Hydrogen holds great promise as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, but its efficient and affordable storage remains a significant challenge. Bimetallic systems, such as Pd and Ni, present a promising option for storing hydrogen. In this study, using the combination of different cutting-edge X-ray and electron techniques, we observed the transformations of Pd-Ni nanoparticles, which initially consist of a NiO-rich shell surrounding a Pd-rich core but undergo a major transformation when they interact with hydrogen. During hydrogen exposure, the Pd core breaks into smaller pockets, dramatically increasing its surface area and enhancing the hydrogen storage capacity, especially in nanoparticles with lower Pd content. The findings provide a deep understanding of the morphological changes at the atomic level during hydrogen storage and contribute to designing cost-effective hydrogen storage using multimetallic systems.

The burgeoning interest in cannabinoid-based therapies for mental disorders motivates research into their efficacy. This study investigates the acute effects of nanoencapsulated Cannabidiol (CBD) on panic attack-like defensive responses elicited in mice by the venomous snake Bothrops jararaca in polygonal arenas validated as a panic attack experimental model. The aim of this work was to investigate if polymeric lipid core-nanoencapsulated CBD at low doses was able to cause antiaversive effects in comparison to non-encapsulated CBD at a higher dose. Mice were habituated in the enriched polygonal arena during three days and treated with either CBD in a dose already demonstrated to cause antiaversive effects (3 mg/kg), used as a positive control, or nanostructured CBD at much lower doses before snake confrontation. Both non-encapsulated and nanoencapsulated CBD significantly attenuated antipredatory responses in mice. Interestingly. Polymeric lipid core-nanoencapsulated CBD, particularly at lower doses, attenuated panic-like responses, including defensive attention, flat back approach, and escape behaviours to safe places after reaching limbic system structures. Additionally, rhodamine-labeled polymeric lipid core-nanoencapsulated CBD, administered either intraperitoneally or intranasally, effectively crossed the blood-brain barrier, with fluorescence observed in multiple limbic and paralimbic brain structures implicated in the elaboration of defensive/antipredatory behavioural responses. These findings indicate that nanoencapsulation improves the bioavailability of CBD and its targeting of the central nervous system, thereby supporting its potential for low-dose therapeutic applications in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of a nanoparticle formulation containing the immunodominant peptide SSIEFARL from Herpes simplex virus 2 glycoprotein B A against genital herpes. A nanoparticle formulation (NanoSSIEFARL) was engineered and characterized for its physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties. NanoSSIEFARL displayed mean particle size of 212 ± 5 nm, polydispersity index of 0.12 ± 0.01 and zeta potential of -7.4 ± 2.5 mV, exhibiting spherical morphology. pH stability remained consistent over 30 days (day 0: 4.5 ± 0.5; day 30: 5.0 ± 0.5). A novel high-performance liquid chromatography method was validated for SSIEFARL quantification. Peptide association efficiency reached 98.3% ± 2.1, with 41.6% ± 4.4 peptide release from nanoparticles after 4 hours. Cytotoxicity assessment revealed cellular viability exceeding 90%, with macrophage uptake observed after 4 hours. Altogether, these results suggest that NanoSSIEFARL is a promising candidate for effective immunotherapy against genital herpes.

Metallic nanofoams offer enhanced surface area and reduced density compared to their bulk counterparts while keeping intrinsic metallic properties. This combination makes nanofoams ideal for many applications, such as catalysis and battery. However, the synthesis of nanofoams is still challenging. This work introduces a non-complex synthesis method of Pd nanofoams employing a polar lipid structured as a sponge phase in water. The Pd nanostructures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy ( SEM ) , Transmission Electron Microscopy ( TEM ) , x-ray Diffraction ( XRD ) , N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy ( XPS ) , and x-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure ( XANES ) at Pd K edge techniques. The morphology of the nanostructure, from nanofoam to nanoparticle, is easily controlled by the presence of the polar lipid and the Pd salt used. The Pd nanostructures synthesized are fully oxidized, but the nanofoams reduce quickly ( less than 5 min) to metallic Pd after H-2 exposure at room temperature. The nanostructures were applied for hydrogen storage and Pd nanofoams achieved a remarkable gravimetric capacity of 0.76 wt% at room temperature and 1 atm H-2 pressure. DFT calculation showed that the changes in the morphology of Pd lead to great changes in the adsorption energy of hydrogen, thus allowing the improvement of the material for hydrogen storage applications through the method developed.

