Bio-related applications of porous organic frameworks (POFs).

Increasing attention has been given to the field of porous organic frameworks (POFs) due to their unique properties, outstanding performance, and broad applications. Given their extremely high surface area, ordered crystal structure, and ease of tailoring, POFs are promising candidates for gas adsorption and separation, catalysis, supercapacitors, chemosensors, and bio-related applications. Furthermore, their tunable pore size and high agent loading capacity make them promising candidates for drug delivery, whereas their ease of functionalization leads to target specificity and long blood circulation times, which are important properties in bioimaging. For biosensing applications, the pores and channels of POFs can accommodate target molecules and induce specific recognition. POFs can also be applied in phototherapy in combination with photosensitizers. Finally, POF-based artificial shells can encapsulate bioactive molecules and strengthen the resistance of cells to adverse environmental conditions. In this review, we will highlight the research progress of POF-based bio-related applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing agents, as well as in phototherapy and artificial shells. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies of POFs are discussed as are the prospects and future research directions for POFs in bio-related applications.

Interaction of methylmercury and selenium on the bioaccumulation and histopathology in medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Interaction of methylmercury and selenium in medaka (Oryzias latipes) on bioaccumulation of pollutants and histopathological changes in liver and gill were studied. Juvenile medaka fish were submitted to a series of waterborne methylmercury chloride (MMC), sodium selenite (Na(2)SeO(3)) and their mixture for 210 days, respectively. The methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium contents in the whole body of medaka were determined. The dose- and time-dependent increase of MeHg and selenium contents in medaka were observed. Histopathological changes, such as edema, vacuoles, pyknotic nucleus, and telangiectasis, could clearly be observed in the slices from the exposed medaka's liver and gill. Concurrent exposure to MMC and Na(2)SeO(3) showed the increased selenium accumulation. When the exposure molar ratio of MeHg:Se was about 1, the interaction between MeHg and selenium offered a limited protection against the serious intoxication of both MMC and Na(2)SeO(3) to medaka.