Towards measurements of absolute membrane potential in Bacillus subtilis using fluorescence lifetime.

Membrane potential (MP) changes can provide a simple readout of bacterial functional and metabolic state or stress levels. While several optical methods exist for measuring fast changes in MP in excitable cells, there is a dearth of such methods for absolute and precise measurements of steady-state membrane potentials (MPs) in bacterial cells. Conventional electrode-based methods for the measurement of MP are not suitable for calibrating optical methods in small bacterial cells.

The Potential Of Autologous Patient-Derived Circulating Extracellular Vesicles To Improve Drug Delivery In Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Recognizing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches in the management of autoimmune diseases , our current investigation explores the potential of autologous extracellular vesicles (EVs), derived from blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, to serve as therapeutic vectors to improve drug delivery. We found that circulating EVs derived from arthritic mice (Collagen-induced arthritis model) express the joint/synovia homing receptor, αVβ3 integrin. Importantly, both autologous labelled EVs, derived from blood of arthritic mice (Collagen antibody-induced arthritis model) and healthy mice-derived EVs, exhibit targeted migration toward inflamed synovia without infiltrating healthy joints, as demonstrated by an in-vivo imaging system.

Novel Insights into Enhanced Stability of Li-Rich Layered and High-Voltage Olivine Phosphate Cathodes for Advanced Batteries through Surface Modification and Electron Structure Design.

The design of cathode/electrolyte interfaces in high-energy density Li-ion batteries is critical to protect the surface against undesirable oxygen release from the cathodes when batteries are charged to high voltage. However, the involvement of the engineered interface in the cationic and anionic redox reactions associated with (de-)lithiation is often ignored, mostly due to the difficulty to separate these processes from chemical/catalytic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Here, a new electron energy band diagrams concept is developed that includes the examination of the electrochemical- and ionization- potentials evolution upon batteries cycling.

Adhesion of retinal cells to gold surfaces by biomimetic molecules.

Background: Neural cell-electrode coupling is crucial for effective neural and retinal prostheses. Enhancing this coupling can be achieved through surface modification and geometrical design to increase neuron-electrode proximity. In the current research, we focused on designing and studying various biomolecules as a method to elicit neural cell-electrode adhesion via cell-specific integrin mechanisms.

Predicting Conformational Ensembles of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: From Molecular Dynamics to Machine Learning.

Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDP/IDRs) are ubiquitous across all domains of life. Characterized by a lack of a stable tertiary structure, IDP/IDRs populate a diverse set of transiently formed structural states that can promiscuously adapt upon binding with specific interaction partners and/or certain alterations in environmental conditions. This malleability is foundational for their role as tunable interaction hubs in core cellular processes such as signaling, transcription, and translation.

H-NMR-based metabolomics reveals metabolic alterations in early development of a mouse model of Angelman syndrome.

Background: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder caused by the loss of function of the ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene, affecting approximately 1:15,000 live births. We have recently shown that mitochondrial function in AS is altered during mid to late embryonic brain development leading to increased oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis of neural precursor cells. However, the overall alterations of metabolic processes are still unknown.

Towards measurements of absolute membrane potential in Bacillus subtilis using fluorescence lifetime.

Membrane potential (MP) changes can provide a simple readout of bacterial functional and metabolic state or stress levels. While several optical methods exist for measuring fast changes in MP in excitable cells, there is a dearth of such methods for absolute and precise measurements of steady-state membrane potentials (MPs) in bacterial cells. Conventional electrode-based methods for the measurement of MP are not suitable for calibrating optical methods in small bacterial cells.

A novel GCaMP6f-RCS rat model for studying electrical stimulation in the degenerated retina.

Retinal prostheses aim to restore vision by electrically stimulating the remaining viable retinal cells in Retinal Degeneration (RD) cases. Research in this field necessitates a comprehensive analysis of retinal ganglion cells' (RGCs) responses to assess the obtained visual acuity and quality. Here we present a novel animal model which facilitates the optical recording of RGCs activity in an RD rat.

Long-Chain Lipids Facilitate Insertion of Large Nanoparticles into Membranes of Small Unilamellar Vesicles.

Insertion of hydrophobic nanoparticles into phospholipid bilayers is limited to small particles that can incorporate into a hydrophobic membrane core between two lipid leaflets. Incorporation of nanoparticles above this size limit requires the development of challenging surface engineering methodologies. In principle, increasing the long-chain lipid component in the lipid mixture should facilitate incorporation of larger nanoparticles.

PemB, a type III secretion effector in affects life span.

is one of the leading nosocomial opportunistic pathogens causing acute and chronic infections. Among its main virulent factors is the Type III secretion system (T3SS) which enhances disease severity by delivering effectors to the host in a highly regulated manner. Despite its importance for virulence, only six T3SS-dependent effectors have been discovered so far.

Chiral Molecular Coating of a LiNiCoMnO Cathode for High-Rate Capability Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The growing demand for energy has increased the need for battery storage, with lithium-ion batteries being widely used. Among those, nickel-rich layered lithium transition metal oxides [LiNiCoMnO NCM (1 - - > 0.5)] are some of the promising cathode materials due to their high specific capacities and working voltages.

