory-regenerative pathway. This unveils a promising material-based strategy for managing clinical periodontitis.
Introduction Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent global mental health challenge with a multifactorial etiology, including genetic, environmental, and biochemical influences. Current pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), face limitations, including delayed therapeutic onset, systemic side effects, and poor permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome these challenges, intranasal NE (NE) drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach for enhancing drug bioavailability and facilitating direct nose-to-brain transport. Methods A comprehensive review of recent advancements in NE-based drug delivery for MDD was conducted, focusing on formulation strategies, pharmacokinetic improvements, and therapeutic outcomes. Studies evaluating the efficacy of NE formulations for delivering antidepressants, antipsychotics, and natural compounds, such as curcumin and resveratrol, were analyzed. The role of mucoadhesive agents like chitosan in enhancing nasal retention and drug absorption was also explored. Results NE formulations demonstrated superior drug delivery to the CNS, bypassing the BBB and reducing systemic toxicity. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate enhanced therapeutic efficacy, increased drug concentration at target sites, and improved patient compliance. The inclusion of mucoadhesive agents further optimized nasal retention, prolonging drug absorption and enhancing therapeutic effects. Additionally, NEs mitigated hepatic first-pass metabolism, leading to lower dosing requirements and reduced side effects. Discussion Nanoemulsion-based intranasal delivery presents a promising strategy for treating MDD, offering physiological and pharmacological advantages over oral routes. By bypassing the blood-brain barrier, these systems enable rapid and targeted brain delivery, enhancing drug efficacy. The nanoscale size improves solubility and absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds like curcumin and resveratrol. Incorporation of mucoadhesive agents such as chitosan further enhances nasal retention and drug uptake. Despite encouraging preclinical results, challenges remain in translating this approach clinically. Conclusion Intranasal NE-based drug delivery presents a transformative strategy for treating MDD and other CNS disorders. By integrating nanoscale formulation approaches with tailored pharmacokinetics, this system offers improved drug efficacy, safety, and patient adherence. Future research should focus on optimizing formulations, ensuring long-term stability, and advancing clinical translation for broader CNS applications.
The recent monkeypox (MPOX) outbreak has drawn heightened international concern; however, no effective therapeutic interventions or reliable strategies to prevent its spread are currently available. Here, we developed a nano-silver (Ag)-selenium (Se) liquid dressing (lll) by conjugating Ag and Se nanoparticles with a commercial liquid dressing. After administration to the lesion sites, this unique formulation demonstrated highly effective antiviral properties in a surrogate MPOX mouse model (characterised by skin lesions/rashes) induced by vaccinia virus infection. In addition, AgSe@LD showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity and accelerated the healing process of virus-infected cutaneous lesions. Remarkably, AgSe@LD formed a thin film that exhibited excellent adhesion and stability when applied to lesions, while showing resistance to water, alcohol and soapy water washing, thus offering great potential for practical application. This simple and effective liquid dressing represents a major breakthrough in the management of skin infections and provides new ideas for the treatment of MPOX.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lacks effective low-toxicity treatments. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) offers a tumor-specific approach by converting hydrogen peroxide into toxic radicals. However, its efficacy is limited by insufficient H2O2, high glutathione (GSH) levels that neutralize the radicals, and reliance on a single cell death pathway. Herein, we report a precisely programmable catalytic platform consisting of Ru single atoms anchored on a CuTi layered double hydroxide (Ru CuTi-LDH) nanozyme. The Ru sites not endow the nanozyme with superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity and enable precise control over its catalytic functions, which also include peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Together, these features orchestrate a precise cascade reaction to amplify therapeutic efficacy for OSCC. Light-triggered superoxide radicals (•O2-) are converted to H2O2 by Ru sites, fueling Fenton-like reactions at Cu centers that generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Meanwhile, Ru CuTi-LDH depletes GSH and generates O2 to alleviate tumor hypoxia. This chemical reprogramming amplifies oxidative damage and sensitizes tumor cells to cuproptosis. Additionally, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggered by the cascade activates paraptosis, establishing three distinct cell death pathways simultaneously. This approach achieved 84.7% tumor inhibition and prolonged survival in an orthotopic OSCC model. This work presents a chemical strategy that addresses fundamental CDT limitations through cascade catalysis with atomic-level tunability.