Double perovskites are promising candidates for less toxic and highly stable metal halide perovskites, but their optoelectronic performances still lag behind those of the lead halide counterpart, due to the indirect nature of the bandgap and the strong electron–phonon coupling. Reducing the dimensionality of Cs2AgBiBr6 down to a 2D layered form is strategic in order to tune the band gap from indirect to direct and provides new insights into the structure–property relationships of double perovskites. Herein, we report on a series of monolayer 2D hybrid double perovskites of formula (RA)4AgBiBr8, where RA represents different primary ammonium large cations with alkyl- and aryl-based functionalities. An in-depth experimental characterization of structure, film morphology, and optical properties of these perovskites is carried out. Interestingly, the variation of the ammonium cation and the interplanar distance between adjacent inorganic monolayers has peculiar effects on the film-forming ability and light emission properties of the perovskites. Experiments have been combined with DFT calculations in order to understand the possible origin of the different emissive features. Our study provides a toolbox for future rational developments of 2D double perovskites, with the aim of narrowing the gap with lead halide perovskite optoelectronic properties.
Linear cationic venom peptides are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that exert their effects by damaging cell membranes. These peptides can be highly specific, and for some, a significant therapeutic value was proposed, in particular for treatment of bacterial infections. A prolific source of novel AMPs are arthropod venoms, especially those of hitherto neglected groups such as pseudoscorpions. In this study, we describe for the first time pharmacological effects of AMPs discovered in pseudoscorpion venom. We examined the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activity of full-length Checacin1, a major component of the Chelifer cancroides venom, and three truncated forms of this peptide. The antimicrobial tests revealed a potent inhibitory activity of Checacin1 against several bacteria and fungi, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and even Gram-negative pathogens. All peptides reduced survival rates of aphids, with Checacin1 and the C-terminally truncated Checacin11−21 exhibiting effects comparable to Spinosad, a commercially used pesticide. Cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells were observed mainly for the full-length Checacin1. All tested peptides might be potential candidates for developing lead structures for aphid pest treatment. However, as these peptides were not yet tested on other insects, aphid specificity has not been proven. The N- and C-terminal fragments of Checacin1 are less potent against aphids but exhibit no cytotoxicity on mammalian cells at the tested concentration of 100 µM.
Influenza is a severe contagious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses. The WHO estimates that annual outbreaks lead to 3–5 million severe infections of which approximately 10% lead to the death of the patient. While vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, antiviral drugs represent the most important treatment option of acute infections. Only two classes of drugs are currently approved for the treatment of influenza in numerous countries: M2 channel blockers and neuraminidase inhibitors. In some countries, additional compounds such as the recently developed cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil or the polymerase inhibitor favipiravir are available. However, many of these compounds suffer from poor efficacy, if not applied early after infection. Furthermore, many influenza strains have developed resistances and lost susceptibility to these compounds. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop new anti-influenza drugs against a broad spectrum of subtypes. Natural products have made an important contribution to the development of new lead structures, particularly in the field of infectious diseases. Therefore, this article aims to review the research on the identification of novel lead structures isolated from natural resources suitable to treat influenza infections.
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