Self-passivation/self-delivery/self-healing anticorrosion polymer coating for marine applications.

Corrosion of steel in the marine environment greatly reduces their service life. Polymeric coatings are the most popular anticorrosion technology, but seawater penetration cannot be prohibited because of the distinct stacking structure of the macromolecular chains. In this context, a novel anticorrosive hyperbranched polyurethane-based coating with dopamine (DOPA) at the terminals is prepared herein. The built-in DOPA is able to capture the iron ions released from the corroded substrate and form DOPA-Fe3+ complexation, which further cooperates with the surrounding seawater and imparts self-passivation, self-delivery and self-healing capabilities to the coating. Under the joint action of these measures, the corrosion of tinplate (serving as the steel model) is reduced to a record-low level (corrosion current = 1 × 10-9 A cm-2, corrosion rate = 1 × 10-5 mm year-1). Conceptually, the present dynamic active anticorrosion strategy greatly outperforms the traditional static passive approach, and turns the unfavorable but unavoidable seawater into a favorable factor, which paves the way for the development of long-lasting marine coatings.

Genome-wide identification of R2R3-MYB transcription factor subfamily genes involved in salt stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

BACKGROUND: R2R3-MYB transcription factors belong to one of the largest gene subfamilies in plants, and they are involved in diverse biological processes. However, the role of R2R3-MYB transcription factor subfamily genes in the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to salt stress has been rarely reported. RESULTS: In this study, we performed a genome-wide characterization and expression identification of rice R2R3-MYB transcription factor subfamily genes. We identified a total of 117 R2R3-MYB genes in rice and characterized their gene structure, chromosomal location, and cis-regulatory elements. According to the phylogenetic relationships and amino acid sequence homologies, the R2R3-MYB genes were divided into four groups. qRT-PCR of the R2R3-MYB genes showed that the expression levels of 10 genes significantly increased after 3 days of 0.8% NaCl treatment. We selected a high expression gene OsMYB2-115 for further analysis. OsMYB2-115 was highly expressed in the roots, stem, leaf, and leaf sheath. OsMYB2-115 was found to be localized in the nucleus, and the yeast hybrid assay showed that OsMYB2-115 has transcriptional activation activity. CONCLUSION: This result provides important information for the functional analyses of rice R2R3-MYB transcription factor subfamily genes related to the salt stress response and reveals that OsMYB2-115 may be an important gene associated with salt tolerance in rice.

Imparting Ultrahigh Strength to Polymers via a New Concept Strategy of Construction of up to Duodecuple Hydrogen Bonding among Macromolecular Chains.

Interconnecting macromolecules via multiple hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) can simultaneously strengthen and toughen polymers, but material synthesis becomes extremely difficult with increasing number of H-bonding donors and acceptors; therefore, most reports are limited to triple and quadruple H-bonds. Herein, this bottleneck is overcome by adopting a quartet-wise approach of constructing H-bonds instead of the traditional pairwise method. Thus, large multiple hydrogen bonds can be easily established, and the supramolecular interactions are further reinforced. Especially, when such multiple H-bond motifs are embedded in polymers, four macromolecular chains-rather than two as usual-are tied, distributing the applied stress over a larger volume and more significantly improving the overall mechanical properties. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that the proposed intermolecular multiple H-bonds (up to duodecuple) are readily introduced in polyurethane. A record-high tensile strength (105.2 MPa) is achieved alongside outstanding toughness (352.1 MJ m-3), fracture energy (480.7 kJ m-2), and fatigue threshold (2978.4 J m-2). Meantime, the polyurethane has acquired excellent self-healability and recyclability. This strategy is also applicable to nonpolar polymers, such as polydimethylsiloxane, whose strength (15.3 MPa) and toughness (50.3 MJ m-3) are among the highest reported to date for silicones. This new technique has good expandability and can be used to develop even more and stronger polymers.

Highly Ionic Conductive, Self-Healing, Li10GeP2S12-Filled Composite Solid Electrolytes Based on Reversibly Interlocked Macromolecule Networks for Lithium Metal Batteries with Improved Cycling Stability.

