Manipulating amorphous and crystalline hybridization of Na3V2(PO4)3/C for enhancing sodium-ion diffusion kinetics.

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) has attracted considerable attention as a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). But its insufficient electronic conductivity, limited capacities, and fragile structure hinder its extended application, particularly in scenarios involving rapid charging and prolonged cycling. A hybrid cathode material has been developed to integrate both amorphous and crystalline phases, with the objective of improving the rate performance and Na storage capacity by leveraging bi-phase coordination. Consequently, the combination of amorphous and crystalline phases enhanced the kinetics of Na-ion diffusion, resulting in a 1-2 orders of magnitude enhancement in diffusion dynamics. Furthermore, the existence of amorphous states has been demonstrated to elevate the active Na2 site content, resulting in an increased reversible capacity. This assertion is substantiated by evidence derived from solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ss-NMR) and electrochemical characteristics. The innovative bi-phase collaborative material provides a specific capacity of 114 mAh/g at 0.2 C, exceptional rate performance of 82 mAh/g at 10 C, and remarkable long-term cycle stability, retaining 95 mAh/g at 5 C even after 300 cycles. In conclusion, the homogeneous hybridization of amorphous and crystalline phases presents itself as a promising and effective strategy for improving Na-ion storage capacity of cathodes in SIBs.

Hyaluronic Acid-Dopamine-NCSN Hydrogel Combined With Extracellular Matrix Promotes Wound Healing.

The skin barrier is essential to prevent pathogenic invasion. When injury occurs, multiple biological pathways are promptly activated and wound repair processes are triggered. The effective healing of wounds is essential for survival, and dysfunction could result from aberrant wound repair. Preparation of many hydrogels, which involve the addition of growth/cell factors or mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) components, has not resulted in significant advances in tissue recovery. ECM contains a large number of biologically active molecules that activate a variety of cellular transduction pathways, which are essential for wound repair. Here, this work prepares hyaluronic acid-dopamine-thiourea (HA-DA-NCSN) hydrogels exhibiting ultrafast gelation in situ, following the methods of Xu et al., and subsequently designs a hydrogel containing ECM particles. In addition, the loaded ECM material, specifically decellularized ECM material, not only enhances the strength of the hydrogel network, but also delivers bioactive substances that make it a suitable platform for skin wound repair. The ECM hydrogel has great potential as an efficient bioactive wound dressing. This research suggests that this strategy is likely to improve skin wound closure in rat skin wound models.

Hot-Pressing Enhances Mechanical Strength of PEO Solid Polymer Electrolyte for All-Solid-State Sodium Metal Batteries.

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are widely utilized in all-solid-state sodium metal batteries (ASSSMBs) due to their excellent flexibility and safety. However, poor ionic conductivity and mechanical strength limit its development. In this work, an emerging solvent-free hot-pressing method is used to prepare mechanically robust PEO-based SPE, while sodium superionic conductors Na3 Zr2 Si2 PO12 (NZSP) and NaClO4 are introduced to improve ionic conductivity. The as-prepared electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 4.42 × 10-4 S cm-1 and a suitable electrochemical stability window (4.5 V vs Na/Na+ ). Furthermore, the SPE enables intimate contact with the electrode. The Na||Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 @C ASSSMB delivers a high-capacity retention of 97.1% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and 60 °C, and exhibits excellent Coulombic efficiency (CE) (close to 100%). The ASSSMB with the 20 µm thick electrolyte also demonstrates excellent cyclic stability. This study provides a promising strategy for designing stable polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte membranes through hot-pressing to realize high-energy-density sodium metal batteries.

The pathogenic roles of the p.R130S prestin variant in DFNB61 hearing loss.

