Organo-Ptii Complexes for Potent Photodynamic Inactivation of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria and the Influence of Configuration.

PtII based organometallic photosensitizers (PSs) have emerged as novel potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reagents through their enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes. Currently, few PtII PSs have been investigated as antibacterial materials, with relatively poor performances reported and with structure-activity relationships not well described. Herein, a pair of configurational isomers are reported of Bis-BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-boradizaindacene) embedded PtII PSs. The cis-isomer (cis-BBP) displayed enhanced 1O2 generation and better bacterial membrane anchoring capability as compared to the trans-isomer (trans-BBP). The effective PDI concentrations (efficiency > 99.9%) for cis-BBP in Acinetobacter baumannii (multi-drug resistant (MDR)) and Staphylococcus aureus are 400 nM (12 J cm-2) and 100 nM (18 J cm-2), respectively; corresponding concentrations and light doses for trans-BBP in the two bacteria are 2.50 µM (30 J cm-2) and 1.50 µM (18 J cm-2), respectively. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 and MIC90) ratio of trans-BBP to cis-BBP is 22.22 and 24.02 in A. baumannii (MDR); 21.29 and 22.36 in methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, cis-BBP displays superior in vivo antibacterial performance, with acceptable dark and photoinduced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate cis-BBP is a robust light-assisted antibacterial reagent at sub-micromolecular concentrations. More importantly, configuration of PtII PSs should be an important issue to be considered in further PDI reagents design.

Recent progress and prospect of graphitic carbon nitride-based photocatalytic materials for inactivation of Microcystis aeruginosa.

The proliferation of harmful algal blooms is a global concern due to the risk they pose to the environment and human health. Algal toxins which are hazardous compounds produced by dangerous algae, can potentially kill humans. Researchers have been drawn to photocatalysis because of its clean and energy-saving properties. Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts have been extensively studied for their ability to eliminate algae. These photocatalysts have attracted notice because of their cost-effectiveness, appropriate electronic structure, and exceptional chemical stability. This paper reviews the progress of photocatalytic inactivation of harmful algae by g-C3N4-based materials in recent years. A brief overview is given of a number of the modification techniques on g-C3N4-based photocatalytic materials, as well as the process of inactivating algal cells and destroying their toxins. Additionally, it provides a theoretical framework for future research on the eradication of algae using g-C3N4-based photocatalytic materials.

The powerful combination of 2D/2D Ni-MOF/carbon nitride for deep desulfurization of thiophene in fuel: Conversion route, DFT calculation, mechanism.

2D/2D Ni-MOF/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was utilized for desulfurization. The multilayer pore structure and high specific surface area of Ni-MOF/g-C3N4 promote the adsorption and conversion of thiophene. In addition, the two-dimensional structure exposes more active centers and shortens photogenerated carrier migration to the material surface distance, it enhances photogenerated charge transfer. The Ni-MOF and g-C3N4 construct a Z-scheme heterojunction structure with tight contact, it effectively enhances the material's photocatalytic redox ability. In the light, the material generates more photocarriers for the production of free radicals including hydroxyl radicals, holes, and superoxide radicals. The higher carrier concentration of Ni-MOF/g-C3N4 promotes the activation and oxidation of thiophene, consequently enhancing the photocatalytic desulfurization capability. The results showed that the conversion of thiophene was 98.82 % in 3 h under visible light irradiation. Radical capture experiments and analysis using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated that superoxide radicals, holes, and hydroxyl radicals played crucial roles in PODS (photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization). In addition, DFT (density functional theory) calculations were conducted to determine the paths of electron migration and TH (thiophene) adsorption energy. Finally, a mechanism for photocatalytic desulfurization was proposed based on the comprehensive analysis of theoretical calculations and experimental studies.

Boosted Redox Kinetics Enabling Na3V2(PO4)3 with Excellent Performance at Low Temperature through Cation Substitution and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Cross-Linking.

