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Article
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Non-thermal emission in gap-mode plasmon photoluminescence
Photoluminescence from plasmonic nanostructures exhibits diverse wavelength dependent nonlinear behaviors with debated origins. Here, authors use plasmonic gap mode resonators with precise nanoscale confinement to show this nonlinear emission can become dominated by non-Fermi carrier contributions.
- Robert Lemasters
- , Manoj Manjare
- & Hayk Harutyunyan
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Article
| Open Access
An antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposome for effective intracellular delivery in vivo
Protein corona formation on the surface of liposome nanocarriers can decrease the efficiency of intracellular delivery. Here, the authors develop antifouling membrane-fusogenic liposomes for effective intracellular delivery in vivo.
- Huimin Kong
- , Chunxiong Zheng
- & Mingqiang Li
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Article
| Open Access
Enhancing in vivo cell and tissue targeting by modulation of polymer nanoparticles and macrophage decoys
Targeted drug delivery in vivo is a complex challenge, and understanding the characteristics that define the behavior of delivery vehicles in vivo is vital for advancing delivery vehicle design. Here the authors use a library of polymeric delivery vehicles and high-throughput tools to study the structure-function relationships guiding the physiological fate of nanomedicines.
- Alexandra S. Piotrowski-Daspit
- , Laura G. Bracaglia
- & W. Mark Saltzman
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Article
| Open Access
Synergistic growth of nickel and platinum nanoparticles via exsolution and surface reaction
Utilizing “Chemistry at a point”, Ni is exsolved from a perovskite lattice under deposited Pt nanoparticles. This yields even smaller Ni Pt alloy nanoparticles on a perovskite nanofiber structure, exhibiting high catalytic activity.
- Min Xu
- , Yukwon Jeon
- & John T. S. Irvine
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Article
| Open Access
Firefly-inspired bipolar information indication system actuated by white light
Inspired by fireflies, a bimodal information indication system using a photochemical afterglow material within a photonic crystal matrix is developed to display both static and changing information, such as sample type and degree of degradation.
- Hanwen Huang
- , Jiamiao Yin
- & Changchun Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Regulation of cerebral blood flow boosts precise brain targeting of vinpocetine-derived ionizable-lipidoid nanoparticles
Despite advances in active drug-targeting for blood-brain barrier penetration, challenges related to brain biodistribution, and drug accumulation persist. Here the authors show a molecular library design centered on cyclic tertiary amine compounds and develop a self-enhanced brain-targeted nucleic acid delivery system inspired by the neuroprotective properties of vinpocetine.
- Xufei Bian
- , Ling Yang
- & Chong Li
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Matters Arising
| Open AccessReply to: Technical challenges of studying the impact of plasma components on the efficacy of lipid nanoparticles for vaccine and therapeutic applications
- Kai Liu
- , Elisa Lázaro-Ibáñez
- & Alan Sabirsh
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Article
| Open Access
Bicontinuous RuO2 nanoreactors for acidic water oxidation
Developing stable water oxidation catalysts is of great importance for proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Here the authors report a bicontinuous nanoreactor composed of multiscale defected RuO2 nanocrystals for robust acidic water oxidation reactivity.
- Ding Chen
- , Ruohan Yu
- & Shichun Mu
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Article
| Open Access
Self-assembly of nanocrystal checkerboard patterns via non-specific interactions
The self-assembly of nanocrystals into checkerboard lattice patterns is difficult to control. Here, the authors investigate the formation of such patterns from hydrophilic/hydrophobic bifunctionalized Ag nanocubes and use multiscale simulations to understand the effects of physical forces.
- Yufei Wang
- , Yilong Zhou
- & Andrea R. Tao
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Article
| Open Access
Effect of crystal facets in plasmonic catalysis
Crystal facets are known to be important in traditional heterogeneous catalysis, yet this effect has not been studied in plasmon-assisted catalysis. Here, the authors investigate the impact facets have on CO2 reduction using plasmonic Au NPs.
- Yicui Kang
- , Simão M. João
- & Emiliano Cortés
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Review Article
| Open Access
Critical learning from industrial catalysis for nanocatalytic medicine
The knowledge gained from industrial catalysis benefits advancements of nanocatalytic medicines. Here the authors review the similarities, differences and connections in catalytic reactions between industrial and medical applications to support deep understanding and rational design of nanocatalytic medicines.