DFNB61 is a recessively inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by mutations in SLC26A5, the gene that encodes the voltage-driven motor protein, prestin. Prestin is abundantly expressed in the auditory outer hair cells that mediate cochlear amplification. Two DFNB61-associated SLC26A5 variants, p.W70X and p.R130S, were identified in patients who are compound heterozygous for these nonsense and missense changes (SLC26A5W70X/R130S ). Our recent study showed that mice homozygous for p.R130S (Slc26a5R130S/R130S ) suffer from hearing loss that is ascribed to significantly reduced motor kinetics of prestin. Given that W70X-prestin is nonfunctional, compound heterozygous Slc26a5R130S/- mice were used as a model for human SLC26A5W70X/R130S . By examining the pathophysiological consequences of p.R130S prestin when it is the sole allele for prestin protein production, we determined that this missense change results in progressive outer hair cell loss in addition to its effects on prestin's motor action. Thus, this study defines the pathogenic roles of p.R130S prestin and identifies a limited time window for potential clinical intervention. KEY POINTS: The voltage-driven motor protein, prestin, is encoded by SLC26A5 and expressed abundantly in cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). The importance of prestin for normal hearing was demonstrated in mice lacking prestin; however, none of the specific SLC26A5 variants identified to date in human patients has been experimentally demonstrated to be pathogenic. In this study we used both cell lines and a mouse model to define the pathogenic role of compound heterozygous p.W70X (c.209G>A) and p.R130S (c.390A>C) SLC26A5 variants identified in patients with moderate to profound hearing loss. As in patients, mice carrying one copy of p.R130S Slc26a5 showed OHC dysfunction and progressive degeneration, which results in congenital progressive hearing loss. This is the first functional study reporting pathogenic SLC26A5 variants and pointing to the presence of a therapeutic time window for potential clinical interventions targeting the affected OHCs before they are lost.

Preclinical Evaluation of Bioactive Small Intestinal Submucosa-PMMA Bone Cement for Vertebral Augmentation.

In vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, bioinert poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is a conventional filler employed for quick stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, because of the poor osteointegration, excessive stiffness, and high curing temperature of PMMA, the implant loosens, the adjacent vertebrae refracture, and thermal necrosis of the surrounding tissue occurs frequently. This investigation addressed these issues by incorporating the small intestinal submucosa (SIS) into PMMA (SIS-PMMA). In vitro analyses revealed that this new SIS-PMMA bone cement had improved porous structure, as well as reduced compressive modulus and polymerization temperature compared with the original PMMA. Furthermore, the handling properties of SIS-PMMA bone cement were not significantly different from PMMA. The in vitro effect of PMMA and SIS-PMMA was investigated on MC3T3-E1 cells via the Transwell insert model to mimic the clinical condition or directly by culturing cells on the bone cement samples. The results indicated that SIS addition substantially enhanced the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Additionally, the bone cement's biomechanical properties were also assessed in a decalcified goat vertebrae model with a compression fracture, which indicated the SIS-PMMA had markedly increased compressive strength than PMMA. Furthermore, it was proved that the novel bone cement had good biosafety and efficacy based on the International Standards and guidelines. After 12 weeks of implantation, SIS-PMMA indicated significantly more osteointegration and new bone formation ability than PMMA. In addition, vertebral bodies with cement were also extracted for the uniaxial compression test, and it was revealed that compared with the PMMA-implanted vertebrae, the SIS-PMMA-implanted vertebrae had greatly enhanced maximum strength. Overall, these findings indicate the potential of SIS to induce efficient fixation between the modified cement surface and the host bone, thereby providing evidence that the SIS-PMMA bone cement is a promising filler for clinical vertebral augmentation.

Flexible Zn-ion Electrochromic Batteries with Multiple-color Variations.

Electrochromic batteries as emerging smart energy devices are highly sought after owing to their real-time energy monitoring through visual color conversion. However, their large-scale applicability is hindered by insufficient capacity, inadequate cycling stability, and limited color variation. Herein, a flexible Zn-ion electrochromic battery (ZIEB) was assembled with sodium vanadate (VONa+) cathode, ion-redistributing hydrogel electrolyte, and Zn anode to address these challenges. The electrolyte contains anchored -SO3 - and -NH3 +, which facilitates ionic transportation and prevents Zn dendrite formation by promoting orientated Zn2+ deposition on the Zn (002) surface. The ZIEB exhibits a continuous reversible color transition, ranging from fully charged orange to mid-charged brown and drained green. It also demonstrates a high specific capacity of 302.4 mAh ⋅ g-1 at 0.05 A ⋅ g-1 with a capacity retention of 96.3 % after 500 cycles at 3 A ⋅ g-1. Additionally, the ZIEB maintains stable energy output even under bending, rolling, knotting, and twisting. This work paves a new strategy for the design of smart energy devices in wearable electronics.