Nowadays, Pt-CeO2 interfaces are very popular in many applications. In particular, this system is widely used in catalysis for the reverse water gas-shift (RWGS) reaction aiming to stop the dangerous advancement of the global warming effect. Nevertheless, some complex atomic events occurring at this interface are still unclear. In this work, superhydrophobic Pt-CeO2 nanoparticles were used in the RWGS reaction aiming to shift the equilibrium of the RWGS reaction towards the formation of CO. It was demonstrated that this sample presents a highly reducible CeO2 surface and an easy tunability of the O vacancy population, which is the main active site of metal oxides in catalysis. Consequently, the Pt-CeO2 superhydrophobic sample presents improved performance towards CO formation in the RWGS reaction. During the RWGS reaction, the Pt nanoparticles suffer from the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect that may hinder the catalytically active sites but, even so, the superhydrophobic Pt-CeO2 nanoparticles are active in the RWGS reaction. It opens new frontiers in the engineering of active superhydrophobic Pt-CeO2 interfaces with tunable O vacancy population.

CeO2−x nanoparticles present a rich surface chemistry with an easy interplay between Ce(III) and Ce(IV) oxidation states. The O vacancy population determines the catalytic activity of CeO2−x, but it is barely studied for biological applications where such changes occur at the solid–liquid interface. This study investigates the influence of a hydrophobic phytantriol coating on the redox behavior of CeO2−x nanoparticles during the oxidation of L-epinephrine in alkaline aqueous media. The CeO2−x nanoparticles are in the ultrasmall size range with a mean diameter of (1.4 ± 0.5) nm and (3.4 ± 0.9) nm for the nanoparticles uncoated and coated with phytantriol, respectively, as determined by TEM. Both CeO2−x nanoparticles promoted oxidation of L-epinefrine, as observed by ultravioleta-visible spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a lipid coating on the nanoparticles’ surface, which was prepared using a phytantriol-based liquid-crystalline matrix. Additionally, this analysis demonstrated that a subsequent washing step with ethanol effectively removed this coating. XPS measurements revealed strong changes on the surface Ce(III) fraction between the CeO2−x nanoparticles, from 19 % (coated) to 55 % (uncoated). In situ time-resolved XANES measurements at Ce L3 edge revealed that the lipid coating not only affected the redox kinetics but also altered the reaction mechanism for the reduction of Ce within the nanoparticles. Uncoated CeO2−x exhibited a logarithmic kinetic profile, characterized by a rapid initial Ce(IV) to Ce(III) conversion in the first 5 min via charge-transfer complex formation with L-epinephrine, followed by a slower stage likely mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Phytantriol-coated CeO2−x, on the other hand, displayed a linear kinetic profile, indicating that the lipid coating hinders complex formation and limits substrate access to the reactive surface. These findings underscore the critical role of surface modifications in modulating CeO2−x redox behavior, with significant implications for biological applications. Future studies should explore the involvement of ROS from a mechanistic perspective under physiologically relevant conditions.

The development of thermally stable nanoparticles is of utmost importance for applications like catalysis. In particular, Cu nanoparticles supported on metal oxides are easily deactivated under thermal treatments at low temperatures by sintering of the Cu nanoparticles. The formation of thermally stable nanoparticles is typically obtained with secondary drawbacks. In this study, an alternative method for avoiding sintering of Cu nanoparticles is proposed. The method is based on the impregnation of dithiol molecules at the metal oxide support before supporting the Cu nanoparticles. The dithiol molecules are able to avoid the Cu nanoparticle diffusion, thus decreasing the coalescence rate. Furthermore, the Cu nanoparticles are not poisoned during thermal treatments. A simple model is proposed and numerically studied to estimate the minimal concentration of dithiol necessary to avoid sintering of the nanoparticles. The method is not complex, and there is no interference on the original Cu nanoparticles properties. It opens possibilities for widening the lifespan of metal nanoparticles supported on metal oxides.

