RSC Advances

Komikawa, Takumi; Miyake, Takahiro; Morooka, Mayu; Kawakami, Rikuto; Saito, Shogo; Critchley, Kevin; Evans, Stephen D.; Okochi, Mina; Tanaka, Masayoshi

doi: 10.1039/d5ra08200epmid: 41393207

Spectrin αII and βII, the predominant non-erythroid isoforms, assemble into cytoskeletal networks that shape the plasma membrane. However, how these networks interact with membranes of different curvatures remains unclear. Using microfluidic deformation cytometry, we show that spectrin βII overexpression increases the apparent stiffness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Fluorescence microscopy further demonstrates that spectrin is excluded from highly curved regions and enriched on flatter membranes in vivo, specifically those with an absolute curvature |κ| < 0.2 µm−1. Consistently, in vitro reconstitution with spherical supported lipid bilayers (SSLBs) shows that purified spectrin heterodimers preferentially bind low-curvature membranes, exhibiting ∼15-fold higher association with 1000 nm SSLBs (|κ| ≈ 0.5 µm−1) than with 30 nm SSLBs (|κ| ≈ 66.7 µm−1). This common curvature-dependent preference is promoted by spectrin oligomerization. Together, these results establish spectrin as a curvature-responsive cortical scaffold that selectively stabilizes flat membrane domains, thereby maintaining cellular stiffness.

Fuse, Santosh A.; Dhawale, Somnath C.; Mulik, Balaji B.; Dighole, Raviraj P.; Madje, Balaji R.; Sathe, Bhaskar R.

doi: 10.1039/d5ra08120cpmid: 41393210

We report an efficient approach for the synthesis of medicinally important dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles derivatives by using Fe3O4@BTC nanocomposite (NCs) based catalytic system. The Fe3O4@BTC NCs were successfully synthesised via. immobilizing benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (BTC) on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The synthesised NCs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) which disclose the formation of a crystalline structure of Fe3O4@BTC NCs, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy suggests the presence of Fe–O band at 576 cm−1 in addition to –C00000000000000000000000000000000111111110000000011111111000000000000000000000000O, –O–H stretching frequencies are also observed, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) represents the spherical shape of Fe3O4@BTC NCs, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed the particle size tobe ∼10.335 nm, energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) shows the presence of Fe, C and O elements, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area reveals its specific surface area 84.87 m2 g−1 and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows its exceptional higher thermal stability. Furthermore, all dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles derivatives were synthesised with high yield (79–92%), in shorter time (4–12 min). Recyclability of NCs was also investigated and it was found that the NCs can be reused over five cycles without any significant loss in its activity. Significantly, this protocol has prominent benefits such as high yields of product, shorter reaction time, facile workup, recyclable, use of ultrasound as clean energy source and absence of toxic solvents.

Khayatkashani, Maryam; Almansarawi, Safaa Abdulkadhim; Honarmand, Ebrahim; Sadeghi, Fateme Sadat; Ehsani, Ali; Jasim, Layth S.; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud

doi: 10.1039/d5ra90142apmid: 41403650

Correction for ‘Electrochemical detection of chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans by a carbon paste electrode modified with MWCNTs and Cr-MOF’ by Maryam Khayatkashani et al., RSC Adv., 2025, 15, 41314–41329, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA05186J.

Yu, Yuxin; Luo, Wanxin; Zhong, YiWen; Li, Dongfang; Wang, Sen; Bai, Yidan; Zhao, Junlong; He, Lan

doi: 10.1039/d5ra07575kpmid: 41393205

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP) and double-stranded DNA, as understanding its mechanism of action is crucial for optimizing its use as a veterinary antiprotozoal agent. Using calf thymus DNA as a model, we systematically explored the binding of IMDP to DNA via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Competitive displacement assays, thermal denaturation analysis, circular dichroism spectroscopy, ion interference experiments, viscosity measurement, and molecular docking. Results indicated that IMDP binds to DNA with a decrease in hypochromicity rates of 23.95% and 22.17%. Notably, the Tm value rose from 69 °C to 71 °C upon binding, and the circular dichroism spectrum peaks remained nearly unchanged, suggesting a groove binding mode with minimal impact on DNA conformation and viscosity. Our findings confirm that IMDP binds to double-stranded DNA by interacting within the DNA groove, supporting its potential as a DNA-targeting antiparasitic drug.