- Zhaokui Jin
- , Lingdong Jiang
- & Qianjun He
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Article
| Open Access
Revealing the three-dimensional arrangement of polar topology in nanoparticles
Low-dimensional ferroelectric systems are predicted to have topologically nontrivial polar structures, such as vortices or skyrmions. Here authors present atomic-scale 3D topological polar structures in BaTiO3 nanoparticles using atomic electron tomography and revealed their size-dependent transitions.
- Chaehwa Jeong
- , Juhyeok Lee
- & Yongsoo Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Low-index mesoscopic surface reconstructions of Au surfaces using Bayesian force fields
Metal surfaces have long been known to reconstruct, but key mechanistic aspects are poorly understood. Here, the authors use Bayesian force fields to gain insights into gold surface reconstructions that are crucial for material science and catalysis.
- Cameron J. Owen
- , Yu Xie
- & Boris Kozinsky
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Article
| Open Access
Cell-penetrating protein-recognizing polymeric nanoparticles through dynamic covalent chemistry and double imprinting
Molecular recognition of proteins is essential for achieving their biological functions but it is challenging to prepare selective protein-binding materials. Here the authors report a method that combines dynamic covalent chemistry and double molecular imprinting to construct protein-recognizing nanoparticles capable of specific inhibition of protein–protein interactions.
- Avijit Ghosh
- , Mansi Sharma
- & Yan Zhao
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Article
| Open Access
Development of Aptamer-DNAzyme based metal-nucleic acid frameworks for gastric cancer therapy
The development of metal-nucleic acid nanocomposites for therapeutic is limited by poor stability and synthesis efficiency. Here, the authors develop a multi-fragmented aptamer DNAzyme metal-nucleic acid frameworks (MNFs) under milder conditions and demonstrate its preclinical efficacy in gastric cancer.
- Jiaqi Yan
- , Rajendra Bhadane
- & Hongbo Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
Stimulus-responsive assembly of nonviral nucleocapsids
A stimulus-responsive approach for recapitulating nonviral nucleocapsid assembly on demand under controlled conditions provides a robust platform for applications in synthetic biology and mRNA nanomedicine.
- Mao Hori
- , Angela Steinauer
- & Donald Hilvert
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Article
| Open Access
Highly defective ultra-small tetravalent MOF nanocrystals
Crystalline materials’ properties are highly dependent on their size. Here authors report a general synthesis of ultrasmall (4–6 nm) and highly defective Zr/Hf-Metal Organic Frameworks nanoparticles that present enhanced peptide hydrolysis performance.
- Shan Dai
- , Charlotte Simms
- & Christian Serre
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Article
| Open Access
Ultrafast photoluminescence and multiscale light amplification in nanoplasmonic cavity glass
This article presents a unique nanocomposite plasmonic-excitonic glass with extraordinary amplified optical properties: ultra-narrow photoluminescence (FWHM = 13 nm) and ultrashort photoluminescence lifetime (90 ps) at room temperature
- Piotr Piotrowski
- , Marta Buza
- & Dorota A. Pawlak
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Article
| Open Access
Water-assisted oxidative redispersion of Cu particles through formation of Cu hydroxide at room temperature
Redispersion of sintered metal species requires high temperatures in reactive atmospheres. Here, the authors report room temperature redispersion of supported Cu particles via formation of mobile hydroxylated Cu species induced by gaseous H2O and anchoring of the Cu species by surface OH groups.
- Yamei Fan
- , Rongtan Li
- & Qiang Fu
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Article
| Open Access
Onion-like multicolor thermally activated delayed fluorescent carbon quantum dots for efficient electroluminescent light-emitting diodes
Shi et al. report the synthesis of multicolour thermally activated delayed fluorescent carbon dots with 3D onion-like configuration to stabilise the triplet state and reduce the singlet-triplet energy gap. LEDs with EQE of 6.0–9.9% are achieved, a step further for efficient and stable displays.
- Yuxin Shi
- , Yang Zhang
- & Louzhen Fan
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Article
| Open Access
Spectroscopic visualization of reversible hydrogen spillover between palladium and metal–organic frameworks toward catalytic semihydrogenation
The authors report an in situ investigation of interfacial hydrogen spillover in Pd/ZIF-8 structures with X-ray and Raman techniques. A mechanistic picture of how Pd/ZIF-8 catalyst mediate alkyne semihydrogenation to alkynes is described.
