Graphene-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy and anti-infections

Graphene-based nanomaterials(GBNMs)has been thoroughly investigated and extensively used in many biomedical fields,especially cancer therapy and bacteria-induced infectious diseases treatment,which have attracted more and more attentions due to the improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced reverse effect.GBNMs,as classic two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials,have unique structure and excellent physicochemical properties,exhibiting tremendous potential in cancer therapy and bacteria-induced infectious diseases treatment.In this review,we first introduced the recent advances in development of GBNMs and GBNMs-based treatment strategies for cancer,including photothermal therapy(PTT),photodynamic therapy(PDT)and multiple combination therapies.Then,we surveyed the research progress of applications of GBNMs in anti-infection such as antimicrobial resistance,wound healing and removal of biofilm.The mechanism of GBNMs was also expounded.Finally,we concluded and discussed the advantages,challenges/limitations and perspective about the development of GBNMs and GBNMs-based therapies.Collectively,we think that GBNMs could be potential in clinic to promote the improvement of cancer therapy and infections treatment.

Multi-functional engineered polypeptide-based drug delivery systems for improved cancer therapy

With the rapid development of chemical engineering and biotechnology,polypeptide,as a promising candidate in the biomedical field,has been thoroughly investigated and extensively used as the drug delivery vehicle for diseases treatment,especially cancer,owing to the high biocompatibility,good biodegradability,versatile con-structions,and diverse functions.Engineered polypeptide-based drug delivery system(so-called EPP-DDS)can deliver the cargos to the target site via a specific recognition effect,followed by overcoming the barriers like blood brain barrier(BBB)and releasing them by responding to the microenvironment cues,to improve the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side-effect.Herein,it's of great importance to conclude and summarize the updates on EPP-DDS developed by chemical engineering methods.In this review,we first summarized the recent updates in the manufacturing of polypeptide and preparation of EPP-DDS based on green biochemical engineering and/or synthetic processes for cancer therapy,including chemotherapy,immunotherapy,photodynamic therapy(PDT),gene therapy,and combination therapy.Then,we surveyed the research progress of inflammation-mediated cancer treatment strategies based on EPP-DDS with high anti-inflammation activity.Finally,we concluded the discovery and green production process of engineered polypeptide,challenges,and perspectives of EPP-DDS.Overall,the EPP-DDS has great potential for cancer therapy in the clinic with improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effect,which needs the innovation of green biochemical engineering for customized design and production of polypeptides.

A portable and washable solar steam evaporator based on graphene and recycled gold for efficient point-of-use water purification

A solar steam evaporator provides a sustainable and efficient alternative water purification solution to address the global freshwater shortage.Previous efforts have made significant advances in maximizing its water evaporation rate,but no single evaporator has all the properties necessary for practical point-of-use application,including a high efficiency for generation of drinkable water,an excellent portability critical for on-site water purification,good washability for mitigating evaporator fouling,and good reusability.We report a strategy to produce a high-performance photothermal material for point-of-use water purification.By simultaneously incorporating graphene and gold particles grown from recycled electronic waste in a mechanically strong sponge,we achieved highly efficient water purification under realistic conditions.In addition to a high evaporation rate(3.55 kg/m^(2)/h under one-sun irradiation)attributed to a control of atomic structure of graphene and the size-dependent surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles,it is portable which can be folded,vacuum compacted,dried and rehydrated without compromising performance.It also allows repeated washing to remove contaminant fouling so that it can be reused.The evaporator transforms various types of contaminated water into drinkable clean water,and can be mounted at any angle to optimize the incident solar irradiation.Furthermore,the assembled steam evaporator device could gain purified water meeting the World Health Organization drinking water standards with a high evaporation rate of 9.36 kg/m^(2)/h under outdoor sunlight.