The open NASICON framework and high reversible capacity enable Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) to be a highly promising cathode candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, the unsatisfied cyclic stability and degraded rate capability at low temperatures due to sluggish ionic migration and poor conductivity become the main challenges. Herein, excellent sodium storage performance for the NVP cathode can be received by partial potassium (K) substitution and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) cross-linking to modify the ionic diffusion and electronic conductivity. Consequently, the as-fabricated Na3-xKxV2(PO4)3@C/MWCNT can maintain a capacity retention of 79.4% after 2000 cycles at 20 C. Moreover, the electrochemical tests at -20 °C manifest that the designed electrode can deliver 89.7, 73.5, and 64.8% charge of states, respectively, at 1, 2, and 3 C, accompanied with a capacity retention of 84.3% after 500 cycles at 20 C. Generally, the improved electronic conductivity and modified ionic diffusion kinetics resulting from K doping and MWCNT interconnecting endows the resultant Na3-xKxV2(PO4)3@C/MWCNT with modified electrochemical polarization and improved redox reversibility, contributing to superior performance at low temperatures. Generally, this study highlights the potential of alien substitution and carbon hybridization to improve the NASICON-type cathodes toward high-performance SIBs, especially at low temperatures.

Delocalized Isoelectronic Heterostructured FeCoOx Sy Catalysts with Tunable Electron Density for Accelerated Sulfur Redox Kinetics in Li-S batteries.

High interconversion energy barriers, depressive reaction kinetics of sulfur species, and sluggish Li+ transport inhibit the wide development of high-energy-density lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, differing from random mixture of selected catalysts, the composite catalyst with outer delocalized isoelectronic heterostructure (DIHC) is proposed and optimized, enhancing the catalytic efficiency for decreasing related energy barriers. As a proof-of-content, the FeCoOx Sy composites with different degrees of sulfurization are fabricated by regulating atoms ratio between O and S. The relationship of catalytic efficiency and principal mechanism in DIHCs are deeply understood from electrochemical experiments to in situ/operando spectral spectroscopies i.e., Raman, XRD and UV/Vis. Consequently, the polysulfide conversion and Li2 S precipitation/dissolution experiments strongly demonstrate the volcano-like catalytic efficiency of various DIHCs. Furthermore, the FeCoOx Sy -decorated cell delivers the high performance (1413 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 ). Under the low electrolyte/sulfur ratio, the high loading cell stabilizes the areal capacity of 6.67 mAh cm-2 at 0.2 A g-1 . Impressively, even resting for about 17 days for possible polysulfide shuttling, the high-mass-loading FeCoOx Sy -decorated cell stabilizes the same capacity, showing the practical application of the DIHCs in improving catalytic efficiency and reaching high electrochemical performance.

Synergistically boosting reaction kinetics and suppressing polyselenide shuttle effect by Ti3C2Tx/Sb2Se3 film anode in high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3), with rich resources and high electrochemical activity, including in conversion and alloying reactions, has been regarded as an ideal candidate anode material for sodium-ion batteries. However, the severe volume expansion, sluggish kinetics, and polyselenide shuttle of the Sb2Se3-based anode lead to serious pulverization at high current density, restricting its industrialization. Herein, a unique structure of Sb2Se3 nanowires uniformly anchored between Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheets was prepared by the electrostatic self-assembly method. The MXene can impede the volume expansion of Sb2Se3 nanowires in the sodiation process. Moreover, the Sb2Se3 nanowires can reduce the restacking of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and enhance electrolyte accessibility. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations confirm the increased reaction kinetics and better sodium storage capability through the composite of Ti3C2Tx with Sb2Se3 and the high adsorption capability of Ti3C2Tx to polyselenides. Therefore, the resultant Sb2Se3/Ti3C2Tx anodes show high rate capability (369.4 mAh/g at 5 A/g) and cycling performance (568.9 and 304.1 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g after 100 cycles and at 1.0 A/g after 500 cycles). More importantly, the full sodium-ion batteries using the Sb2Se3/Ti3C2Tx anode and Na3V2(PO4)3/carbon cathode exhibit high energy/power densities and outstanding cycle performance.