- Qiaoxi Liu
- , Wenjie Xu
- & Yujie Xiong
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Article
| Open Access
Liquid metals for boosting stability of zeolite catalysts in the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons
For the methanol-to-hydrocarbons process, coke build can rapidly deactivate the zeolite catalyst. Here the authors show that the addition of liquid metal gallium can reduce coke deposition and increase catalyst lifetime.
- Yong Zhou
- , Sara Santos
- & Vitaly V. Ordomsky
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Article
| Open Access
Acidity-activatable upconversion afterglow luminescence cocktail nanoparticles for ultrasensitive in vivo imaging
Activatable afterglow luminescence nanoprobes reduce unspecific signals and improve imaging fidelity, but their utility is limited by a requisition of donor-acceptor distance (>10 nm) in common biomarker-activatable designs. Here, the authors address this issue by developing organic afterglow luminescence cocktail nanoparticles for acid-activatable upconversion afterglow luminescence imaging.
- Yue Jiang
- , Min Zhao
- & Qingqing Miao
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Article
| Open Access
Tri-system integration in metal-oxide nanocomposites via in-situ solution-processed method for ultrathin flexible transparent electrodes
Fabricating flexible transparent electrodes with robust operational stability alongside electrical and mechanical properties is challenging. Here, Kim et al. develop ultrathin flexible transparent electrodes using in-situ solution-processing and unveil interface dynamics of the integrated tri-system.
- John Jinwook Kim
- , Kojima Shuji
- & Wallace C. H. Choy
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Article
| Open Access
Bioengineered amyloid peptide for rapid screening of inhibitors against main protease of SARS-CoV-2
The main protease (Mpro) plays a crucial role in the replication of SARS-CoV-2, thereby making it an attractive target for COVID-19 treatment. Here, the authors develop a colorimetric screening platform for discovering Mpro inhibitors using engineered amyloid peptide-based nanocomplexes.
- Dongtak Lee
- , Hyo Gi Jung
- & Dae Sung Yoon
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Article
| Open Access
Cholesterol-modified sphingomyelin chimeric lipid bilayer for improved therapeutic delivery
Cholesterol (Chol) transfer from lipid bilayer jeopardizes membrane stability and causes premature payload leakage, yielding suboptimal efficacy. Here, the authors report a Chol-modified sphingomyelin (SM) bilayer via covalently conjugating Chol to SM, which retains Chol condensing ability and improves pharmacokinetics and therapeutic delivery of various drugs in diverse disease animal models.
- Zhiren Wang
- , Wenpan Li
- & Jianqin Lu
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Article
| Open Access
An artificial protein modulator reprogramming neuronal protein functions
Direct modulation of protein by artificial catalysts as enzyme mimetics remains hindered by the lack of highly efficient catalytic centers. Here, the authors present the development of artificial protein modulators (APROMs) with protein phosphatase-like characteristics, catalytically reprogram the biological function of α-synuclein.
- Peihua Lin
- , Bo Zhang
- & Daishun Ling
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Article
| Open Access
In situ electrochemical regeneration of nanogap hotspots for continuously reusable ultrathin SERS sensors
SERS is a powerful analytical technique, but achieving reproducibility for continuous analysis a challenge. Here, the authors report a SERS substrate recycling method that enables direct analysis of complex samples without substrate contamination.
- Sarah May Sibug-Torres
- , David-Benjamin Grys
- & Jeremy J. Baumberg
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Article
| Open Access
Janus microparticles-based targeted and spatially-controlled piezoelectric neural stimulation via low-intensity focused ultrasound
Wireless and localized stimulation of neural cells remains challenging. Here, the authors propose piezoelectric magnetic Janus microparticles that can target and stimulate neurons under low-intensity ultrasound through voltage-gated ion channels.
- Mertcan Han
- , Erdost Yildiz
- & Metin Sitti
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Article
| Open Access
Color construction of multi-colored carbon fibers using glucose
Color construction of black carbon fibers is a challenge due to their stable physicochemical properties. Here, the authors demonstrate the tunable structural color of carbon fibers endowed by the dynamic growth of carbon spheres using glucose.
