Titania (anatase) nanoparticles were anisotropically functionalized in water-toluene Pickering emulsions to self-assemble into nanoshells with diameters from 500 nm to 3 μm as candidates for encapsulation of drugs and other compounds. The water-phase contained a hydrophilic ligand, glucose-6-phosphate, while the toluene-phase contained a hydrophobic ligand, n-dodecylphosphonic acid. The addition of a dilute sodium alginate suspension that provided electrostatic charge was essential for the self-limited assembly of the nanoshells. The self-assembled spheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping, and atomic force microscopy. Drug release studies using tetracycline suggest a rapid release dominated by surface desorption.
Self-assembling cyclic peptide nanotubes are fascinating supramolecular systems with promising potential for various applications, such as drug delivery, transmembrane ionic channels, and artificial light-harvesting systems. In this study, we present novel pH-responsive nanotubes based on asymmetric cyclic peptide-polymer conjugates. The pH response is introduced by a tertiary amine-based polymer, poly(dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) or poly(diethylamino ethyl methacrylate) (pDEAEMA) which is protonated at low pH.
We study analytically the dynamics of an anisotropic particle subjected to different stochastic resetting schemes in two dimensions. The Brownian motion of shape-asymmetric particles in two dimensions results in anisotropic diffusion at short times, while the late-time transport is isotropic due to rotational diffusion. We show that the presence of orientational resetting promotes the anisotropy to late times.
Janus micro- and nanoparticles, featuring unique dual-interface designs, are at the forefront of rapidly advancing fields such as optics, medicine, and chemistry. Accessible control over the position and orientation of Janus particles within a cluster is crucial for unlocking versatile applications, including targeted drug delivery, self-assembly, micro- and nanomotors, and asymmetric imaging. Nevertheless, precise mechanical manipulation of Janus particles remains a significant practical challenge across these fields.
Supramolecular chirality has gained immense attention for great potential, in which the rational engineering strategy facilitates unique helical stacking/assembly, high chiroptical behavior, and prime biomedical activity. In this study, we reported a novel chiral organic donor-acceptor cocrystal based on asymmetrical components of benzo()naphtho(1,2-)thiophene (BNT) and 9-oxo-9H-indeno(1,2-)pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile (DCAF) that exhibited red emission using a simple solution approach. During the self-assembly, a kinetically controlled growth of polar solvent or substrate induction led to the chiral packing and helical morphology twisted by the cooperation of electrostatic potential energy and chirality.
Institute of Combined Injury, National Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Department of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
Enhancing the sensitivity of radiotherapy (RT) towards renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a challenge because RCC is a radioresistant tumor. In this work, we design and report asymmetrically Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)ylated and amphipathic heptamethine indocyanine dyes for efficient radiosensitization of RCC treatment. They were synthesized by modifying different lengths of PEG chains as hydrophilic moieties on one N-alkyl chain of a mitochondria-targeting heptamethine indocyanine dye (IR-808), and a radiosensitizer 2-nitroimidazole (NM) as a hydrophobic moiety on another N-alkyl chain.