Interface Engineering of Fe7S8/FeS2 Heterostructure in situ Encapsulated into Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes for High Power Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Heterostructure engineering combined with carbonaceous materials shows great promise toward promoting sluggish kinetics, improving electronic conductivity, and mitigating the huge expansion of transition metal sulfide electrodes for high-performance sodium storage. Herein, the iron sulfide-based heterostructures in situ hybridized with nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Fe7S8/FeS2/NCNT) have been prepared through a successive pyrolysis and sulfidation approach. The Fe7S8/FeS2/NCNT heterostructure delivered a high reversible capacity of 403.2 mAh g-1 up to 100 cycles at 1.0 A g-1 and superior rate capability (273.4 mAh g-1 at 20.0 A g-1) in ester-based electrolyte. Meanwhile, the electrodes also demonstrated long-term cycling stability (466.7 mAh g-1 after 1,000 cycles at 5.0 A g-1) and outstanding rate capability (536.5 mAh g-1 at 20.0 A g-1) in ether-based electrolyte. This outstanding performance could be mainly attributed to the fast sodium-ion diffusion kinetics, high capacitive contribution, and convenient interfacial dynamics in ether-based electrolyte.

In-situ decoration of tin sulfide on Niobium carbide MXene with robust electronic coupling for improved sodium storage performance.

Tin sulfide (SnS) has been considered as one of the most promising sodium storage materials because of its excellent electrochemical activity, low cost, and low-dimensional structure. However, owing to the serious volume change upon discharging/charging and poor electronic conductivity, the SnS-based electrodes often suffer from electrode pulverization and sluggish reaction kinetics, thus resulting in serious capacity fading and degraded rate capability. In this work, SnS nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the surface of the layered Niobium carbide MXene (SnS/Nb2CTx) were fabricated through a facile solvothermal approach followed by calcination, endowing the SnS/Nb2CTx with a three-dimensional interconnected framework as well as fast charge transfer. Benefitting from the excellent electronic/ionic conductivity, efficient buffering matrix, abundant active sites, and high sodium storage activity inherited from the structure design, the robust electronic coupling between SnS nanoparticle and Nb2CTx MXene results in excellent electrochemical output, which demonstrates superior reversible capacities of 479.6 (0.1 A/g up to 100 cycles) and 278.9 mAh/g (0.5 A/g up to 500 cycles) upon sodium storage, respectively. The excellent electrochemical performance manifests the promise of the combination of metal sulfides with Nb2CTx MXene to fabricate high-performance electrodes for sodium storage.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids Attenuate 5-Fluorouracil-Induced THP-1 Cell Inflammation through Inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling via Glycerolphospholipid and Sphingolipid Metabolism.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common anti-tumor drug, but there is no effective treatment for its side effect, intestinal mucositis. The inflammatory reaction of macrophages in intestinal mucosa induced by 5-FU is an important cause of intestinal mucositis. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the three important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including sodium acetate (NaAc), sodium propionate (NaPc), and sodium butyrate (NaB), on human mononuclear macrophage-derived THP-1 cells induced by 5-FU. The expressions of intracellular ROS, pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the nuclear factor-κB/NLR family and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NF-κB/NLRP3) signaling pathway proteins were determined. Furthermore, the cell metabolites were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics techniques. Our results revealed that the three SCFAs inhibited pro-inflammatory factor expressions, including IL-1ß and IL-6, when treated with 5-FU (p < 0.05). The ROS expression and NF-κB activity of 5-FU-treated THP-1 cells were inhibited by the three SCFAs pre-incubated (p < 0.05). Moreover, NLRP3 knockdown abolished 5-FU-induced IL-1ß expression (p < 0.05). Further experiments showed that the three SCFAs affected 20 kinds of metabolites that belong to amino acid and phosphatidylcholine metabolism in THP-1 cells. These significantly altered metabolites were involved in amino acid metabolism and glycerolphospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism. It is the first time that three important SCFAs (NaAc, NaPc, and NaB) were identified as inhibiting 5-FU-induced macrophage inflammation through inhibiting ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways and regulating glycerolphospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism.

Sodium titanium phosphate nanocube decorated on tablet-like carbon for robust sodium storage performance at low temperature.