5-HT3a receptor contributes to neuropathic pain by regulating central sensitization in a rat with brachial plexus avulsion.

PURPOSE: As a frequently occurring complication resulting from brachial plexus avulsion (BPA), neuropathic pain significantly impacts the quality of life of patients and places a substantial burden on their families. Recent reports have suggested that the 5-HT3a receptor may play a role in the development and regulation of neuropathic pain. The current study aimed to explore the involvement of the 5-HT3a receptor in neuropathic pain resulting from BPA in rats. METHODS: A rat model of neuropathic pain was induced through brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). The pain thresholds of the rats were measured after BPA. The spinal dorsal horn (SDH) of rats was collected at day 14 after surgery, and the expression and distribution of the 5-HT3a receptor were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The expression levels of various factors related to central sensitization were measured by western blot, including c-Fos, GFAP, IBA-1, IL-1ß and TNF-α. The effects of 5-HT3a receptor antagonists on hyperalgesia were assessed through behavioral tests after intrathecal administration of ondansetron. Additionally, at 120 min postinjection, the SDH of rats was acquired, and the change of expression levels of protiens related to central sensitization were measured by western blot. RESULTS: BPA induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in rats. The 5-HT3a receptor was increased and mainly distributed on neurons and microglia in the SDH after BPA, and the level of central sensitization and expression of inflammatory factors, such as c-Fos, GFAP, IBA-1, IL-1ß and TNF-α, were also increased markedly. Ondansetron, which is a selective 5-HT3a receptor antagonist, reversed the behavioral changes caused by BPA. The antagonist also decreased the expression of central sensitization markers and inflammatory factors. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the 5-HT3a receptor is involved in neuropathic pain by regulating central nervous system sensitization in a rat brachial plexus avulsion model. Targeting the 5-HT3a receptor may be a promising approach for treating neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion.

High-Toughness CO2-Sourced Ionic Polyurea Adhesives.

Polyurea (PUa) adhesives are renowned for their exceptional adhesion to diverse substrates even in harsh environments. However, the presence of quadruple bidentate intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the polymer chains creates a trade-off between cohesive energy and interfacial adhesive energy. To overcome this challenge, a series of CO2-sourced ionic PUa adhesives with ultratough adhesion to various substrates are developed. The incorporated ionic segments within the adhesive serve to partially mitigate the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions while conferring unique electrostatic interactions, leading to both high cohesive energy and interfacial adhesive energy. The maximum adhesive strength of 10.9 MPa can be attained by ionizing the CO2-sourced PUa using bromopropane and subsequently exchanging the anion with lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Additionally, these ionic PUa adhesives demonstrate several desirable properties such as low-temperature stability (-80 °C), resistance to organic solvents and water, high flame retardancy, antibacterial activity, and UV-fluorescence, thereby expanding their potential applications. This study presents a general and effective approach for designing high-strength adhesives suitable for a wide array of uses.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Effects of Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment on Food Cue Reactivity.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether behavioral weight loss can attenuate blood oxygen level-dependent responses to food stimuli. OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of a commercially available behavioral weight loss program (WW, WeightWatchers) compared to a wait-list control on blood oxygen level-dependent response to food cues. METHODS: Females with obesity ( N = 61) were randomized to behavioral weight loss or wait-list control. At baseline and follow-up, participants completed assessments that included functional magnetic resonance imaging scans to assess response to images of high-calorie foods (HCF) or low-calorie foods (LCF), and neutral objects. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in change from baseline to follow-up in any regions of the brain in response to viewing HCF or LCF. From baseline to follow-up, participants in behavioral weight loss, compared with wait-list control, reported significantly greater increases in desire for LCF. Changes in liking and palatability of LCF and liking, palatability, and desire for HCF did not differ between groups. DISCUSSION: Behavioral weight loss was associated with increased desire for LCF without changes in neural reactivity to food cues. These results suggest that alteration of neurological processes underlying responsiveness to food is difficult to achieve through behavioral weight management alone.