NiO nanofoams show improved results for hydrogen storage applications.

The emergence of many new viruses in recent times has resulted in a significant scientific challenge for discovering drugs and vaccines that effectively treat and prevent viral diseases. Nanotechnology has opened doors to prevent the spread of several diseases, including those caused by viruses. Polymer-hybrid nanodevices are a class of nanotechnology platforms for biomedical applications that present synergistic properties among their components, with improved performance compared to conventional forms of therapy. Considering the growing interest in this emerging field and the promising technological advantages of polymer-hybrid nanodevices, this work presents the current status of these systems in the context of prevention and treatment of viral diseases. A brief description of the different types of polymer-hybrid nanodevices highlighting some peculiar characteristics such as their composition, biodistribution, delivery of antigens, and overall immune responses in systemic tissues are discussed. Finally, the work presents the future trends for new nanotechnological hybrid materials based on polymers and perspectives for clinical use.

Metal–Support Interactions The enhancement of the metal/metal oxide interaction is beneficial for a wide range of applications at the nanoscale. Besides, in catalytic applications, the shape of the metallic nanoparticles plays a pivotal role in the catalytic performance. In article number 2106583, Fabiano Bernardi and co-workers show the existence of a 3D to 2D transformation of Cu nanoparticles supported on CeO2 when exposed to a CO atmosphere at 400 °C. The transformation changes the shape of the Cu nanoparticles and improves the metal/metal oxide interaction.

The interaction between metal and metal oxides at the nanoscale is of uttermost importance in several fields, thus its enhancement is highly desirable. In catalysis, the performance of the nanoparticles is dependent on a wide range of properties, including its shape that is commonly considered stable during the catalytic reaction. In this study, highly reducible CeO2- x nanoparticles are synthesized aiming to provide Cu/CeO2- x nanoparticles, which are classically active catalysts for the CO oxidation reaction. It is observed that the Cu nanoparticles shape changes during reduction treatment (prior to the CO oxidation reaction) from a nearly spherical 3D to a planar 2D shape, then enhances the Cu-CeO2- x interaction. The spread of the Cu nanoparticles over the CeO2- x surface during the reduction treatment occurs due to the minimization of the total system energy. The shape change is accompanied by migration of O atoms from CeO2 surface to the border of the Cu nanoparticles and the change from the Cu0 to Cu+1 state. The spreading of the Cu nanoparticles influences on the reactivity results toward the CO oxidation reaction since it changes the local atomic order around Cu atoms. The results show a timely contribution for enhancing the interaction between metal and metal oxide.

In recent years, health authorities have encouraged the development of paediatric formulations. New technologies have been proposed for the development of paediatric products, including nanotechnology, which has a wide range of benefits in the pharmaceutical field, such as greater therapeutic efficiency, possibility of drug targeting, reduced toxicity and masking bitter drug taste. The aim of the present review has been to search for literature reports regarding the several different kinds of nanostructures described for treating paediatric diseases. A systematized review was performed up to September 2021 from searching in the Web of Science and Scopus databases using the combination of keywords "nano* AND pediatric" or "nano* AND paediatric". A total of 51 peer-reviewed publications were selected, from which the following data were extracted: article title, year of publication, drug incorporated or encapsulated into the nanostructure, ATC drug class, type of nanostructure, specific tests performed for paediatric formulations and formulation studies that gave rise to a patent or product commercially available. The main motivations for the use of nanotechnology in the development of paediatric formulations were: increased therapeutic efficacy (22%), improved drug taste (18%) and targeted therapy (16%). The most encountered therapeutic drug class was anticancer (55%), followed by antivirals (24%). Polymeric nanoparticles (31%), lipid-based nanocarriers (25%) and polymeric micelles (12%) were the most commonly cited nanostructures in these studies. Some of the main tests designed for paediatric specific tests were efficacy and safety studies in animal model of paediatric disease, as well as palatability verification of developed formulations. This review article shows the viable possibilities for the use of nanotechnology as a useful tool for the development of paediatric formulations.