- Sijie Zhou
- , Chunhua Zhang
- & Weilin Xu
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Article
| Open Access
Extensive photochemical restructuring of molecule-metal surfaces under room light
The nature of the molecule-metal interface is crucial for many technological applications. Here, the authors show that the photostability of the material can be sensitive to room light when coated with a single molecular layer, with implications for devices and processes.
- Chenyang Guo
- , Philip Benzie
- & Jeremy J. Baumberg
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Article
| Open Access
Spatiotemporal control of photochromic upconversion through interfacial energy transfer
Achieving spatiotemporal control of photochromic upconversion from a single lanthanide emitter remains challenging. Here, the authors present a conceptual model enabling such control of Er3+ photochromic upconversion via interfacial energy transfer in a core-shell nanostructure.
- Long Yan
- , Jinshu Huang
- & Bo Zhou
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Article
| Open Access
High-throughput barcoding of nanoparticles identifies cationic, degradable lipid-like materials for mRNA delivery to the lungs in female preclinical models
Identifying pulmonary delivery of lipid libraries poses an obstacle for mRNA drugs. Here, the authors use a barcoded screening system to identify lung-targeting of cationic, degradable lipid-like materials for mRNA delivery and gene editing in female preclinical models.
- Lulu Xue
- , Alex G. Hamilton
- & Michael J. Mitchell
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Article
| Open Access
Protective effects of Pt-N-C single-atom nanozymes against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Nanozymes can be used for targeting reactive oxygen species (ROS) to alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but hindered by catalytic performance and toxicity concerns. Here the authors report multienzyme-mimicking and biocompatible Pt-NC single-atom nanozymes as an efficient ROS decomposer for restoring cellular homeostasis and mitigating apoptotic progression after I/R injury.
- Tianbao Ye
- , Cheng Chen
- & Chengxing Shen
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Article
| Open Access
Continuous synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles by in-flight alloying of elemental metals
High-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA-NPs) have emerged as new materials in various fields, but their scalable synthesis still remains a challenge. Here, the authors report an ultrafast, one-step method for the continuous synthesis of HEA-NPs based on the thermal plasma jet technology.
- Keun Su Kim
- , Martin Couillard
- & Yu Zou
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Article
| Open Access
Dual heterogeneous interfaces enhance X-ray excited persistent luminescence for low-dose 3D imaging
High-resolution X-ray imaging requires a high radiation dose. Here, the authors achieve low-dose 3D imaging by increasing the XEPL intensity using a double-shell nanostructure with two heterogeneous interfaces.
- Lei Lei
- , Minghao Yi
- & Shiqing Xu
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Article
| Open Access
Challenging thermodynamics: combining immiscible elements in a single-phase nano-ceramic
Elemental immiscibility limits the development of solid solution materials. Here, authors create a nonequilibrium flame aerosol method to mix nearly any pair of metal elements in a single-phase nano-ceramic. Also, an exsolution behavior is presented to produce active and stable nanoparticles.
- Shuo Liu
- , Chaochao Dun
- & Mark T. Swihart
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Article
| Open Access
Light-induced MOF synthesis enabling composite photothermal materials
Introduced here is a light-induced MOF synthesis, enabled by plasmonic nanoparticles. The method, proven to be rapid and efficient, can also promote the formation of a nanoparticle-MOF composite, imparting photothermal properties to the new material.
- Ofir Shelonchik
- , Nir Lemcoff
- & Yossi Weizmann
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Article
| Open Access
Observing growth and interfacial dynamics of nanocrystalline ice in thin amorphous ice films
In-situ cryo-electron microscopy in thin amorphous ice films and ice-dynamics simulations reveal polymorph-dependent growth kinetics of nanoscale ice crystals. Hetero-crystalline ice exhibits anisotropic growth: fast-growing facets are associated with low-density interfaces, driving tetrahedral ordering of interfacial H2O molecules and accelerating ice growth.
- Minyoung Lee
- , Sang Yup Lee
- & Dong June Ahn
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Article
| Open Access
Highly loaded bimetallic iron-cobalt catalysts for hydrogen release from ammonia
Inexpensive iron catalysts often exhibit low activity in ammonia decomposition due to a strong iron-nitrogen binding energy. Here the authors demonstrate that combining iron with cobalt to form a Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst overcomes this limitation, presenting a promising solution for enhancing ammonia decomposition efficiency.
