Recently, intensive efforts are dedicated to convert and store the solar energy in a single device. Herein, dye-synthesized solar cell technology is combined with lithium-ion materials to investigate light-assisted battery charging. In particular we report the direct photo-oxidation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals in the presence of a dye as a hybrid photo-cathode in a two-electrode system, with lithium metal as anode and lithium hexafluorophosphate in carbonate-based electrolyte; a configuration corresponding to lithium ion battery charging. Dye-sensitization generates electron–hole pairs with the holes aiding the delithiation of lithium iron phosphate at the cathode and electrons utilized in the formation of a solid electrolyte interface at the anode via oxygen reduction. Lithium iron phosphate acts effectively as a reversible redox agent for the regeneration of the dye. Our findings provide possibilities in advancing the design principles for photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Well-known since the 18th century,hexacyanoferrate, or “Prussian blue”, is currently getting its “second life” as a promising material for Li-ion batteries and electrochromic devices.

No abstract

No abstract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a chronic disease resulting in myeloid cell expansion through expression of the BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have significantly increased survival of patients with CML, and deep responders may consider stopping the treatment. However, more than 50% of patients relapse and restart TKI, subsequently suffering unknown toxicity. Because CML is a model immune system-sensitive disease, we hypothesize that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting IL1 receptor-associated protein (IL1RAP) in quiescent CML stem cells may offer an opportunity for a permanent cure. In this study, we produced and molecularly characterized a specific monoclonal anti-IL1RAP antibody from which fragment antigen-binding nucleotide coding sequences were cloned as a single chain into a lentiviral backbone and secured with the suicide gene iCASP9/rimiducid system. Our CAR T-cell therapy exhibited cytotoxicity against both leukemic stem cells and, to a lesser extent, monocytes expressing IL1RAP, with no apparent effect on the hematopoietic system, including CD34 þ stem cells. This suggests IL1RAP as a tumor-associated antigen for immunotherapy cell targeting. IL1RAP CAR T cells were activated in the presence of IL1RAP þ cell lines or primary CML cells, resulting in secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and specifically killing in vitro and in a xenograft murine model. Overall, we demonstrate the proof of concept of a CAR T-cell immunotherapy approach in the context of CML that is applicable for young patients and primary TKI-resistant, intolerant, or allograft candidate patients. Significance: These findings present the first characterization and proof of concept of a chimeric antigen receptor directed against IL1RAP expressed by leukemic stem cells in the context of CML.

No abstract

No abstract

Humanity's greatest challenge in the 21st century consists in transitioning from fossil fuels towards renewable energy technologies. Since all renewable are intermittent, the common challenge for all renewables is storage. In this context, designing and realizing hybrid devices that combine energy conversion with storage represents a major opportunity. Among renewables, solar energy is particularly important, because in one hour the Sun sends towards us enough energy to power the whole planet for one year; nevertheless, our current global use of solar energy is only about 1%, The aim of this short review is to describe the current state of the art and perspectives in the emerging area of photo-rechargeable batteries. This hybrid device consists in a photoelectrochemical system that combines solar energy conversion with electrochemical storage, storing energy during the day and allowing release at night. While the opportunity of combining solar and battery technologies into a single system is promising, major challenges are yet to be overcome. Here we summarize the most promising architectures developed so far and potential research directions in this exciting area of technology.