Niemann-Pick C disease (NPC) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from mutation in one of two cholesterol transport genes: NPC1 or NPC2 , causing accumulation of unesterified cholesterol, together with glycosphingolipids, within the endosomal/lysosomal compartment of cells. The result is a severe disease in both multiple peripheral organs and the central nervous system, causing neurodegeneration and early death. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NPC1 remain poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that the primary lysosomal defect found in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients is accompanied by a deregulation of mitochondrial organization and function. There is currently no cure for NPC1, but recently the potential of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for the treatment of the disease was discovered, which resulted in the redistribution of cholesterol from subcellular compartments to the circulation and increased longevity in an animal model of NPC1. Considering the above, the present work evaluated the in vitro therapeutic potential of β-CD to reduce cholesterol in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients. β-CD was used in its free and nanoparticulate form. We also evaluated the β-CD potential to restore mitochondrial functions, as well as the beneficial combined effects of treatment with antioxidants N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Besides, we evaluated oxidative and nitrative stress parameters in NPC1 patients. We showed that oxidative and nitrative stress could contribute to the pathophysiology of NPC1, as the levels of lipoperoxidation and the nitrite and nitrate levels were increased in these patients when compared to healthy individuals, as well as DNA damage. The nanoparticles containing β-CD reduced the cholesterol accumulated in the NPC1 fibroblasts. This result was potentiated by the concomitant use of the nanoparticles with the antioxidants NAC and CoQ10 compared to those presented by healthy individuals cells ́. In addition, treatments combining β-CD nanoparticles and antioxidants could reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress, demonstrating advantages compared to free β-CD. The results obtained are promising regarding the combined use of β-CD loaded nanoparticles and antioxidants in the treatment of NPC1 disease.

The Ce 3d XPS data were analyzed with different sets of constraints and no significant change was observed both in the trend and in the absolute values of the Ce( iii ) fraction reported.

The ultraviolet spectrophotometry analysis for quantitative assay of drugs is a method accurate, sensitive, selective and reproductive with the advantage of being a simple and less expensive method. In this study, a derivative ultraviolet spectrophotometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of pyrazinamide (PYZ) and rifampicin (RIF). The spectrophotometric method was evaluated according to validation guidelines for specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy and robustness. The first-derivative spectra were obtained and by the zerocrossing point, the wavelength 247 nm and 365 nm were selected for PYZ and RIF quantification, respectively. No interference from cubosome excipients was detected in the proposed method. The results demonstrated linearity in a range of 4.0 – 12.0 µg/mL with an adequate correlation coefficient for both drugs. The intra and inter-day precision results (RSD < 5%) indicated the reproducibility of the method. The accuracy data showed satisfactory results (RSD < 5%) from recovery test. In addition, the robustness results showed that the PYZ and RIF content were unaffected by the solvent alteration of methanol to methanol:water (99:1, v/v). The derivative ultraviolet spectrophotometric method proved to be an excellent strategy for simultaneous determination of PYZ and RIF.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a genetic disorder that leads the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine (Leu), isoleucine, valine and metabolites. The symptomatology includes psychomotor delay and mental retardation. MSUD therapy comprises a lifelong protein strict diet with low BCAA levels and is well established that high concentrations of Leu and/or its ketoacid are associated with neurological symptoms. Recently, it was demonstrated that the phenylbutyrate (PBA) have the ability to decrease BCAA concentrations. This work aimed the development of lipid-based nanoparticles loaded with PBA, capable of targeting to the central nervous system in order to verify its action mechanisms on oxidative stress and cell death in brain of rats subjected to a MSUD chronic model. PBA-loaded nanoparticles treatment was effective in significantly decreasing BCAA concentration in plasma and Leu in the cerebral cortex of MSUD animals. Furthermore, PBA modulate the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes, as well as preventing the oxidative damage to lipid membranes and proteins. PBA was also able to decrease the glial fibrillary acidic protein concentrations and partially decreased the reactive species production and caspase-3 activity in MSUD rats. Taken together, the data indicate that the PBA-loaded nanoparticles could be an efficient adjuvant in the MSUD therapy, protecting against oxidative brain damage and neuroinflammation.

