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Structural Characterization and Immunostimulatory Activity of a New Slightly Branched β-glucan in Sporisorium reilianum-Infected Sorghum Head Smut

Changchang Gao,Zefeng Xia,Chengwei Xu,LeiFang Zhang,Chengjie Tong,Chunyu Niu,Boyi Fan,Yan Chen,Yin Chen

Sporisorium reilianum ( S. reilianum ) is an agricultural pathogen that causes disease and reduces yield in sorghum and maize crops. However, head smut-infected sorghum and maize have been traditionally utilized for edible and medicinal purposes in some regions. In this study, the structure and immunostimulatory potency of a new slightly branched β-glucan WM-0.25(P) obtained from the S. reilianum -infected sorghum head smut were explored. WM-0.25(P) was a β-glucan with a molecular weight of 69.67 kDa and was composed of β-1,6-D-Glcp as the main chain and β-1,3-D-Glcp as the side chain. There was approximately one branch for every 11 sugars on the main chain. WM-0.25(P) triggered morphological alterations, enhanced phagocytic activity, and upregulated the expression of surface molecules, while promoting the production of ROS, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) in RAW264.7 macrophages. The function blocking antibodies to toll-like receptor revealed that TLR4 mainly participated in the recognition and immunostimulatory function of WM-0.25(P). Simultaneously, WM-0.25(P) modulated macrophage inflammatory response mainly through activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results indicated that WM-0.25(P), with a low branching degree derived from S. reilianum -infected sorghum head smut, exerted moderate immunomodulatory effects on macrophages. Further in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate its translational potential. Graphical This β-glucan (69.67 kDa) from S. reilianum -infected sorghum has a β-1,6 backbone with β-1,3 branches. It moderately activates RAW264.7 macrophages via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, promoting cytokine/ROS/NO production and phagocytosis.

Regulation of Thermal Degradation and Char Evolution of Polypropylene by Core–Shell MF@β-CD and Amino-Modified Attapulgite

Jiangtao Guo,Hongxiang Ou,Wenqian Zhou,Honglai Xue,Fang Zhu,Weikang Liu

In this work, a core–shell flame retardant (MF@β-CD) was prepared by coating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin through in situ polymerization. Amino-functionalized attapulgite (ATP-NH 2 ) was also prepared via silane modification. MF@β-CD and ATP-NH 2 were incorporated with piperazine pyrophosphate (PAPP) to fabricate flame-retardant PP composites through melt blending. The incorporation of MF@β-CD and ATP-NH 2 improved the fire performance and thermal stability of PP composites. The PP composite containing the MF@β-CD/ATP-NH 2 system exhibited a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 33.8% and achieved a UL-94 V-0 rating. Compared with neat PP, the peak heat release rate and total smoke production decreased by 91.9% and 87.7%, respectively. Thermal analysis and char characterization suggested that the MF@β-CD/ATP-NH 2 system promoted the formation of a more continuous and stable char layer during combustion. The MF shell contributed to improved interfacial compatibility between β-CD and the PP matrix, while ATP-NH 2 helped maintain the integrity of the char structure. This work provides a feasible approach for improving the fire safety and condensed-phase stability of PP using bio-based flame-retardant components. Graphical Core–shell structured MF@β-CD was prepared via in situ polymerization and combined with amino-modified attapulgite (ATP-NH 2 ) and piperazine pyrophosphate (PAPP) to synergistically modify polypropylene (PP). The optimized composite achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 33.8% and a UL-94 V-0 rating. The incorporation of ATP-NH 2 resulted in a distinct lamellar stacking structure on the char residue surface, with the layered silicate sheets of ATP-NH 2 uniformly embedded in the organic char matrix. This enhanced the structural stability and thermal shock resistance of the char layer, preventing its cracking and peeling during high-temperature combustion.

Local structure engineering via Ca2+-Si4+ Aliovalent Co-substitution enables synergistic enhancement of NIR luminescence in β-Ga2O3:Cr3+

Ying Peng,Xinyi Tang,Yuhuan Tan,Dequan Liu,Pengyan Fu,Jilin Zhang,Shixun Lian,Wenli Zhou

