Integration of two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create potentially useful 3D mesoscopic carbon structures with enhanced properties relative to the original materials is very desirable.
Drug delivery systems (DDS) with favorable serum stability, high intra-tumor accumulation and tumor specific drug release are highly desired for promoting chemotherapeutic efficacy. However, a more stable DDS means it is more difficult to release its content, and vice versa. In order to resolve this conflict, a Fab conjugated thermo-responsive liposome (FCTRL) based on 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC) and P(IPPAm-co-DMAAm)-b-PLA diblock copolymer (PPDC) was developed in this study. DC8,9PC is a type of phospholipid, which can form intermolecular crosslinking within the liposomal bilayer by ultra-violet irradiation, contributing to superior serum stability in the blood vessels. PPDC is a thermo-responsive block copolymer, which demonstrates temperature controlled ON-OFF drug release with a volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of approximately 38.5 C. The well modified FCTRLs are of the desired particle size, drug loading content and drug release profile. The surface morphology and pharmacokinetics were also characterized. The cellular uptake and intracellular accumulation of FCTRL are significantly promoted by its proper size, temperature regulated passive and Fab navigated active targeting. With the co-operation of all the above superiorities, the FCTRL DDS demonstrates exceptional excellent tumor suppression abilities against breast cancer in both in and ex vivo experiments, which merits further investigation in the clinic.
The CD20-directed monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) established a new era in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL); however, suboptimal response and/or resistance to RTX still limit its clinical merits. Although four effector mechanisms are validated to participate in CD20-based immunotherapy, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and lysosome-mediated programmed cell death (PCD), they could hardly be synchronously activated by any anti-CD20 mAb or mAb derivative until now. Herein, a novel mAb nanocomb (polyethylenimine polymer–RTX–tositumomab [PPRT nanocomb]) was firstly constructed through mass arming two different anti-CD20 mAbs (RTX and tositumomab) to one polymer by nanotechnology. Comparing with free mAbs, PPRT nanocomb possesses a comparable binding ability and reduced “off-rate” to surface CD20 of NHL cells. When treated by PPRT nanocomb, the caspase-dependent apoptosis was remarkably enhanced except for concurrently eliciting complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and lysosome-mediated PCD. Besides, “cross-cell link”-assisted homotypic adhesion by PPRT nanocomb further enhanced the susceptibility to PCD of lymphoma cells. Pharmacokinetic assays revealed that PPRT nanocomb experienced a relatively reduced clearance from peripheral blood compared with free antibodies. With the cooperation of all the abovementioned superiorities, PPRT nanocomb exhibits exceptionally excellent in vivo antitumor activities in both disseminated and localized human NHL xenotransplant models.
The effects of both
graphene nanoplatelets and reduced graphene
oxide as additives to the negative active material in valve-regulated
lead–acid batteries for electric bikes were investigated. Low-temperature
performance, charge acceptance, cycle performance, and water loss
were investigated. The test results show that the low-temperature
performance, charge acceptance, and large-current discharge performance
of the batteries with graphene additives were significantly improved
compared to the control battery, and the cycle life under 100% depth
of discharge condition was extended by more than 52% from 250 to 380
cycles. Meanwhile, the amount of water loss from the batteries with
graphene changed only slightly compared with the control cells. The
excellent performance of the batteries can be ascribed to the graphene
promoting the negative-plate charge and discharge processes and suppressing
the growth of lead sulfate crystals.
As a one-dimensional (1D) allotrope of carbon, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely investigated in the past two decades owing to their unique mechanical strength, large surface-to-volume ratio, and electrical properties. Graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb nanostructure composed of single-layer carbon atoms, is also a promising choice for potential applications in energy storage. Interestingly, a fine combination of 1D and 2D building blocks that leads to the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structure could effectively inherit advantages of individual components and mitigate the aggregation and restacking of CNT and graphene, leading to unexpected properties for their outstanding application. Moreover, compared with other synthetic methods, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is considered as a sophisticated approach for both laboratory research and industry production of nanocarbon materials or hybrids, and the carbon nanotube/graphene hybrids are expected to be a promising choice for high-performance applications in the future.
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