Objective This study developed a novel child-friendly drug delivery system for pediatric HIV treatment: a liquid, taste-masked, and solvent-free monoolein-based nanoparticles formulation containing indinavir (0.1%). Significance Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by pediatric patients is difficult because of the lack of dosage forms adequate for children. Methods Monoolein-based nanoparticles were developed. The particle size, zeta potential, pH, drug content, small angle X-ray scattering, stability, in vitro drug release profile, biocompatibility, toxicity, and taste-masking properties were evaluated. Results Monoolein-based formulations containing indinavir had nanosized particles with 155 +/- 7 nm, unimodal particle size distribution, and polydispersity index of 0.16 +/- 0.03. The zeta potential was negative (-31.3 +/- 0.3 mV) and pH was neutral (7.78 +/- 0.01). A 96% drug incorporation efficiency was achieved, and the indinavir concentration remained constant for 30 days. Polarized light microscopy revealed isotropic characteristics. Transmission electron microscopy images showed spherical shaped morphology. Small-angle X-ray scattering displayed a form factor broad peak. Indinavir had a sustained release from the nanoparticles. The system was nonirritant and was able to mask drug bitter taste. Conclusions Monoolein-based nanoparticles represent a suitable therapeutic strategy for antiretroviral treatment with the potential to reduce the frequency of drug administration and promote pediatric adherence.

The presence of mesopores matters when choosing the optimal surface oxygen vacancy population for improved photocatalysis of cerium oxide nanoparticles.

High surface area cerium oxide (CeO2-x) nanoparticles (S = 170 m(2)/g) were synthesized by the precipitation method with a narrow band gap (2.73 +/- 0.03 eV). In comparison to typical band gap values for cerium oxide, it presents a red shift in the light absorption spectrum from UV to visible region. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) measurements were conducted aiming to elucidate this promising property for photocatalytic applications of the nanoparticles synthesized. It was obtained that the high structural disorder and O vacancy population of the nanoparticles synthesized are responsible for the narrow band gap found. Furthermore, the CeO2-x nanoparticles were applied to the photocatalytic H(2)( )production reaction and presented activity 10 times higher than the commercial CeO2-x standard, besides a much better performance than typical results found for CeO2-x in the literature.

beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CD) is being considered a promising therapy for Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease because of its ability to mobilise the entrapped cholesterol from lysosomes, however, a major limitation is its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and address the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of the disease. Considering this, we aimed to design nanoparticles able to cross the BBB and deliver beta-CD into the CNS lysosomes. The physicochemical characteristics of beta-CD-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro analyses were performed with NPC dermal fibroblasts and the beta-CD-loaded nanoparticles were tracked in vivo. The nanoparticles showed a mean diameter around 120 nm with a disordered bicontinuous inner structure. The nanoparticles did not cause decrease in cell viability, impairment in the antioxidant enzymes activity, damage to biomolecules or release of reactive species in NPC dermal fibroblasts; also, they did not induce genotoxicity or alter the mitochondrial function in healthy fibroblasts. The beta-CD-loaded nanoparticles were taken up by lysosomes reducing the cholesterol accumulated in NPC fibroblasts and reached the CNS of mice more intensely than other organs, demonstrating advantages compared to the free beta-CD. The results demonstrated the potential of the beta-CD-loaded nanoparticles in reducing the brain impairment of NPC.