Heterovalent Ca 2+ -Si 4+ co-substitution tunes local coordination of Cr 3+ . • Double NIR luminescence without altering Cr 3+ average crystal field. • Optimized phosphor achieves greatly improved absorption and quantum efficiency. • High-brightness pc-NIR-LED is fabricated for imaging and plant lighting. Cr 3+ -doped near-infrared (NIR) phosphors are highly desirable for NIR illumination, biological detection and auxiliary imaging. Herein, we propose a heterovalent Ca 2+ -Si 4+ co-substitution strategy to replace Ga 3+ sites in β -Ga 2 O 3 :Cr 3+ . This approach precisely tailors the local coordination and defect structures surrounding Cr 3+ , leading to remarkable enhancement in NIR luminescence. Characterizations demonstrate that Ca 2+ -Si 4+ co-substitution barely changes the average crystal field of Cr 3+ , but introduces local lattice distortion and reduces coordination symmetry. Such local structure engineering relaxes the d-d transition selection rules of Cr 3+ , thereby enhancing the absorption of the 4 A 2g → 4 T 1g and 4 T 2g transitions and strengthen the broadband NIR emission from the 4 T 2g → 4 A 2g transition. For the optimal Ga 1.81 Ca 0.08 Si 0.08 O 3 :0.03Cr 3+ phosphor, the NIR emission intensity is approximately two times higher relative to pristine β -Ga 2 O 3 :Cr 3+ . Its internal quantum efficiency increases from 81.8% to 88.6%, and absorption efficiency rises from 10.9% to 30.6%. A comparative study on various M A 2+ –M B 4+ ion pairs (M A  = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; M B = Si, Ge, Sn) verifies that Ca 2+ -Si 4+ yields the strongest luminescence enhancement for β -Ga 2 O 3 :Cr 3+ . Moreover, this universal strategy also improves blue light absorption and NIR emission of MgGa 2 O 4 :Cr 3+ and LiGa 5 O 8 :Cr 3+ . The assembled phosphor-converted NIR light-emitting diode achieves a NIR output power of 107.9 mW at 400 mA and a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 14.8% at 40 mA. The as-prepared phosphors possess promising practical values for NIR imaging and plant lighting. Download: Download high-res image (288KB) Download: Download full-size image

Honokiol-Loaded β-D-Glucan/Chitosan Nanoparticles with Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities for Promoting MRSA-Infected Wound Healing

Background:Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) wound infections are a major clinical concern due to their high prevalence and the growing risk of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies.Methods: Herein, we fabricated a novel antibiotic-free nanodrug delivery system (HNK/DG-COS NPs) by loading honokiol (HNK), a hydrophobic natural antimicrobial agent, onto a dual-polysaccharide carrier composed of chitosan (COS) and β-D-glucan (DG), for the treatment of MRSA-infected wounds. COS endows the nanoparticles with synergistic antibacterial activity together with HNK, while DG improves their anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capacities. The physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, as well as their in vitro antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, were systematically evaluated. Furthermore, an MRSA-infected wound model was constructed to verify their therapeutic efficacy.Results: HNK/DG-COS NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with a uniform particle size of approximately 200 nm. In vitro experiments have shown that HNK/DG-COS NPs can significantly kill MRSA and inhibit biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy further revealed that the nanoparticles exerted antibacterial effects by disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell membranes. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, treatment with HNK/DG-COS NPs significantly mitigated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Cell migration assays confirmed that nanoparticles effectively enhanced L929 cell migration. In vivo, treatment with HNK/DG-COS NPs significantly accelerated MRSA-infected wound healing in mice, mitigated inflammatory damage, stimulated collagen production and repaired damaged tissues.Conclusions: HNK/DG-COS NPs represent a promising antibiotic-free candidate for intervention against early-stage MRSA-infected wounds.

Buxus alkaloid KBA01 targets Valosin-containing protein to inhibit colorectal cancer progression via the p53-Wnt/β-catenin axis

Jiajian Wang,Yongnan Su,Lanqing Zhang,Hanchuan Mou,Wei Wu,Yunxin Xia,Fei Yu,Fan Yang,Jihong Zhang