Sodium-ion batteries, featuring resource abundance and similar working mechanisms to lithium-ion batteries, have gained extensive interest in both scientific exploration and industrial applications. However, the extremely sluggish reaction kinetics of charge carrier (Na+) at subzero temperatures significantly reduces their specific capacities and cycling life. Herein, this study presents a novel hybrid structure with sodium titanium phosphate (NaTi2(PO4)3, NTP) nanocube in-situ decorated on tablet-like carbon (NTP/C), which manifests superior sodium storage performances at low temperatures. At even -25 °C, a stable cycling with a specific capacity of 94.3 mAh/g can still be maintained after 200 cycles at 0.5 A/g, delivering a high capacity retention of 91.5 % compared with that at room temperature, along with an excellent rate capability. Generally, the superionic conductor structure, flat voltage plateaus, as well as the conductive carbonaceous framework can efficiently facilitate the charge transfer, accelerate the diffusion of Na+, and decrease the electrochemical polarization. Moreover, further investigations on diffusion kinetics, solid electrolyte interface layer, and the interaction between NTP and carbonaceous skeleton reveal its high Na+ diffusion coefficient, robust solid electrolyte interface, and strong electronic interaction, thus contributing to the superior capacity retentions at subzero temperatures.

Cross-linked amorphous potassium titanate Nanobelts/Titanium carbide MXene nanoarchitectonics for efficient sodium storage at low temperature.

One of the major challenges to improving the performance of sodium-ion batteries at low temperatures is to develop effective anode materials with novel structures and fast reaction kinetics. Currently, converting electrode materials from the crystalline to amorphous state is an effective approach to fabricate the electrode material with high sodium storage performance. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked heterostructure with one-dimensional (1D) amorphous potassium titanate (KTiOx) nanobelts in-situ grown on two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti2CTx) nanosheets (a-KTiOx/Ti2CTx) was fabricated through alkalization of the multilayered Ti2CTx MXene, which exhibits remarkable sodium storage performance at both room and low temperatures. The heterostructure prepared by the combination of 1D amorphous nanobelts and 2D conductive nanosheets enables efficient strain alleviation in the electrode, a high capacitive contribution to charge storage, rapid ionic diffusion kinetics, and robust electrode integrity, thus enhancing the sodium storage performance. In particular, reversible capacities of 221.9, 144.2 and 112.6 mAh/g can be achieved at 0.1 A/g after 100 cycles at 25, 0 and -25 °C, respectively. This study provides significant insights into the construction of MXene-based electrode materials for sodium storage at low temperatures.

Ag nanoparticle in situ decorated on Ti3C2Tx with excellent SERS and EIS immunoassay performance for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin.

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXene), with excellent optical and electrical properties, are promising substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrochemical sensors. Therefore, a unique 3D-decorated structure containing silver (Ag) nanoparticles and Ti3C2Tx was designed as the substrates of SERS and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) immunosensors. The Ag/Ti3C2Tx composite significantly increases Raman intensity, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ti3C2Tx and Ag nanoparticles. Based on the SERS performance of the Ag/Ti3C2Tx composite, the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 and the specificity of antigen-antibody, a sandwich-structured SERS immunosensor is constructed, which can effectively detect trace amounts of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG). The SERS immunosensor exhibits a wide linear range of 5.0 × 10-6-1.0 mIU mL-1, and a low detection limit of 9.0 × 10-7 mIU mL-1. Meanwhile, the Ag/Ti3C2Tx-based EIS immunosensor is constructed for the portable detection of ß-hCG, which exhibits a wide linear range of 5.0 × 10-2-1.0 × 102 mIU mL-1, a low detection limit of 9.5 × 10-3 mIU mL-1. Moreover, two immunosensors can be used to detect actual serum samples with satisfactory recovery (98.5-102.2%). This work could guide the design of low-cost, sensitive, flexible, and portable biosensors. The SERS and EIS substrates composited with Ti3C2Tx and Ag nanoparticles enable excellent performance for detecting ß-hCG.

Simultaneous sEMG Recognition of Gestures and Force Levels for Interaction With Prosthetic Hand.