Padil, Vinod V. T.; Shin, Sung-Ho; Pin, Min Wook; Chang, Joon Ha; Do Shin, Hyeon; Mulvihill, Daniel M.; Qian, Jiamu; Matteini, Paolo; Hwang, Byungil; Yun, Tae Gwang; Cheong, Jun Young; Kim, Il-Doo

doi: 10.1039/d5ra04176gpmid: 41403670

A major challenge for portable and wearable systems is reliable delivery of electrical power without use of external power supply. Herein, we exploit water droplets to produce electricity in the form of portable or wearable devices to operate electronic systems. An active polymeric layer composed of PVA [poly(vinyl alcohol)] with PSSA [poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid)] (a proton source) and PSSA-MA [poly(styrene sulfonic acid-co-maleic acid)] (cross-linking agent) is employed to charge the supercapacitor. By water absorption and ion diffusion, the energy conversion device reliably generates a DC output for long-term period. The Output performance of combined devices were simply increased up to 1.8 V in serial connection and 1.2 mA in parallel connection. Finally, the device is capable of storing electrical energy using supercapacitors of 220 mF up to 3.2 V, delivering power to a 60 mW practical device. This highlights the potential of a water-induced innovative power supply technology that is able to be integrated with the human body in portable and wearable forms for driving sensors and small electronics.

Darwish, A. G.; Farouk, Mohamed I.; Abdelglil, Mostafa I.; Abo-Mosallam, H. A.

doi: 10.1039/d5ra08604cpmid: 41393204

This work was motivated by the limited stability and dielectric performance of phosphate glasses. The main goal is to examine how small MoO3 additions (0–4 mol%) affect structure, elastic properties, and dielectric response in a mixed-alkali calcium phosphate host. New mixed alkali calcium phosphate with different MoO3 contents with nominal composition 10K2O–10Na2O–(20 − X)CaO–XMoO3–60P2O5 (mole%) glasses (where X = 0, 1, 2, and 4 mol%) were swimmingly prepared via melt quenching. The impact of doping with MoO3 on the structure, physical and mechanical strength of the prepared glass samples was studied. It is determined that MoO3/CaO molar ratio substitution led to an increase the density and oxygen packing density (OPD) and a decrease molar volume because the internal structure has changed for the non-crystalline specimens. The calculated mechanical parameters revealed that MoO3-modified samples have the highest mechanical resistance due to the increased bond strength and structural rigidity. The permittivity of glass samples was measured from 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz at temperatures from 25 °C to 150 °C. The neat glass showed little change in high-frequency permittivity. Adding MoO3 increased low-frequency permittivity and widened the dispersion range. Two processes appeared: a slow interfacial response at low frequencies and a faster dipolar response at mid-frequencies. The physical, mechanical and electrical data propose that the vitreous materials under study are varied conductors with both electronic and ionic conductivity as suitable for high-performance energy storage capacitor materials. The prepared glass is lead-free and composed of abundant, low-toxicity oxides, aligning with environmentally responsible and sustainable dielectric design.

Bijalwan, Viranchika; Schlögl, Sandra; Rana, Sravendra

doi: 10.1039/d5ra07879bpmid: 41393206

Dynamic covalent bonds have revolutionized polymer science by imparting advanced properties to the polymer networks, such as autonomous repair, reprocessability, adaptability, and shape recovery. The use of biobased precursors, such as plant-derived oils and natural monomers, further enhances the sustainability and environmental compatibility of these materials. By pairing dynamic covalent bonds with biobased precursors, 3D printing technologies can produce functional materials with both high performance and reduced environmental impact. In this study, we develop biobased thiol–acrylate vitrimers tailored for 3D printing applications, specifically targeting soft active devices with self-healing and shape-memory capabilities. Utilizing a digital light processing 3D printing technique, the resin formulation contains AESBO (an acrylated epoxidized soybean oil), a glycerol-derived reactive diluent, and a thiol crosslinker to attain tunable viscoelastic properties and dynamic bond exchange reactions within the printed object. The presence of hydroxyl–ester bonds in the thiol–acrylate network enables efficiently catalysed transesterification at elevated temperature in the presence of a tin-based catalyst Sn(Oct)2. Notably, Sn(Oct)2 functions not only as an efficient transesterification catalyst but also as a stabilizing additive that prevents premature gelation, ensuring resin shelf-stability for over two months. Experimental analysis such as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), reveals the significant impact of AESBO content on glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical performance, and network adaptability. The findings from stress relaxation experiments indicate that the printed material is capable of dissipating 63% of its initial stresses within 3.6 minutes at a temperature of 200 °C, thereby facilitating self-healing and shape reformation. The materials showed promising healing, shape memory, degradability, and reprocessing capabilities, highlighting its potential for use in soft active devices and soft robotics application.