Ceramic-polymer composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) have attracted great attention by combining the advantages of polymer electrolytes and inorganic ceramic electrolytes. Herein, Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) particles are incorporated into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based reversibly interlocked polymer networks (RILNs) derived from the topological rearrangement of two PEO networks cross-linked by reversible imine bonds and disulfide linkages. A series of highly ionic conductive, self-healing CSEs are obtained accordingly. The interlocking architecture successfully inhibits PEO crystallization, increasing the amorphous phase for Li ion transportation, and stabilizes the conductive pathways of LGPS particles by its unique confinement effect. Meanwhile, the LGPS particles cooperate with the RILN matrix, forming a filler-polymer interfacial phase for additional Li ion transportation and strengthening and toughening the resultant CSEs via the strong intermolecular Li+-O2- interactions. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of the included reversible bonds ensure a multiple intrinsic self-healing capability. Consequently, the CSEs containing 15 wt % LGPS deliver a high ionic conductivity (1.06 × 10-3 S cm-1) and high Li ion transference number (∼0.6) at 25 °C, a wide electrochemical stability window (>4.9 V), good mechanical properties (0.63 MPa, 377%), and a stable CSE/Li anode interface. The integrated Li/CSE/LiFePO4 battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of 110.8 mAh g-1 at 1 C (25 °C) and a capacity retention of 76.9% after 200 cycles. Thanks to the healability, the damaged CSEs can regain the structural integrity, ion conductive capability, and cycling performance of the assembled cells. The present work provides an effective strategy to fabricate CSEs for lithium metal batteries that are workable at ambient temperature.

Highly flexible yet strain-insensitive conjugated polymer.

Imparting excellent electrical properties, mechanical robustness, suppleness, conduction stability during deformation, and self-healing to intrinsic conducting polymers is a challenging endeavor. The reversibly interlocked macromolecular networks (RILNs) approach is utilized to tackle this problem. Specifically, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is mixed with flexible polysulfonic acid networks crosslinked by reversible Diels-Alder bonds, while rigid polyaniline networks crosslinked by reversible Schiff base bonds act as molecular staples. Owing to the joint actions of the doping effect of polyaniline on PEDOT, the specific interlocking architecture and synergy between the component materials, the electrical conductivity (59.3-980.5 S cm-1), tensile strength (8.4-81.6 MPa) and elongation at break (44.5-411.0%) of the resultant PEDOT/RILNs films is significantly tunable according to different usage scenarios by adjusting the PEDOT content from 1.48 to 22.24 wt%. More importantly, the electrical resistance of PEDOT/RILNs remains constant during not only a single large extension and deflection but also repeated stretching (up to 1500 cycles) and bending (up to 106 cycles). The built-in reversible covalent bonds enable the PEDOT/RILNs to autonomously restore damaged mechanical and electrical performance. These record-breaking results and the demonstration of self-powered sensor made of PEDOT/RILNs suggest that the proposed approach successfully satisfies various conflicting requirements of flexible electronics regarding the properties of conducting polymers.

Dapagliflozin prevents kidney podocytes pyroptosis via miR-155-5p/HO-1/NLRP3 axis modulation.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a significant clinical microvascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and end-stage diabetes giving rise to kidney failure is developing into the major etiological factor of chronic kidney failure. Dapagliflozin is reported to limit podocyte damage in DM, which has proven to protect against renal failure. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that pyroptosis is associated with DM progression. Nevertheless, whether pyroptosis causes DN and the underlying molecular pathways remain obscure. In this study, we aimed to explore the antipyroptotic attributes of dapagliflozin and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of kidney damage in diabetes. In vivo, experiments were conducted in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice, which were administered dapagliflozin via gavage for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the specific organizational characteristics and expression of pyroptosis-related genes were evaluated. Intragastric dapagliflozin administration markedly reduced renal tissue injury. Meanwhile, dapagliflozin also attenuated the expression level of pyroptosis associated genes, including ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD N-termini, NLRP3, IL-18, and IL-1ß in renal tissue of dapagliflozin-treated animals. Similar antipyroptotic effects were observed in palmitic acid (PA)-treated mouse podocytes. We also found that heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) enhanced the protection of mouse podocyte clone 5 cells (MPC5). Moreover, miR-155-5p inhibition increased pyroptosis in PA-treated MPC5 cells, suggesting that miR-155-5p acts as an endogenous stimulator that increases HO-1 expression and reduces pyroptosis. Hence, our findings imply that dapagliflozin inhibits podocyte pyroptosis via the miR-155-5p/HO-1/NLRP3 axis in DM. Furthermore, dapagliflozin substitution may be regarded as an effective strategy for preventing pyroptosis in the kidney, including a therapeutic option for treating pyroptosis-related DN.