- Shilong Chen
- , Jelena Jelic
- & Malte Behrens
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Article
| Open Access
A nanoparticle-based sonodynamic therapy reduces Helicobacter pylori infection in mouse without disrupting gut microbiota
Here, the authors develop a non-antibiotic approach using sonodynamic therapy mediated by a lecithin bilayer-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic) nanoparticle preloaded with verteporfin, Ver-PLGA@Lecithin, to treat Helicobacter pylori.
- Tao Liu
- , Shuang Chai
- & Lihua Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Accurate prediction of the optical properties of nanoalloys with both plasmonic and magnetic elements
The optical properties of nanoalloys are complex and difficult to describe. Here, the authors use density functional and Mie theory to calculate the extinction of Au-Co and other nanoalloys of interest for quantum optics, magnetooptics, catalysis, and metamaterials.
- Vito Coviello
- , Denis Badocco
- & Vincenzo Amendola
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Article
| Open Access
Nanoparticle-based DNA vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2 variants in female preclinical models
Here the authors screen different lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for intramuscular delivery of plasmid DNA and uptake by antigen-presenting cells. The lead LNP exhibits immunogenicity and protection in small animal models that is comparable to approved SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine formulations.
- Lays Cordeiro Guimaraes
- , Pedro Augusto Carvalho Costa
- & Pedro Pires Goulart Guimaraes
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Article
| Open Access
Hydrogen evolution with hot electrons on a plasmonic-molecular catalyst hybrid system
Direct participation of plasmon-induced hot electrons in the photoelectrocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen. This report solves a long-lasting contentious issue surrounding plasmonic materials on catalytic applications.
- Ananta Dey
- , Amal Mendalz
- & Jacinto Sá
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Article
| Open Access
Non-Faradaic optoelectrodes for safe electrical neuromodulation
Nanoscale optoelectrodes hold the potential to optically stimulate individual neuron. Here, the authors form nanoscale capacitive optoelectrodes by incorporating zinc porphyrin into nanorods, coated by TiO2, a design that allows for far-field optical modulation of neurons with efficiency and negligible side effects.
- Jian Chen
- , Yanyan Liu
- & Wenbo Bu
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Article
| Open Access
Scalable nano-architecture for stable near-blackbody solar absorption at high temperatures
Nanostructures are generally unstable above 850 °C in air, limiting their use in high-temperature solar thermal applications. Here, a scalable ceramic nano-architecture layer can significantly enhance and stabilise the absorption of an arbitrary solar absorber.
- Yifan Guo
- , Kaoru Tsuda
- & Juan F. Torres
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Article
| Open Access
A uniform data processing pipeline enables harmonized nanoparticle protein corona analysis across proteomics core facilities
Protein corona is crucial for the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines, and the protein composition of the corona layer is typically analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Here the authors report that the use of a uniform database search provides an opportunity for taking measures in good practice and quality control in protein corona research using mass spectroscopy technique.
- Hassan Gharibi
- , Ali Akbar Ashkarran
- & Morteza Mahmoudi
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Article
| Open Access
Fragment-based drug nanoaggregation reveals drivers of self-assembly
Drug nanoaggregates could be used to improve drug pharmacokinetics when developed for drug delivery, however, the structural features of molecules that drive nanoaggregate formation remain elusive. Here, the authors investigate nanoaggregate self-assembly mechanisms using small molecule fragments to identify the critical molecular forces that contribute to self-assembly, namely aromatic groups and hydrogen bond acceptors/donors.
- Chen Chen
- , You Wu
- & Daniel A. Heller
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Article
| Open Access
Atherosclerotic plaque development in mice is enhanced by myeloid ZEB1 downregulation
Accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in the arterial wall is a critical step in atherosclerosis. Here, the authors show that downregulation of Zeb1 in macrophages promotes lipid accumulation and atherosclerotic plaque formation while its restoration with macrophage-targeted nanoparticles reverses these effects.
- M. C. Martinez-Campanario
- , Marlies Cortés
- & Antonio Postigo
Supramolecular metallic foams with ultrahigh specific strength and sustainable recyclability