A Cationic [60] Fullerene Derivative Reduces Invasion and Migration of HT-29 CRC Cells in Vitro at Dose Free of Significant Effects on Cell Survival

Nanomaterials with unique characteristics exhibit favorable therapeutic and diagnostic properties,implying their enormous potential as biomedical candidates. C60 has been used in gene- and drug-delivery, as imaging agents, and as photosensitizers in cancer therapy. In this study, the influences of a cationic functionalized fullerene on cellular behavior of human colorectal cancer cell line(HT-29) were investigated. Results indicated that HT-29 treated with the studied compound showed a lower sensitivity but a significant impairment in migration and invasion by interfering with the activities of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP-2 and9). The presence of fullerene also altered the capacity of adhesion-related proteins to perform their activity,thereby inducing dramatically adverse effects on the cell physiological functions such as cell adhesion. Thus,our study suggests that this compound is a new potential anti-metastatic effector and a therapeutic component for malignant colorectal cancer.

Characteristics of a gold-doped electrode for application in high-performance lithium-sulfur battery

Bulk sulfur incorporating 3 wt% gold nano-powder is investigated as possible candidate to maximize the fraction of active material in the Li-S battery cathode.The material is prepared via simple mixing of gold with molten sulfur at 120℃,quenching at room temperature,and grinding.Our comprehensive study reports relevant electrochemical data,advanced X-ray computed tomography(CT)imaging of the positive and negative electrodes,and a thorough structural and morphological characterization of the S:Au 97:3 w/w composite.This cathode exhibits high rate capability within the range from C/10 to 1C,a maximum capacity above 1300 mAh gs^(-1),and capacity retention between 85%and 91%after 100 cycles at 1C and C/3 rates.The novel formulation enables a sulfur fraction in the composite cathode film as high as 78 wt%,an active material loading of 5.7 mg cm^(-2),and an electrolyte/sulfur(E/S)ratio of 5μL mg^(-1),which lead to a maximum areal capacity of 5.4 mAh cm^(-2).X-ray CT at the micro-and nanoscale reveals the microstructural features of the positive electrode that favor fast conversion kinetics in the battery.Quantitative analysis of sulfur distribution in the porous cathode displays that electrodeposition during the initial cycle may trigger an activation process in the cell leading to improved performance.Furthermore,the tomography study reveals the characteristics of the lithium anode and the cell separator upon a galvanostatic test prolonged over 300 cycles at a 2C rate.

Nanostructured Na-ion and Li-ion anodes for battery application： A comparative overview

This paper offers a comprehensive overview on the role of nanostructures in the development of advanced anode materials for application in both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. In particular, this review highlights the differences between the two chemistries, the critical effect of nanosize on the electrode performance, as well as the routes to exploit the inherent potential of nanostructures to achieve high specific energy at the anode, enhance the rate capability, and obtain a long cycle life. Furthermore, it gives an overview of nanostructured sodium- and lithium-based anode materials, and presents a critical analysis of the advantages and issues associated with the use of nanotechnology.

Recent advances in MXenes-based glucose biosensors

It is established that monitoring blood glucose on a daily basis is one of the most effective solutions to prevent and treat diabetes.Consequently,developing a glucose sensing platform with outstanding sensing performance occupies an indispensable position for the early diagnosis and risk assessment of diabetes.Recently,biosensor has been deemed as a promising apparatus to acquire the signals for glucose monitoring based on 2D materials.However,it is unsatisfied to deploy some materials widely as a result of some inherent defects.Carbon nanotubes have comparatively high toxicity.MoS_(2) with unfavourable biocompatibility are still arduously implemented on being functionalized.Fortunately,MXene,a brand-new and rapidly developing two-dimensional material,exhibits marvellous application potential in the domain of biosensing.Therefore,it has exerted tremendous attention from diverse scientific fields owning to its remarkable properties,such as excellent hydrophilicity,metal-like conductivity,abundant surface functional groups,unique layered structure,large specific surface area and remarkable biocompatibility.This review mainly focuses on the main synthetic route of MXenes,as well as the recent advancements of biosensors involving MXenes as an electrode modifier for glucose detection.In addition,the promising prospects and challenges of glucose sensing technology based on MXenes are also discussed.

Graphene quantum dots: From efficient preparation to safe renal excretion

Carbon nanomaterials offer excellent prospects as therapeutic agents,and among them,graphene quantum dots(GQDs)have gained considerable interest thanks to their aqueous solubility and intrinsic fluorescence,which enable their possible use in theranostic approaches,if their biocompatibility and favorable pharmacokinetic are confirmed.We prepared ultra-small GQDs using an alternative,reproducible,top-down synthesis starting from graphene oxide with a nearly 100%conversion.The materials were tested to assess their safety,demonstrating good biocompatibility and ability in passing the ultrafiltration barrier using an in vitro model.This leads to renal excretion without affecting the kidneys.Moreover,we studied the GQDs in vivo biodistribution confirming their efficient renal clearance,and we demonstrated that the internalization mechanism into podocytes is caveolae-mediated.Therefore,considering the reported characteristics,it appears possible to vehiculate compounds to kidneys by means of GQDs,overcoming problems related to lysosomal degradation.