The management of a duodenal fistula involving the right hepatic duct: a rare case report.

The formation of an internal fistula between the biliary system and the gastrointestinal tract is a rare condition with various etiologies, predominantly associated with recurrent chronic inflammation of the biliary system and tumors. Patients with this condition may lack specific clinical manifestations, presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or may show no clinical signs at all. Common types of internal fistulas include cholecystoduodenal fistula, cholecystocolonic fistula, and choledochoduodenal fistula. Among these, the right hepaticoduodenal fistula is extremely rare and seldom reported in clinical literature. We herein report a case of right hepaticoduodenal fistula and analyze its mechanism, treatment principles, and preventive measures through a literature review.

A patient with Owren disease requires pancreatic surgery: A case report.

RATIONALE: Coagulation factor V deficiency is rare, and perioperative management of patients with this condition is particularly important, especially during major abdominal surgery. We present a case of a patient with pancreatic duct stones combined with coagulation factor V deficiency. We share our perioperative management experience. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 31-year-old man presented with recurrent upper abdominal pain for 2 years. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis of pancreatic duct stones in the patient has been established through abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. The diagnosis of factor V deficiency was initially identified through coagulation function tests, revealing significant prolongation of both aPTT and PT. Subsequent testing of coagulation factors and inhibitors demonstrated that the patient has a deficiency in coagulation factor V. Finally, genetic testing revealed that the factor V deficiency in this case is hereditary. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent a partial resection of the pancreatic head, and FFP was infused 1 hour before surgery. 600 mL of FFP was instilled 1 hour before the start of surgery along with 10 U of cryoprecipitate. and 600 ml of FFP were added during surgery. Postoperative treatment included intermittent FFP supplemental infusion in the first 5 days after surgery while monitoring the coagulation function. OUTCOMES: The patient underwent a successful surgery without any abnormal bleeding or oozing during the procedure. The postoperative recovery was smooth, with no abnormal bleeding. LESSONS: Patients with a deficiency of coagulation factor V are not contraindicated for surgery. Appropriate Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) replacement therapy can ensure the safe conduct of the surgical procedure. For patients with abnormal blood coagulation function, we recommend testing for coagulation factors and inhibitors, as well as performing genetic testing for abnormal coagulation factors, which can provide guidance on marriage and childbirth.

Ultrastrong bonding, on-demand debonding, and easy re-bonding of non-sticking materials enabled by reversibly interlocked macromolecular networks-based Janus-like adhesive.

Simultaneously gluing hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials is a highly desired but intractable task. Herein, we developed a facile strategy using reversibly interlocked macromolecular networks (ILNs) as an adhesive. As shown by the proof-of-concept assembly of glass/ILNs/fluoropolymer (i.e., a simplified version of a photovoltaic module), the sandwiched ILNs were stratified after hot-pressing owing to temporary decrosslinking enabled by the built-in reversible covalent bonds. The fragmented component networks were enriched near their respective thermodynamically favored substrates to form a Janus-like structure. Strong elaborate interfacial bespoke chemical bonds and mechanical interlocking were thus established accompanied by the reconstruction of ILNs after cooling, which cooperated with the robust cohesion of the core part of the ILNs resulting from topological entanglements and led to a record-high peeling strength of 64.86 N cm-1. Also, the ILN-based Janus-like adhesive possessed reversible recyclability, adhesivity and on-demand de-bondability. The molecular design detailed in this study serves as a guide for developing a high-performance smart adhesive that firmly bonds non-sticking materials. Compared with existing Janus adhesives, our ILNs-based adhesive not only shows extremely useful reversibility but also greatly simplifies the adhesion process with no surface treatment required.

The OsNAC24-OsNAP protein complex activates OsGBSSI and OsSBEI expression to fine-tune starch biosynthesis in rice endosperm.

