Functionalized Nanocellulose Drives Neural Stem Cells toward Neuronal Differentiation.

Transplantation of differentiated and fully functional neurons may be a better therapeutic option for the cure of neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries than direct grafting of neural stem cells (NSCs) that are potentially tumorigenic. However, the differentiation of NSCs into a large population of neurons has been a challenge. Nanomaterials have been widely used as substrates to manipulate cell behavior due to their nano-size, excellent physicochemical properties, ease of synthesis, and versatility in surface functionalization.

Highly economical and direct amination of sp carbon using low-cost nickel pincer catalyst.

Developing more efficient routes to achieve C-N bond coupling is of great importance to industries ranging from products in pharmaceuticals and fertilizers to biomedical technologies and next-generation electroactive materials. Over the past decade, improvements in catalyst design have moved synthesis away from expensive metals to newer inexpensive C-N cross-coupling approaches direct amine alkylation. For the first time, we report the use of an amide-based nickel pincer catalyst (1) for direct alkylation of amines activation of sp C-H bonds.

Simultaneous Electrochemical Deposition of Cobalt Complex and Poly(pyrrole) Thin Films for Supercapacitor Electrodes.

Supercapacitors are beneficial as energy storage devices and can obtain high capacitance values greater than conventional capacitors and high power densities compared to batteries. However, in order to improve upon the overall cost, energy density, and charge-discharge rates, the electrode material of supercapacitors needs to be fine-tuned with an inexpensive, high conducting source. We prepared a Co(III) complex and polypyrrole (PPy) composite thin films (CoN-PPy) that was electrochemically deposited on the surface of a glassy carbon working electrode.

Guar-Based Injectable Thermoresponsive Hydrogel as a Scaffold for Bone Cell Growth and Controlled Drug Delivery.

In this study, an injectable thermoresponsive hydroxypropyl guar--poly(-vinylcaprolactam) (HPG--PNVCL) copolymer was synthesized by graft polymerization. The reaction parameters such as temperature, time, monomer, and initiator concentrations were varied. In addition, the HPG--PNVCL copolymer was modified with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) by in situ covalent cross-linking using divinyl sulfone (DVS) cross-linker to obtain HPG--PNVCL/n-HA/DVS composite material.

Carbon nanotubes as carriers of Panax ginseng metabolites and enhancers of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 anti-cancer activity.

A major benefit to nanomaterial based-medicine is the ability to provide nanosized vehicles for sporadic metabolites. Here, we describe how the conjugation of valuable ginseng secondary metabolites (ginsenoside Rb1 or Rg1) with carbon nanotubes (CNT) can enhance their anti-proliferative and anti-cancer effects. Ginsenoside-CNT conjugate (Rb-CNT or Rg-CNT) permitted the ginsenosides to be used at a low dose, yet achieve a higher incidence of cancer killing.

Polydopamine-Coated Manganese Complex/Graphene Nanocomposite for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity Towards Oxygen Reduction.

Platinum electrodes are commonly used electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) in fuel cells. However, this material is not economical due to its high cost and scarcity. We prepared an Mn(III) catalyst supported on graphene and further coated with polydopamine, resulting in superior ORR activity compared to the uncoated PDA structures.