The pathogenic roles of the p.R130S prestin variant in DFNB61 hearing loss.

DFNB61 is a recessively inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by mutations in SLC26A5 , the gene that encodes the voltage-driven motor protein, prestin. Prestin is abundantly expressed in the auditory outer hair cells that mediate cochlear amplification. Two DFNB61-associated SLC26A5 variants, p.W70X and p.R130S, were identified in patients who are compound heterozygous for these nonsense and missense changes ( SLC26A5 W70X/R130S ). Our recent study showed that mice homozygous for p.R130S ( Slc26a5 R130S/R130S ) suffer from hearing loss that is ascribed to significantly reduced motor kinetics of prestin. Given that W70X-prestin is nonfunctional, compound heterozygous Slc26a5 R130S/- mice were used as a model for human SLC26A5 W70X/R130S . By examining the pathophysiological consequences of p.R130S prestin when it is the sole allele for prestin protein production, we determined that this missense change results in progressive outer hair cell loss in addition to its effects on prestin's motor action. Thus, this study fully defines the pathogenic roles for the p.R130S prestin, which points to the presence of a limited time window for potential clinical intervention.

Se Ameliorates Cd Toxicity in Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) Seedlings by Inhibiting Cd Transporter Genes and Maintaining root Plasma Membrane Integrity.

Se (Selenium) has been reported to be an important protective agent to decreases Cd (Cadmium) induced toxic in plants. However, it remains unclear how Se mitigates the uptake of Cd and increased the resistance to Cd toxicity. Hydroponic experiments were arranged to investigate the changes of physiological properties, root cell membrane integrity and Cd-related transporter genes in rape seedlings. Comparison of the biomass between the addition of Se and the absence of Se under Cd exposure showed that the Cd-induced growth inhibition of rape seedlings was alleviated by Se. Cd decreased the photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and photosynthetic pigment content including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid. However, all these parameters were all significantly improved by Se addition. Moreover, exposure to Se resulted in a decrease in Cd concentration in both shoot and root, ranging from 4.28 to 27.2%. Notably, the application of Se at a concentration of 1 µmol L- 1 exhibited the best performance. Furthermore, Se enhanced cell membrane integrity and reduced superoxide anion levels, thereby contributing to the alleviation of cadmium toxicity in plants. More critically, Se decreased the expression levels of root Cd-related transporter genes BnIRT1, BnHMA2 and BnHMA4 under Cd stress, which are responsible for Cd transport and translocation. These results are important to increase crop growth and reduce Cd load in the food chain from metal toxicity management and agronomical point of view.

Simultaneous chiral polarization and edge enhancement imaging enabled by a single geometric-phase-based element.

In this Letter, we propose a multifunctional imaging system enabled by a single geometric-phase-based liquid crystal (LC) element, which integrates chiral polarization and edge enhancement imaging. The element is located at the frequency domain plane in a 4F imaging system, and the phase profile of the element consists of a fork grating in the x direction and a grating in the y direction, which provide edge enhancement and chiral polarization imaging capabilities. Benefiting from the tunable property of the LC, the system can be switched from a polarization and edge imaging mode to the normal conventional imaging mode which is capable of conveniently acquiring the needed image information. Experiments demonstrate that the system can easily achieve multifunctional and switchable imaging, which agrees well with our design, and our LC element can work in the broadband spectrum because of the geometric phase modulation. The multifunctional strategy used here can effectively avoid the need to increase the size of the original microscopic system and the need for additional mechanical rotation of components. We believe that the proposed system with the additional advantages of electric control and tunability can find applications in biological imaging, medical detection, and optical computing.