Starch accounts for up to 90% of the dry weight of rice endosperm and is a key determinant of grain quality. Although starch biosynthesis enzymes have been comprehensively studied, transcriptional regulation of starch-synthesis enzyme-coding genes (SECGs) is largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of a NAC transcription factor, OsNAC24, in regulating starch biosynthesis in rice. OsNAC24 is highly expressed in developing endosperm. The endosperm of osnac24 mutants is normal in appearance as is starch granule morphology, while total starch content, amylose content, chain length distribution of amylopectin and the physicochemical properties of the starch are changed. In addition, the expression of several SECGs was altered in osnac24 mutant plants. OsNAC24 is a transcriptional activator that targets the promoters of six SECGs; OsGBSSI, OsSBEI, OsAGPS2, OsSSI, OsSSIIIa and OsSSIVb. Since both the mRNA and protein abundances of OsGBSSI and OsSBEI were decreased in the mutants, OsNAC24 functions to regulate starch synthesis mainly through OsGBSSI and OsSBEI. Furthermore, OsNAC24 binds to the newly identified motifs TTGACAA, AGAAGA and ACAAGA as well as the core NAC-binding motif CACG. Another NAC family member, OsNAP, interacts with OsNAC24 and coactivates target gene expression. Loss-of-function of OsNAP led to altered expression in all tested SECGs and reduced the starch content. These results demonstrate that the OsNAC24-OsNAP complex plays key roles in fine-tuning starch synthesis in rice endosperm and further suggest that manipulating the OsNAC24-OsNAP complex regulatory network could be a potential strategy for breeding rice cultivars with improved cooking and eating quality.

Sunlight Stimulated Photochemical Self-Healing Polymers Capable of Re-Bonding Damages up to a Centimeter Below the Surface Even Out of the Reach of the Illumination.

The development of photochemical self-healing polymers faces the the following bottlenecks: i) only the surface cracks can be restored and ii) materials' mechanical properties are lower. To break these bottlenecks, cross-linked poly(urethane-dithiocarbamate)s carrying photo-reversible dithiocarbamate bonds covalently linked to indole chromophores and benzyl groups are designed. The conjugated structure of the chromophore and benzyl enhances the addition reactivity of thiocarbonyl moiety and facilitates photo-cleavage of CS bond, so that transfer of the created radicals among dithiocarbamate linkages is promoted. Accordingly, reshuffling of the reversibly cross-linked networks via dynamic exchange between the activated dithiocarbamates is enabled in both surface layer and the interior upon exposure to the low-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. It is found that the damages up to a centimeter below the surface can be effectively recovered in the sunshine, which greatly exceeds the maximum penetration distance of UV light (hundreds of microns). Besides, tensile strength and failure strain of the poly(urethane-dithiocarbamate) are superior to the reported photo-reversible polymers, achieving the record-high 33.8 MPa and 782.0% owing to the wide selectivity of soft/hard blocks, multiple interactions, and appropriate cross-linking architecture. The present work provides a novel paradigm of photo self-healing polymers capable of re-bonding cracks even out of the reach of the illumination.

Direct Hydroxylarylation of Benzylic Carbons (sp3/sp2/sp) via Radical-Radical Cross-Coupling Powered by Paired Electrolysis.

Diaryl alcohol moieties are widespread in pharmaceuticals. Existing methods for the synthesis of diaryl alcohols require the use of pre-functionalized benzylic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, or ketones as starting materials. Herein, the first convergent paired electrochemical approach to the direct hydroxylarylation of unactivated benzylic carbons (sp3/sp2/sp) is proposed. This protocol features direct functionalization of unactivated benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds and benzylic sp2/sp-carbons, mild conditions (open air, room temperature), an environmentally friendly procedure (without any external catalyst/mediator/additive), and direct access to sterically hindered alcohols from inexpensive and readily available alkyl/alkenyl/alkynylbenzenes. Mechanistic studies, including divided-cell experiments, isotope labeling, radical trapping, electron paramagnetic resonance, reaction kinetics, and cyclic voltammetry, strongly support the proposed radical-radical cross-coupling between transient ketyl radicals and persistent radical anions. Gram-scale synthesis and diversification of drug derivatives have visualized the tremendous potential of this protocol for practical applications.

OsNAC129 Regulates Seed Development and Plant Growth and Participates in the Brassinosteroid Signaling Pathway.