ABPP identifies valine-containing protein (VCP) as a KBA01 direct action target. • KBA01 specifically degrades p53 R273 by targeting VCP. • Distinct from p53 degraders, KBA01 has a unique role in disrupting the dominant negative effect of p53 R273H Background Mutant p53 is closely associated with tumor proliferation and metastasis, making an attractive therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Buxus alkaloids exhibit antibacterial and antiviral properties, however, research into their antitumor potential remains limited. KBA01, a triterpenoid alkaloid isolated from the leaves and stems of Buxus bodinieri Levl, activates the p53 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells; however, its drug targets and mechanism of action remain unclear. Purpose To identify the molecular target of KBA01 and elucidate how it suppresses tumor growth through activation of the p53 signaling pathway. Methods Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) assay was performed to identify the potential target of KBA01. Wound healing, cell colony formation and transwell assays were conducted to elucidate the effects of KBA01 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Western blot, RT-qPCR, Immunoprecipitation (IP), Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and Luciferase reporter assays were applied to investigate the effects of KBA01 on p53 function. The colorectal cancer xenograft experiment was performed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer activity. Results KBA01 targets Valosin-containing protein (VCP), reducing its interaction with p53 R273H and thereby promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of mutant p53. Consequently, KBA01 disrupts the dominant negative effect of mutant p53. KBA01 elevated the p53 downstream targeted genes p21 and PUMA mRNA and protein levels, thereby activating the p53 signaling pathway and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in vitro . In addition, KBA01 inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in tumor cells harboring mutant p53. Further in vivo studies demonstrated that KBA01 significantly suppressed tumor growth in colorectal cancer xenograft models by inducing mutant p53 depletion and reactivating p53 downstream target genes, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of 61.39%. Conclusion These findings identify VCP as the molecular target of KBA01 and suggest that KBA01 selectively promotes the degradation of mutant p53 R273H, thereby alleviating its dominant-negative effect and restoring p53 signaling. Collectively, this study broadens the potential pharmacological applications of Buxus alkaloids and supports the further investigation of KBA01 as a lead compound for mutant p53-targeted therapy. Download: Download high-res image (255KB) Download: Download full-size image

pH-responsive sodium alginate/CMCS/CMCNa composite hydrogel beads for sustained delivery of 5-fluorouracil-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

Yaling Wu,Peipei Xu,Jing Lin,WanJing Li,Qing Lin,Hanhao Lu,Jingbo Chen,Zhenhua Liu,Yudong Lu

Colorectal cancer chemotherapy often faces challenges such as rapid drug clearance, non-specific biodistribution, and burst release, leading to systemic toxicity and reduced therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a colon-targeted sustained-release hydrogel bead system based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and biocompatible polymers (CMCS/CMCNa/SA). The results demonstrated that the incorporation of β-CD significantly enhanced the drug loading capacity through host–guest interactions. Under the optimal mass ratio of drug complex to wall material (15 : 35), the encapsulation efficiency reached as high as 81.23%. Drug release kinetics showed high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.9) in zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. The β-CD-modified hydrogel matrix effectively sustained the release of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) within the therapeutic window while minimizing the initial burst release. In conclusion, this intelligent delivery system takes advantage of the host–guest inclusion of β-CD and the pH-responsive properties of the polymers, showing promise for localized treatment of colorectal cancer.

A synergy strategy of deep eutectic solvents and boric acid modified β-CD polymer for enhancing enantioseparation in HPLC

Xiaoqian Yuan,Ziyi Cheng,Jiajia Fu,Wanting Duan,Yuchen Cui,Ruijun Tang,Xinru Wang,Youxin Li

Background Enantiomeric separation is essential in pharmaceutical analysis because enantiomers can differ markedly in pharmacological activity, metabolism, and safety. HPLC using chiral mobile-phase additives (CMPAs), particularly cyclodextrin-based selectors, provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative to dedicated chiral stationary phases. However, conventional cyclodextrin CMPA systems are often limited by insufficient stereodiscrimination under aqueous-organic mobile-phase conditions, where solvation and weak noncovalent interactions can restrict chiral recognition. This study explores the potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as auxiliary mobile-phase modifiers for enhancing enantioseparation in β-cyclodextrin polymer-based HPLC chiral mobile phase analysis. Results Seven DESs with different hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor compositions and molar ratios were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, 1 H NMR, DSC, viscosity, and column-pressure measurements. The DESs were incorporated into HPLC-CMPA systems containing boric acid-modified β-cyclodextrin polymer (BA-β-CDP) and four other cyclodextrin derivatives as chiral selectors. The DES-assisted BA-β-CDP system improved the resolution of all ten chiral analytes. The resolutions of chlorpheniramine, propranolol, metoprolol, and bisoprolol increased by 17.16, 14.61, 12.63, and 8.86, respectively. Furthermore, danshensu, salbutamol, naringin and neohesperidin achieved complete separation with Rs of 2.60, 1.82, 1.52 and 2.52, respectively, which were slightly separated (Rs = 0.98 for danshensu and 0.40 for salbutamol) or remained unresolved in the absence of DES (Rs = 0 for naringin and neohesperidin). The system remained stable for at least 60 days, with RSD values below 1.30%. Significance and novelty In this paper, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) by modulating the hydrogen-bonding network and solvation microenvironment were introduced as auxiliary modifiers into the chiral mobile-phase additive (CMPA) mode of HPLC for the first time which could synergistically enhance chiral recognition. This strategy offers a green, versatile, and cost-effective solution for advancing chiral separation on conventional C18 columns in HPLC.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 augments vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via activating the Wnt/β-catenin/Runx2 axis