Rajan, Akshta; Arora, Kashima; Vidhani, Bhavna; Dalal, Jasvir; Kumar, Pawan

doi: 10.1039/d5ra08186fpmid: 41403656

ZnO-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors are widely studied due to their wide bandgap and higher photosensitivity. However, the ZnO thin-film UV photodetectors face higher dark current and limited gain despite their wide bandgap advantage. Here, Au overlayers (5–40 nm) were deposited on optimized 221 nm ZnO (prepared via sol–gel method) films using cost-effective spin-coating (ZnO film) and RF sputtering (Au overlayers). Au induces Schottky barriers (ϕAu = 5.47 eV > ϕZnO = 4.45 eV) that suppress dark current down to 7.29 nA. Meanwhile, plasmonic Au nanoparticles generate localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) hot electrons that enhance UV absorption and photocurrent. The device with a 10 nm Au overlayer achieves an excellent photoresponse of 7.79 × 103 and a photocurrent of 50 µA under ultra-low 24 µW cm−2 UV illumination (365 nm). This performance surpasses literature values at lower UV intensity, also among the highest reported for ZnO detectors prepared using the sol–gel method. The optimized Au–ZnO devices also exhibit fast response (Tr = 15 s) and scalable fabrication routes. These results reveal the promise of Au/ZnO hybrid thin films for sensitive, lower-intensity UV detection with applications in flame sensing, wearable optoelectronics, and environmental monitoring.

Xu, Xingjun; Wang, Zhiwei; Huang, Anjie; Qiao, Zhongjing; Ge, Yonglin; Wen, Hui; Cheng, Junxiang; Zhao, Yaopeng; Liang, Xinmiao

doi: 10.1039/d5ra07312jpmid: 41393208

β-Caryolane derivatives possess a unique skeletal structure and a wide range of practical applications. Recent studies suggest that certain β-caryolane derivatives may exhibit enhanced anti-colorectal cancer activity compared to their natural parent compounds, β-caryolanol and β-caryophyllene (β-CP). However, the structural diversity of known β-caryolane derivatives remains limited, likely due to challenges in their synthesis. In this study, we systematically investigated, for the first time, the reactivity of three nucleophiles (sulfonamides, amides, and azide) with β-CP under acid catalysis. The corresponding β-caryolane-type products were successfully obtained in a single step. The azide-addition product further underwent click reactions with various alkynes to yield triazole derivatives. Compared to β-CP or β-caryolanol, most amino-substituted β-caryolane derivatives demonstrated significantly improved anti-proliferative activity against several colorectal cancer cell lines, especially HT-29 cells. Among them, compound NC-19 showed the most potent antiproliferative effect against HT-29 cells with an IC50 of 2.496 ± 0.255 µM. Preliminary pharmacological mechanism studies indicated that NC-19 induces apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, significantly increases intracellular ROS levels and suppresses cell migration in HT-29 cells. These results expanded the chemical diversity of bioactive β-caryolane derivatives and offered new options for the development of anti-colorectal cancer agents.

Wang, Yongjun; Han, Cheng; Wu, Xiaohan; Xiang, Minglin; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Xiaoshan; Wang, Bing; Wang, Yingde

doi: 10.1039/d5ra08531dpmid: 41393211

Continuous selective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds exhibits broad application prospects, serving as a key process for the synthesis of high-value-added polymer monomers and pharmaceutical intermediates. The fabrication of heterogeneous catalysts being even more critical to enabling this continuous process. Herein, the traditional preparation protocol of supported Ru-based catalysts was systematically optimized, resulting in a novel Ru/MgO–Al2O3 catalyst with highly dispersed, ultra-small Ru nanoparticles. This innovative catalyst demonstrated exceptional catalytic activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of phenolic compounds to alicyclic alcohols, with preferential aromatic ring hydrogenation and suppressed C–O/C–C bond hydrogenolysis. Leveraging this insight, additional studies revealed its comparable outstanding activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of aromatic esters and ethers to corresponding alicyclic derivatives. This discovery is critical for realizing aromatic hydrocarbon saturation and non-aromatic residue in chemical processes, thereby endowing it with profound significance in the field of chemical manufacturing.