Statins protect mice from high-decibel noise-induced hearing loss.

No medical interventions for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (USA). Here, we evaluate statins in CBA/CaJ mice as potential drugs for hearing loss. Direct delivery of fluvastatin to the cochlea and oral delivery of lovastatin were evaluated. Baseline hearing was assessed using Auditory Brain Stem Responses (ABRs). For fluvastatin, a cochleostomy was surgically created in the basal turn of the cochlea by a novel, laser-based procedure, through which a catheter attached to a mini-osmotic pump was inserted. The pump was filled with a solution of 50 µM fluvastatin+carrier or with the carrier alone for continuous delivery to the cochlea. Mice were exposed to one octave band noise (8-16 kHz x 2 h x 110 dB SPL). In our past work with guinea pigs, fluvastatin protected in the contralateral cochlea. In this study in CBA/CaJ mice, hearing was also assessed in the contralateral cochlea 1-4 weeks after noise exposure. At two weeks post exposure, ABR thresholds at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 32 kHz were elevated, as expected, in the noise+carrier alone treated mice by approximately 9-, 17-, 41-, 29-, and 34-dB, respectively. Threshold elevations were smaller in mice treated with noise+fluvastatin to about 2-, 6-, 20-,12- and 12-dB respectively. Survival of inner hair cell synapses were not protected by fluvastatin over these frequencies. Lovastatin delivered by gavage showed lower threshold shifts than with carrier alone. These data show that direct and oral statin delivery protects mice against NIHL.

Geometric-phase-based axicon lens for computational achromatic imaging.

Conventional optical imaging systems usually utilize several lenses within a precise assembly to eliminate chromatic aberration, which increases the difficulty of system integration. In recent years, with the rapid development of metasurfaces and liquid crystals (LCs), planar optical elements provide feasible solutions to realize flexible light manipulation and lightweight systems. However, there also exists chromatic aberration, which can be corrected but at the cost of a complex device design. Here, a geometric-phase-based axicon lens is utilized to correct chromatic aberration across a broadband wavelength with the assistance of a post-process algorithm. The axicon lens is fabricated through arranging orientations of liquid-crystal molecules with a standard photoalignment technique, and it produces an approximately invariant point spread function (PSF) at several discrete wavelengths, which is used as the prior information to extract the object in the blurred image. In the experiment, the reconstruction quality is significantly improved after the post-process algorithm. We expect our work to provide further development to reduce the dispersion with both the device design and the computational image technique.

Selectively reflective edge detection system based on cholesteric liquid crystal: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains corrections to Opt. Lett.48, 795 (2023)10.1364/OL.481980.

Novel Compounds with Promising IDO1 Inhibitory Activity As New Cancer Drug Candidates: Derivatives Of N, N'-diphenylurea Linked With 1,2,3-triazole.

To explore potential indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitors, we designed a series of compounds incorporating urea and 1,2,3-triazole structures. IDO1 enzymatic activity experiments with the synthesized compounds were used to verify their molecular-level activity; for instance, the half maximal inhibitory concentration value of compound 3c was 0.07 µM. Our research has yielded a series of novel IDO1 inhibitors which may be beneficial in the development of drugs targeting IDO1 for cancer treatment.

A rat model of modified contralateral C7 transfer permitting ulnar nerve recovery.