Grain size and the endosperm starch content determine grain yield and quality in rice. Although these yield components have been intensively studied, their regulatory mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, we show that loss-of-function of OsNAC129, a member of the NAC transcription factor gene family that has its highest expression in the immature seed, greatly increased grain length, grain weight, apparent amylose content (AAC), and plant height. Overexpression of OsNAC129 had the opposite effect, significantly decreasing grain width, grain weight, AAC, and plant height. Cytological observation of the outer epidermal cells of the lemma using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that increased grain length in the osnac129 mutant was due to increased cell length compared with wild-type (WT) plants. The expression of OsPGL1 and OsPGL2, two positive grain-size regulators that control cell elongation, was consistently upregulated in osnac129 mutant plants but downregulated in OsNAC129 overexpression plants. Furthermore, we also found that several starch synthase-encoding genes, including OsGBSSI, were upregulated in the osnac129 mutant and downregulated in the overexpression plants compared with WT plants, implying a negative regulatory role for OsNAC129 both in grain size and starch biosynthesis. Additionally, we found that the expression of OsNAC129 was induced exclusively by abscisic acid (ABA) in seedlings, but OsNAC129-overexpressing plants displayed reduced sensitivity to exogenous brassinolide (BR). Therefore, the results of our study demonstrate that OsNAC129 negatively regulates seed development and plant growth, and further suggest that OsNAC129 participates in the BR signaling pathway.

Tailored modular assembly derived self-healing polythioureas with largely tunable properties covering plastics, elastomers and fibers.

To impart self-healing polymers largely adjustable dynamicity and mechanical performance, here we develop libraries of catalyst-free reversible polythioureas directly from commodity 1,4-phenylene diisothiocyanate and amines via facile click chemistry based modular assembly. By using the amine modules with various steric hindrances and flexibilities, the reversible thiourea units acquire triggering temperatures from room temperature to 120 °C. Accordingly, the derived self-healable, recyclable and controlled degradable dynamically crosslinked polythioureas can take effect within wide temperature range. Moreover, mechanical properties of the materials can be tuned covering plastics, elastomers and fibers using (i) different assemble modules or (ii) solid-state stretching. Particularly, unidirectional stretching leads to the record-high tensile strength of 266 MPa, while bidirectional stretching provides the materials with biaxial strengths up to over 120 MPa. The molecular mechanism and technological innovations discussed in this work may benefit promotion and application of self-healing polymers towards greatly diverse demands and scenarios.

Amplification of the Fluorescence Signal with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-Cas12a Based on Au Nanoparticle-DNAzyme Probe and On-Site Detection of Pb2+ Via the Photonic Crystal Chip.

Although great headway has been made in DNAzyme-based detection of Pb2+, its adaptability, sensitivity, and accessibility in complex media still need to be improved. For this, we introduce new ways to surmount these hurdles. First, a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) fluorescence probe (Au nanoparticles-DNAzyme probe) is utilized to specifically identify Pb2+ and its suitability for precise detection of Pb2+ in complex samples due to its excellent nuclease resistance. Second, the sensitivity of Pb2+ detection is greatly enhanced via the use of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas12a with target recognition accuracy to amplify the fluorescent signal upon the trans cleavage of the SNA (signal probe), and the limit of detection reaches as low as 86 fM. Third, we boost the fluorescence on photonic crystal chips with a bionic periodic arrangement by employing a straightforward detection device (smartphone and portable UV lamp) to achieve on-site detection of Pb2+ with the limit of detection as low as 24 pM. Based on the abovementioned efforts, the modified Pb2+ fluorescence sensor has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better specificity, accessibility, less sample consumption, and so forth. Moreover, it can be applied to accurately detect Pb2+ in complex biological or environmental samples, which is of great promise for widespread applications.

High-resolution quantitative trait locus mapping for rice grain quality traits using genotyping by sequencing.

Rice is a major food crop that sustains approximately half of the world population. Recent worldwide improvements in the standard of living have increased the demand for high-quality rice. Accurate identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for rice grain quality traits will facilitate rice quality breeding and improvement. In the present study, we performed high-resolution QTL mapping for rice grain quality traits using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach. An F2 population derived from a cross between an elite japonica variety, Koshihikari, and an indica variety, Nona Bokra, was used to construct a high-density genetic map. A total of 3,830 single nucleotide polymorphism markers were mapped to 12 linkage groups spanning a total length of 2,456.4 cM, with an average genetic distance of 0.82 cM. Seven grain quality traits-the percentage of whole grain, percentage of head rice, percentage of area of head rice, transparency, percentage of chalky rice, percentage of chalkiness area, and degree of chalkiness-of the F2 population were investigated. In total, 15 QTLs with logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores >4 were identified, which mapped to chromosomes 6, 7, and 9. These loci include four QTLs for transparency, four for percentage of chalky rice, four for percentage of chalkiness area, and three for degree of chalkiness, accounting for 0.01%-61.64% of the total phenotypic variation. Of these QTLs, only one overlapped with previously reported QTLs, and the others were novel. By comparing the major QTL regions in the rice genome, several key candidate genes reported to play crucial roles in grain quality traits were identified. These findings will expedite the fine mapping of these QTLs and QTL pyramiding, which will facilitate the genetic improvement of rice grain quality.