The natural interaction between the prosthetic hand and the upper limb amputation patient is important and directly affects the rehabilitation effect and operation ability. Most previous studies only focused on the interaction of gestures but ignored the force levels. This paper proposes a simultaneous recognition method of gestures and forces for interaction with a prosthetic hand. The multitask classification algorithm based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is designed to improve recognition efficiency and ensure recognition accuracy. The offline experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this study outperforms other methods in both training speed and accuracy. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, a myoelectric prosthetic hand integrated with tactile sensors is developed, and surface electromyography (sEMG) datasets of healthy persons and amputees are built. The online experimental results show that the amputee can control the prosthetic hand to continuously make gestures under different force levels, and the effect of hand coordination on the hand perception of amputees is explored. The results show that gesture classification operation tasks with different force levels based on sEMG signals can be accurately recognized and comfortably interact with prosthetic hands in real time. It improves the amputees' operation ability and relieves their muscle fatigue.

A Ce-UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework-Based Graphene-Embedded Photocatalyst with Controllable Activation for Solar Ammonia Fertilizer Production.

Currently, nitrogen fertilizers feed half of the global population, but their use is limited by energy consumption and transportation. Therefore, it is important to study photocatalysts for use in solar nitrogen fertilizers. Herein, a new type of graphene-embedded Ce-based UiO-66 (Ce-UiO-66) photocatalyst (GSCe) is investigated. Ce-UiO-66 is activated by the breakage of benzene-C bonds and the formation of active sites by ultraviolet light in water. Moreover, embedding graphene effectively controls activation and improves nitrogen fixation. GSCe exhibited a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.25 % and stability under 365 nm light with solar-level intensity. GSCe also performed well as a solar ammonia fertilizer for crop cultivation. This investigation opens up opportunities for nitrogen fixation photocatalysts to be used as environmentally friendly solar nitrogen fertilizers.

Recent Advances in Application of Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Catalysts for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation.

Ammonia, the second most-produced chemical, is widely used in agricultural and industrial applications. However, traditional industrial ammonia production dominated by the Haber-Bosch process presents huge resource and environment issues due to the massive energy consumption and CO2 emission. The newly emerged nitrogen fixation technology, photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (p-NRR), uses clean solar energy with zero-emission, holding great prospect to achieve sustainable ammonia synthesis. Although great efforts are made, the p-NRR catalysts still suffer from poor N2 adsorption and activation, inferior light absorption, and fast recombination of photocarriers. Due to the tunable electronic structure of the metal-free polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ), the above-mentioned issues can be significantly alleviated, making it the most promising p-NRR photocatalyst. This review summarizes the recent development of g-C3 N4 -based catalysts for p-NRR, including the working principle of p-NRR catalysts, the challenges of developing p-NRR catalysts, and corresponding solutions. Particularly, the roles of defect engineering and heterojunction construction on g-C3 N4 to the enhancement of photocatalytic performances are emphasized. In addition, computational studies are introduced to deepen the understanding of reaction pathways. At last, perspectives are provided on the development of p-NRR catalysts.

Tin nanoparticle in-situ decorated on nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride with excellent sodium storage performance.

Tin (Sn)-based electrodes, featuring high electrochemical activity and suitable voltage plateau, gain tremendous attention as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. However, the application of Sn-based electrodes has been largely restricted by the serious pulverization upon repeated cycling due to their large volume expansion, especially at high current densities. Herein, a unique three-dimensional decorated structure was designed, containing ultrafine Sn nanoparticles and nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride (Sn/D-C3N4), to efficiently alleviate the expansion stress and prevent the aggregation of Sn nanoparticles. Furthermore, the density functional theory calculations have proved the high sodium adsorption ability and improved diffusion kinetics through the hybridization of D-C3N4 with Sn nanoparticles. Further combining the high electronic/ionic conductivity provided by the porous C3N4 matrix, high charge contribution from capacitive behavior, and high sodium storage activity of ultrafine Sn nanoparticles, the resultant Sn/D-C3N4 can achieve an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 518.3 mA g-1 after 300 cycles at 1.0 A g-1, and even maintaining a reversible capacity of 436.1 mAh g-1 up to 500 cycles (5.0 A g-1). What's more, the optimized Sn/D-C3N4∥Na3V2(PO4)3/C full cell can keep a high capacity retention of 87.1% at 1.0 A g-1 even after 5000 cycles, manifesting excellent sodium storage performance.

