Tumor-specific cytolysis by peptide-conjugated echogenic polymer micelles.

Interest in multifunctional polymer nanoparticles for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs has grown significantly in recent years. In this study, tumor-targeting echogenic polymer micelles were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-alkyl carbonate (mPEG-AC) derivatives, and their potential in cancer therapy was assessed. Various mPEG derivatives with carbonate linkages were synthesized via an alkyl halide reaction between mPEG and alkyl chloroformate. Micelle formation using polymer amphiphiles in aqueous media and the subsequent carbon dioxide (CO2) gas generation from the micelles was confirmed. Their ability to target neuroblastoma was substantially enhanced by incorporating the rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) peptide. RVG-modified gas-generating micelles significantly inhibited tumor growth in a tumor-bearing mouse model owing to CO2 gas generation within tumor cells and resultant cytolytic effects, showing minimal side effects. The development of multifunctional polymer micelles may offer a promising therapeutic approach for various diseases, including cancer.

Preparation of mixed trialkyl alkylcarbonate derivatives of etidronic acid via an unusual route.

A method to prepare four (3a-d) trialkyl alkylcarbonate esters of etidronate from P,P'-dimethyl etidronate and alkyl chloroformate was developed by utilizing unexpected demethylation and decarboxylation reactions. The reaction with the sterically more hindered isobutyl chloroformate at a lower temperature (90 °C) produced the P,P'-diester (2) as a stable intermediate product. A possible reaction mechanism is discussed to explain these methyl substitutions. These unusual reactions also clarify why it is difficult to prepare alkylcarbonate prodrugs from bisphosphonates. The compounds prepared were analysed by spectroscopic techniques.

Li2O-Reinforced Cu Nanoclusters as Porous Structure for Dendrite-Free and Long-Lifespan Lithium Metal Anode.

A nanostructured protective structure, pillared by the copper nanoclusters and in situ filled with lithium oxide in the interspace, is constructed to efficiently improve the cyclic stability and lifetime of lithium metal electrodes. The porous structure of copper nanoclusters enables high specific surface area, locally reduced current density, and dendrite suppressing, while the filled lithium oxide leads to the structural stability and largely extends the electrode lifespan. As a result of the synergetic protection of the proposed structure, lithium metal could be fully discharged with efficiency ∼97% for more than 150 cycles in corrosive alkyl carbonate electrolytes, without dendrite formation. This approach opens a novel route to improve the cycling stability of lithium metal electrodes with the appropriate protective structure.

An amine-oxide surfactant-based microemulsion for the cleaning of works of art.

Surfactant-based aqueous fluids, such as micellar solutions and microemulsions, are effective, safe and selective media for cleaning operations in conservation of cultural heritage. The search for better-performing systems and eco-friendly cleaning systems is currently a major goal in conservation science. We report here on a ternary o/w microemulsion, composed of diethyl carbonate (DC) as the oil phase and N,N-Dimethyldodecan-1-amine oxide (DDAO) as the surfactant. DDAO is a well known and widely used detergent and solubilizing agent, selected here for its degradability and eco-compatibility. Due to its nonionic/cationic nature, it can be used also when nonionic-based formulations become ineffective because of clouding and phase separation. Moreover, DDAO is insensitive to the presence of divalent metal ions, usually abundant in wall paintings substrates. Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) provided detailed information about the nanostructure of the surfactant aggregates. Finally, the cleaning effectiveness of the nanofluid was assessed both on fresco mock-ups and on real wall paintings conserved in the archeological site of Tulum, Mexico. Here, conservators successfully used the microemulsion to remove naturally aged films of complex polymer mixtures from the works of art surface.