Lattice Distortion in Hollow Multi-Shelled Structures for Efficient Visible-Light CO2 Reduction with a SnS2/SnO2 Junction

Precise control of the micro-/nanostructures of nanomaterials, such as hollow multi-shelled structures (HoMSs), has shown its great advantages in various applications. Now, the crystal structure of building blocks of HoMSs are controlled by introducing the lattice distortion in HoMSs, for the first time. The lattice distortion located at the nanoscale interface of SnS₂/SnO₂ can provide additional active sites, which not only provide the catalytic activity under visible light but also improve the separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs. Combined with the efficient light utilization, the natural advantage of HoMSs, a record catalytic activity was achieved in solid–gas system for CO₂ reduction, with an excellent stability and 100 % CO selectivity without using any sensitizers or noble metals.     

An Aptamer-Nanotrain Assembled from Six-Letter DNA Delivers Doxorubicin Selectively to Liver Cancer Cells

Expanding the number of nucleotides in DNA increases the information density of functional DNA molecules, creating nanoassemblies that cannot be invaded by natural DNA/RNA in complex biological systems. Here, we show how six-letter GACTZP DNA contributes this property in two parts of a nanoassembly: 1) in an aptamer evolved from a six-letter DNA library to selectively bind liver cancer cells; and 2) in a six-letter self-assembling GACTZP nanotrain that carries the drug doxorubicin. The aptamer-nanotrain assembly, charged with doxorubicin, selectively kills liver cancer cells in culture, as the selectivity of the aptamer binding directs doxorubicin into the aptamer-targeted cells. The assembly does not kill untransformed cells that the aptamer does not bind. This architecture, built with an expanded genetic alphabet, is reminiscent of antibodies conjugated to drugs, which presumably act by this mechanism as well, but with the antibody replaced by an aptamer.     

An Activatable Polymeric Reporter for Near-Infrared Fluorescent and Photoacoustic Imaging of Invasive Cancer

Discriminative detection of invasive and noninvasive breast cancers is crucial for their effective treatment and prognosis. However, activatable probes able to do so in vivo are rare. Herein, we report an activatable polymeric reporter (P-Dex) that specifically turns on near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent and photoacoustic (PA) signals in response to the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) overexpressed in invasive breast cancer. P-Dex has a renal-clearable dextran backbone that is linked with a NIR dye caged with an uPA-cleavable peptide substrate. Such a molecular design allows P-Dex to passively target tumors, activate NIR fluorescence and PA signals to effectively distinguish invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer from noninvasive MCF-7 breast cancer, and ultimately undergo renal clearance to minimize the toxicity potential. Thus, this polymeric reporter holds great promise for the early detection of malignant breast cancer.     

Enhanced TE properties of Cu@Ag/Bi2Te3 nanocomposites by decoupling electrical and thermal properties

Cu@Ag/Bi2Te3 nanocomposites were prepared for the first time by ultrasonic dispersion-rapid freezedrying method combined with spark plasma sintering(SPS).By changing the content of Cu@Ag nanoparticle,we could modulate the temperature dependent thermoelectric properties.The highest ZT value can be obtained at 450 K for 1 vol%Cu@Ag/Bi2Te3,which is benefited from the decoupling of electrical and thermal properties.With the increase of electrical conductivity,the absolute value of Seebeck coefficient lifts while the thermal conductivity declines.Meanwhile,the average ZT value between 300 K and 475 K was 0.61 for 1 vol%Cu@Ag/Bi2Te3,which is much higher than that of pristine Bi2 Te3.Therefore,the decoupling effect of Cu@Ag nanoparticles incorporation could be a promising method to broaden the application of Bi2Te3 based thermoelectric materials.     

Tiara[5]arenes: Synthesis,Solid‐State Conformational Studies,Host–Guest Properties,and Application as Nonporous Adaptive Crystals

Tiara[5]arenes (T[5]s), a new class of five‐fold symmetric oligophenolic macrocycles that are not accessible from the addition of formaldehyde to phenol, were synthesized for the first time. These pillar[5]arene‐derived structures display both unique conformational freedom, differing from that of pillararenes, with a rich blend of solid‐state conformations and excellent host–guest interactions in solution. Finally we show how this novel macrocyclic scaffold can be functionalized in a variety of ways and used as functional crystalline materials to distinguish uniquely between benzene and cyclohexane.     

Building an Air Stable and Lithium Deposition Regulable Garnet Interface from Moderate‐Temperature Conversion Chemistry

Garnet‐type electrolytes suffer from unstable chemistry against air exposure, which generates contaminants on electrolyte surface and accounts for poor interfacial contact with the Li metal. Thermal treatment of the garnet at >700 °C could remove the surface contaminants, yet it regenerates the contaminants in the air, and aggravates the Li dendrite issue as more electron‐conducting defective sites are exposed. In a departure from the removal approach, here we report a new surface chemistry that converts the contaminants into a fluorinated interface at moderate temperature <180 °C. The modified interface shows a high electron tunneling barrier and a low energy barrier for Li⁺ surface diffusion, so that it enables dendrite‐proof Li plating/stripping at a high critical current density of 1.4 mA cm^?2. Moreover, the modified interface exhibits high chemical and electrochemical stability against air exposure, which prevents regeneration of contaminants and keeps high critical current density of 1.1 mA cm^?2. The new chemistry presents a practical solution for realization of high‐energy solid‐state Li metal batteries.     

Isolation of Anti-Diabetic Active Compounds from Benincasae Exocarpium and Development of Simultaneous Analysis by HPLC-PDA

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that is a constant problem. Previous studies have reported that Benincasa cerifera Savi. extracts are effective in treating diabetes and its complications. Benincasae Exocarpium (BE) is a fruit peel of B. cerifera that has been reported to be used for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as hyperglycemia, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. However, there are not enough studies on the compounds and bioassays to support the efficacy of BE. The inhibitory activity of the BE extracts and fractions against advanced glycation end-products (AGE) formation and α-glucosidase activity was evaluated. These assays are relevant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Based on these results, compounds 1–11 were isolated through bioassay-guided isolation. In addition, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that can simultaneously analyze these 11 compounds. Activity evaluation of the compounds was also conducted, and eight compounds exhibited significant activity. Among these, flavonoid compounds showed strong activity. A quantitative evaluation of eight bioactive compounds (2, 5–11) was conducted. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of BE for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications.     

含有脲桥结构的苯氧乙酰胺衍生物的合成与表征

为了开发新型高效低毒杀菌剂,设计合成了5个未见文献报道的含有脲桥结构的苯氧乙酰胺类化合物,其结构经元素分析,1H NMR和IR确证.     

A Sm(III) Coordination Polymer Containing 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid: Crystal Structure and Recognition of Oxalate in Water

Crystallography Reports - The {[Sm2(FDC)2](FDC) · 10H2O}n complex, where H2FDC is a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, has been prepared by hydrothermal reaction and structurally characterized by...