Silk Fibroin Coating Enables Dendrite-free Zinc Anode for Long-Life Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Due to the advantages of the low cost of Zn and the safety of aqueous electrolytes, the aqueous Zn ion battery (AZIB) is expected to become the next-generation battery after lithium-ion batteries. However, the problems of Zn anode dendrite growth, self-corrosion, and passivation in AZIBs lead to short cycle life and short circuit of the battery. In this work, uniform and stable Silk II-silk fibroin (Silk II-SF) coating was prepared on the surface of Zn anode by a simple method. Experiments showed that the SF coating could prevent dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion. Therefore, symmetric cells using Silk II-SF@Zn anode achieved a cycle life over 3300 and 1500 h at current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm-2 , respectively. Using Silk II-SF coating to protect Zn anode is a simple and effective strategy to realize dendrite-free Zn anode and long-cycle-life AZIBs.

Construction of a 2D Layered Phosphorus-doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride/BiOBr Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Disinfection.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria intimidate the health of human beings all over the world. Although many avenues have been tried, various operating conditions limit their actual applications. Photocatalytic nanomaterials are becoming candidates to be competent for water purification. Here, a novel and more efficient S-scheme has been engineered between two dimensional (2D) layered phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitride (P-g-C3 N4 ) and BiOBr via hydrothermal polymerization to inhibit the recombination of charge and broaden light absorption. The as-prepared P-g-C3 N4 /BiOBr hybrids exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic disinfection contrast to g-C3 N4 /BiOBr in visible wavelengths, suggesting phosphorus doping which adjusts the band structure plays a significant role in the S-scheme system. And the sterilization rate of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii 28 (AB 28) was 99.9999% within 80 min and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was 99.9%.

Ni3S2 nanostrips@FeNi-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon microsphere: An improved electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction.

The designing and preparing of low-cost and easily available electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are crucial for many advanced energy technologies. Herein, the Ni3S2 nanostrips@FeNi-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon (Ni3S2@FeNi-NiFe2O4/C) microspheres were synthesized as improved electrocatalyst for OER, using a facile heat-treatment method. The optimized Ni3S2@FeNi-NiFe2O4/C-3 sample exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward OER performance with an overpotential of 280 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a small Tafel slope of 33.9 mV dec-1. Furthermore, Ni3S2@FeNi-NiFe2O4/C-3 composite shows good stability in alkaline media. The outstanding electrocatalytic OER performance of composites was attributed due to the synergetic effect between Ni3S2 nanostrips and FeNi-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and it is believed that the heterointerfaces between them act as active centers for OER. Additionally, N-doped carbon prevents the aggregation of Ni3S2@FeNi-NiFe2O4 species and enhances the conductivity of composites during the OER process.

Toxicity assessments and transcriptional effects of monofunctionalized Pt(II) complex under dark and light irradiation condition in Caenorhabditis elegans.

In vivo toxicity of aromatic ring (BODIPY, 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl dipyrrin borondifluoride) attached monofunctional Pt(II) complexes mCBP {[cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl] 8-(para-pyridine-methylene),1,3,5,7-tetramethyl dipyrrin borondifluoride}+ Nitrate- and dCBP {[cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl]28-(1,3-pyrimidine-5-methylene),1,3,5,7-tetramethyl dipyrrin borondifluoride}2+ diNitrate2- were tested in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). dCBP showed promising reactive oxygen ROS (reactive oxygen species) generating capability. This complex resulted reduction of lifespan, body length and egg laying rate under dark and light irradiation in both N2 (wild-type, cisplatin resistant) and ok938 (asna-1, cisplatin sensitive) C. elegans. Expressional change of several key cancer related pathway (JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and Wnt/ß-catenin (Wingless/Integrated/ß-catenin)) related genes (for instance, jnk-1, wrm-1 and gst-4) were confirmed by RNA sequencing experiments. These transcriptional alternations could explain physiological parameters change in nematode and partially revealed how both Pt(II) based complexes influence cancer related pathways. Furthermore, these associated genes exhibited the function of apoptosis, reduced chemoresistance of cancer cells and most of those expressional changes were linked to extended survival of cancer patients.