Biomimetic Chip Enhanced Time-Gated Luminescent CRISPR-Cas12a Biosensors under Functional DNA Regulation.

Despite that the currently discovered CRISPR-Cas12a system is beneficial for improving the detection accuracy and design flexibility of luminescent biosensors, there are still challenges to extend target species and strengthen adaptability in complicated biological media. To conquer these obstacles, we present here some useful strategies. For the former, the limitation to nucleic acids assay is broken through by introducing a simple functional DNA regulation pathway to activate the unique trans-cleavage effect of this CRISPR system, under which the expected biosensors are capable of effectively transducing a protein (employing dual aptamers) and a metal ion (employing DNAzyme). For the latter, a time-gated luminescence resonance energy transfer imaging manner using a long-persistent nanophosphor as the energy donor is performed to completely eliminate the background interference and a nature-inspired biomimetic periodic chip constructed by photonic crystals is further combined to enhance the persistent luminescence. In line with the above efforts, the improved CRISPR-Cas12a luminescent biosensor not only exhibits a sound analysis performance toward the model targets (carcinoembryonic antigen and Na+) but also owns a strong anti-interference feature to actualize accurate sensing in human plasma samples, offering a new and applicative analytical tool for laboratory medicine.

Preparation of a water soluble aminated ß-1,3-D-glucan for gene carrier: The in vitro study of the anti-inflammatory activity and transfection efficiency.

ß-1,3-D-glucan has been reported to have a series of bioactivities including antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects; however, its insolubility in neutral aqueous solution significantly restricts the potential application in biological and medicine fields. Herein, a water-soluble aminated ß-1,3-D-glucan (AG) was synthesized and the anti-inflammatory effect, cytotoxicity and plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding capacity of AG, serum stability, the particle sizes and zeta potentials of AG/pDNA nanocomposites, and the transfection efficiency and mechanism of action were studied. AG shows no obvious cytotoxicity within the range of working concentration (1-64 µg/ml) and it exerts potent anti-inflammatory effect independent on Dectin-1 and TLR2. AG/pDNA nanocomposites prepared by electrostatic interaction possess an appropriate particle size ranged from 192.8 to 118.4 nm and zeta potentials ranged from 20.880 to 27.16 mV with the N/P ratios from 5 to 100. AG/pDNA nanocomposites at the N/P ratios of 10 and 20 were able to show superior transfection efficiencies in RAW 264.7 cells as a result of their suitable particle size, zeta potential, anti-inflammatory effect, and the specific interaction with pattern recognition receptors (Dectin-1 and TLR2). These results indicate that AG is a potential candidate for DNA delivery system due to its potent anti-inflammatory effect and high transfection efficiency.

Dynamically Cross-Linked Polymeric Binder-Made Durable Silicon Anode of a Wide Operating Temperature Li-Ion Battery.

The colossal volumetric expansion (up to 300%) of the silicon (Si) anode during repeated charge-discharge cycles destabilizes the electrode structure and causes a drastic drop in capacity. Here in this work, commercial poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is cross-linked by hydroxypropyl polyrotaxane (HPR) via reversible boronic ester bonds to achieve a water-soluble polymeric binder (PAA-B-HPR) for making the Si anode of the Li-ion battery. Slidable α-cyclodextrins of modified polyrotaxane are allowed to move around when the unwanted volume variation occurs in the course of lithiation and delithiation so that the accumulated internal stress can be equalized throughout the system, while the reversible boronic ester bonds are capable of healing the damages created during manufacturing and service to maintain the electrode integrity. As a result, the Li-ion battery assembled with the Si anode comprised of the PAA-B-HPR binder possesses outstanding specific capacity and cycle stability within a wide temperature range from 25 to 55 °C. Especially, the Si@PAA-B-HPR anode exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 1056 mA h/g at 1.4 A/g after 500 cycles under a higher temperature of 55 °C, and the corresponding capacity fading rate per cycle is only 0.10%. The present work opens an avenue toward the practical application of the Si anode for Li-ion batteries.