Chen Huihui,Zhang Guolei,Jin Jingjing,Cheng Mei Juan,Zhang Dongxue,Niu Zhezhe,Zhu Rongfang,Qian Yuetong,Liang Xiangnan,He Lei,Zhou Wei,Zhang Shenglei,Bai Yaling,Xu Jin Sheng

Purpose Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent and a significant cardiovascular risk factor in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is a secreted glycoprotein closely associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway which plays a crucial role in bone formation, but its function and mechanism in VC remain unknown. Methods Serum and radial artery tissues were collected from CKD patients with or without VC. The cellular model of VSMCs’ calcification was established under high-phosphate conditions in vitro. Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence were used to detect SFRP1 expression. The function of SFRP1 was identified by transfection with sh-SFRP1 and pCMV3-SFRP1 plasmid. Results Initially, bioinformatics analysis showed that SFRP1 expression was significantly elevated in high-phosphate-stimulated rat VSMCs. Subsequently, we discovered that the expression of SFRP1 was dramatically increased in the calcified arteries of CKD patients. Functionally, when SFRP1 was knocked down, the calcification process and the expression of Runx2 were attenuated. In contrast, SFRP1 overexpression exacerbated the β-GP-induced VSMCs’ calcification. Mechanistically, we confirmed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the in vitro calcification model and this activation was inhibited by SFRP1 knockdown. Furthermore, when the Wnt/β-catenin signaling was enhanced with LiCl, the suppressing effect of SFRP1 knockdown on β-GP-induced osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs was reversed, and calcification was promoted. Conclusion We identified that SFRP1 promoted vascular calcification in CKD partly by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/Runx2 axis, suggesting that SFRP1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for VC in CKD.

Degradable Poly(β-amino ester) Nano Delivery Systems with On-Demand Release for Synergistic Control of Tomato Bacterial Wilt

Donglai Zhang,An Zhao,Yun Fang,Zerui Li,Muchuan Chen,Wenbo Shi,Haonan Zhang,Zifeng Yang,Jingli Cheng,Jinhao Zhao

Structural design of degradable polymers provides a versatile platform for precision agrochemical delivery; however, the application of poly(β-amino esters) (PAE)─a class of materials widely utilized in biomedical fields─remains largely unexplored in managing complex soil-borne agricultural diseases. In this study, poly(β-amino esters) (PAE) with precisely controlled hydrophilic–hydrophobic balances were synthesized via Michael addition polymerization to encapsulate the potent antibiotic pleuromutilin (PLE). To align the delivery profile with the “acute outbreak and persistent infection” stages of tomato bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), a mixed delivery system was innovatively engineered by blending fast- and slow-release PAE variants at a 2:1 mass ratio. Pot experiments demonstrated that this binary blended system achieved superior and stable control efficiencies of 71.42% and 52.63% at 7 and 14 days postinoculation, respectively, effectively resolving the inherent spatiotemporal mismatch of conventional formulations. Temporally, the dual-release profile bridges the efficacy gap associated with rapid decay. Spatially, the cationic PAE overcame off-target leaching by ensuring targeted deposition and localized retention (>90%) within the rhizosphere (0–4 cm). Crucially, the system exhibited negligible upward systemic translocation, reinforcing root-targeted delivery while minimizing pesticide residue risks in above-ground edible tissues. Mechanistically, this cationic PAE also promoted synergistic antibacterial activity via electrostatic membrane disruption. Furthermore, PAE encapsulation significantly enhanced the environmental stability of PLE, maintaining >50% retention after 4000 min of intense UV irradiation. Coupled with a 10-fold reduction in acute toxicity toward nontarget earthworms, this structurally tunable PAE platform provides a robust and sustainable strategy for the precision spatiotemporal management of soil-borne bacterial diseases.