BACKGROUND: Contralateral C7 transfer (cC7) is an important treatment for total brachial plexus avulsion (TBPA), which sacrifices the recovery of the ulnar nerve (UN). The present study aimed to introduce an animal model of modified cC7 that preserved the deep branch of ulnar nerve (dbUN) and verify its feasibility. METHODS: Anatomical study: Lengths, diameters, and axon counts of dbUN and anterior interosseous (AIN) branches in six rats were measured. In vivo surgery: 18 rats were divided into three groups. Group A: Traditional cC7. Group B: Modified cC7 finished in one stage. Group C: Modified cC7 and AIN branch anastomosed with dbUN one month after the first stage. Electrophysiological examinations, muscle wet weight, muscle cross-sectional areas, and nerve axon counts were evaluated six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Anatomical study: The distances from dbUN and AIN branches to the midpoint of the inner and outer epicondyles connection of the humerus, diameters, and axon numbers of dbUN and AIN branches were analyzed, then AIN terminal branch (tbAIN) was anastomosed with dbUN. In vivo surgery: The differences in median nerve fiber counts were not significant. There were more UN axons in group A than in groups B and C. In electrophysiological examinations, muscle wet weight and cross-sectional area of the flexor digitorum profundus showed no significant difference, but the second interosseus cross-sectional areas in groups B and C were significantly larger than in group A. CONCLUSIONS: This study established an animal model of preserving dbUN in cC7 and verified its feasibility. The possibility of restoring dbUN was established.

A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of behavioral weight loss treatment on hippocampal volume and neurocognition.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Obesity in midlife is an established risk factor for dementia. In middle-aged adults, elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower neurocognition and smaller hippocampal volumes. It is unclear whether behavioral weight loss (BWL) can improve neurocognition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether BWL, compared to wait list control (WLC), improved hippocampal volume and neurocognition. We also examined if baseline hippocampal volume and neurocognition were associated with weight loss. METHODS: We randomly assigned women with obesity (N = 61; mean±SD age=41.1 ± 9.9 years; BMI=38.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2; and 50.8% Black) to BWL or WLC. Participants completed assessments at baseline and follow-up including T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging scans and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery. RESULTS: The BWL group lost 4.7 ± 4.9% of initial body weight at 16-25 weeks, which was significantly more than the WLC group which gained 0.2 ± 3.5% (p < 0.001). The BWL and WLC groups did not differ significantly in changes in hippocampal volume or neurocognition (ps>0.05). Baseline hippocampal volume and neurocognition scores were not significantly associated with weight loss (ps>0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Contrary to our hypothesis, we found no overall benefit of BWL relative to WLC on hippocampal volumes or cognition in young- and middle-aged women. Baseline hippocampal volume and neurocognition were not associated with weight loss.

Modified contralateral C7 transfer to restore ulnar nerve function without sacrificing median nerve recovery: an experimental study.

Contralateral C7 (cC7) transfer is a technique used in patients with total brachial plexus avulsion. An ulnar nerve graft (UNG) is usually used, as intrinsic function is not expected to be restored due to length of reinnervation required. In this study, we attempted to improve intrinsic function recovery by preserving the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (dbUN) and reanimating it with the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) after cC7 transfer. Fifty-four rats were divided into the following three groups: Group A, traditional cC7 transfer to the median nerve with a UNG; Group B, cC7 transfer preserving and repairing the dbUN with the terminal branch of the AIN; Group C, same as Group B; however, the dbUN was coapted after 1 month with the AIN. At 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively, the results of electrodiagnostic and histomorphometric examinations of the interosseous muscle were significantly better in Groups B and C, without affecting AIN recovery. In conclusion, the modified cC7 transfer technique can potentially improve intrinsic function recovery without affecting median nerve recovery.

Modification of PEG reduces the immunogenicity of biosynthetic gas vesicles.

Nanobubbles have received great attention in ultrasound molecular imaging due to their capability to pass through the vasculature and reach extravascular tissues. Recently, gas vesicles (GVs) from archaea have been reported as acoustic contrast agents, showing great potential for ultrasound molecular imaging. However, the immunogenicity and biosafety of GVs has not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the immune responses and biosafety of biosynthetic GVs and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified GVs (PEG-GVs) in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest that the plain GVs showed significantly stronger immunogenic response than PEG-GVs. Less macrophage clearance rate of the RES and longer circulation time were also found for PEG-GVs, thereby producing the better contrast imaging effect in vivo. Thus, our study demonstrated the PEG modification of biosynthetic GVs from Halobacterium NRC-1 is helpful for the future application of GVs in molecular imaging and treatment.