Silver-decorated SrTiO nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors and effective remediation of hazardous pollutants.

SrTiO/Ag nanocomposites were synthesized using a facile wet impregnation method, employing rigorous experimental techniques for comprehensive characterization. XRD, FTIR, UV, PL, FESEM, and HRTEM were meticulously utilized to elucidate their structural, functional, morphological, and optical properties. The electrochemical performance of the SrTiO/Ag nanocomposite was rigorously assessed, revealing an impressive specific capacitance of 850 F/g at a current density of 1 A.

Fabrication and Applications of Magnetic Polymer Composites for Soft Robotics.

The emergence of magnetic polymer composites has had a transformative impact on the field of soft robotics. This overview will examine the various methods by which innovative materials can be synthesized and utilized. The advancement of soft robotic systems has been significantly enhanced by the utilization of magnetic polymer composites, which amalgamate the pliability of polymers with the reactivity of magnetic materials.

Zirconium-Coated β-Cyclodextrin Nanomaterials for Biofilm Eradication.

Under alkaline treatment, zirconyl chloride (ZrOCl.8HO) became a zirconia gel and formed a stable complex with beta-cyclodextrin (βCD). This complex was highly active in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via HO decomposition.

Bacterial cell-size changes resulting from altering the relative expression of Min proteins.

The timing of cell division, and thus cell size in bacteria, is determined in part by the accumulation dynamics of the protein FtsZ, which forms the septal ring. FtsZ localization depends on membrane-associated Min proteins, which inhibit FtsZ binding to the cell pole membrane. Changes in the relative concentrations of Min proteins can disrupt FtsZ binding to the membrane, which in turn can delay cell division until a certain cell size is reached, in which the dynamics of Min proteins frees the cell membrane long enough to allow FtsZ ring formation.

Permselectivity and Ionic Conductivity Study of Na and Br Ions in Graphene Oxide-Based Membranes for Redox Flow Batteries.

Permselectivity of a membrane is central for the development of electrochemical energy storage devices with two redox couples, such as redox flow batteries (RFBs). In RFBs, Br/Br couple is often used as a catholyte which can cross over to the anolyte, limiting the battery's lifetime. Naturally, the development of permselective membranes is essential to the success of RFBs since state-of-the-art perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) is too costly.

Fluorescent-Nanoparticle-Impregnated Nanocomposite Polymeric Gels for Biosensing and Drug Delivery Applications.

Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties that are conducive to imaging and tracking. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels, as well as their biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering.

Enhanced antibacterial properties and magnetic removal of FeO/fenugreek seed gum/silver nanocomposites for water treatment.

This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of a novel FeO nanocomposite coated with fenugreek seed gums and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). To enhance the antibacterial properties of AgNPs and overcome the limitations of conventional methods for the production of three-component nanocomposites, a layer of natural polymer was used. Fenugreek seed gums (FSG) were used to coat FeO NPs to prevent their decomposition and to facilitate the release of silver nanoparticles in aqueous media.

Phytochemicals, Essential Oils Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Astragalus spp., Phlomis olivieri and Daphne mucronata in Habitats of Central Iran.

This study evaluated several secondary metabolites, essential oils (EOs) compositions, and antioxidant activity in four medicinal plants that originated in Isfahan rangelands. The species were Astragalus verus, Astragalus adscendens, Daphne mucronata, and Phlomis olivieri. Thirty-two genotypes of these species were evaluated for different biochemical traits.

Exploring the antibacterial potential of magnetite/Quince seed mucilage/Ag nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization, and activity assessment.

In this study, we present a novel core-shell antibacterial agent designed for water disinfection purposes. The nanocomposite is synthesized by combining quince seed mucilage (QSM) as the shell material and FeO as the core material. The integration of antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto the QSM shell effectively prevents agglomeration of the Ag NPs, resulting in a larger contact surface area with bacteria and consequently exhibiting enhanced antibacterial activity.

Improving water treatment using a novel antibacterial kappa-carrageenan-coated magnetite decorated with silver nanoparticles.

In this study, we aimed to fabricate an enhanced antibacterial agent to act against pathogenic bacteria in aqueous environments. To achieve this, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were inlaid on a kappa-carrageenan (KC) base and coated on FeO magnetic cores (FeO@KC@Ag). Superparamagnetic FeO nanoparticles were designed at the center of the composite nanostructure, allowing magnetic recovery from aqueous media in the presence of a magnet.

Revolutionizing Food Safety with Quantum Dot-Polymer Nanocomposites: From Monitoring to Sensing Applications.

The present review article investigates the prospective utilisation of quantum dot-polymer nanocomposites in the context of ensuring food safety. The text pertains to the advancement of nanocomposites, encompassing their distinctive optical and electrical characteristics, and their prospective to transform the detection and perception of food safety risks. The article explores diverse methodologies for producing nanocomposites and underscores their potential utility in identifying impurities, microorganisms, and harmful substances in food.