ZnO Thin Film-Enhanced Solar-Blind Ultraviolet Photodetection in β-Ga2O3 and Its Application for Highly Sensitive Albumin Detection

Ao Ye,Yaru Wang,Luwei Feng,Xiaozhan Yang,Wenlin Feng

To address the low carrier separation efficiency and insufficient response of pristine β-Ga 2 O 3 -based solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors, a low-cost, non-vacuum heterostructure strategy was proposed. β-Ga 2 O 3 thin films were prepared by mist chemical vapor deposition, and ZnO layers were deposited via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction to construct an Au/β-Ga 2 O 3 /ZnO/Au heterojunction photodetector. Material characterization verified a clean heterointerface without impurity phases, and the built-in electric field significantly promoted carrier separation. Under 254   nm illumination at 40   V bias, the device delivers a photocurrent of 3.94 μA, 20 times higher than the pristine β-Ga 2 O 3 detector. The responsivity reaches 10.98   A/W, detectivity is 3.69×10 12 Jones, and external quantum efficiency is up to 5.36×10 3 %, enhanced by 20, 19, and 23 times respectively, with markedly improved rise speed and stable switching response. Moreover, the device shows a good linear relationship (R 2 =0.98115) between photocurrent response and bovine serum albumin concentration, enabling highly sensitive protein detection. This work provides a low-cost route for high-performance β-Ga 2 O 3 solar-blind photodetectors and extends their application to rapid, non-destructive UV biosensing.

Sequential cryoablation enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in pancreatic cancer by downregulating TGF-β mediated fibrosis in the sub-lethal zone

Yukun Cao,Xin Li,Wangang Gong,Jia Tan,Jing Shen,Xinli Zhou

Cryoablation remodels desmoplastic TME in pancreatic cancer. • Sub-lethal freezing inhibits TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. • Cryoablation preceding chemotherapy yields superior efficacy. • Disruption of fibrotic barriers sensitizes PDAC to chemotherapy. Cryoablation is effective for solid tumors but is often constrained by limited thermal efficiency and incomplete ablation. Conventional strategies prioritize expanding lethal isotherms to minimize the sub-lethal zone, a practice that increases the risk of collateral injury to adjacent critical structures. This study proposes a novel strategy utilizing the sub-lethal zone to remodel the tumor microenvironment for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Using pancreatic cancer and stellate cell co-cultured spheroids and subcutaneous tumor models, we investigated fibrotic tumor microenvironment changes induced by the cryoablation sub-lethal zone combined with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. Results demonstrated that cryoablation significantly disrupted collagen structures and downregulated TGF-β1, p-Smad3, α-SMA, and Collagen I expression. This modulation is associated with the mitigation of fibrotic barriers, thereby potentially improving the accessibility of chemotherapy drugs within the sub-lethal zone. In vivo, cryoablation followed by chemotherapy yielded optimal efficacy compared to reverse sequencing or monotherapy, significantly inhibiting angiogenesis and promoting mitochondrial apoptosis via upregulated Bax and Caspase-3 levels. In conclusion, cryoablation functions as a potent tumor microenvironment remodeler. By downregulating TGF-β/Smad signaling, it sensitizes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to subsequent chemotherapy, offering a superior sequential strategy to effectively inhibit the growth of residual tumor cells, offering an approach to improve local tumor control in PDAC.

A lipid droplet–targeted aiegen probe reveals stage-dependent LRP1 spatial regulation and impaired amyloid-β uptake in NAFLD

Panyi Hu,Liping Su,Jinfeng Liu,Rui Zhao,Dong Wang,Jiahan Cheng,Xiaohe Tian

Reliable visualization of lipid droplet (LD) remodeling remains challenging because conventional LD probes often suffer from background fluorescence and limited photostability in lipid-rich cellular environments. Here, we developed LD-TTP, an LD-targeting fluorescent probe integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties. LD-TTP exhibits strong fluorescence activation, high selectivity, and excellent photostability, enabling robust imaging and quantitative analysis of LD dynamics in cell-based steatotic models. Using staged steatotic HepG2 cells, we found that LD remodeling was accompanied by stage-dependent changes in the spatial distribution of the amyloid-β (Aβ)-associated receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 (LRP1). In early steatosis, LRP1 expression increased and became enriched around LDs, coinciding with enhanced uptake of exogenous Cy5-labeled Aβ. As steatosis progressed, LRP1 expression declined, and its LD-associated localization was lost, paralleling reduced Aβ uptake. A diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibitor partially restored Aβ uptake in moderate-to-severe steatotic HepG2 cells. These findings provide cellular-level evidence for a stage-dependent relationship among LD remodeling, LRP1 alteration, and Aβ uptake in hepatocytes. Although the present results offer mechanistic clues at the cellular level, they do not fully capture the influence of the physiological microenvironment in vivo . Further animal studies will be required to determine whether these LD–LRP1–Aβ-associated changes are maintained under physiological conditions.