Currently, incorporating multiple therapeutic functions into one nanoplatform is attracting increasing attention for the development of efficient anticancer agents. Here, a novel core–shell–shell nanoparticle, which was synthesized to integrate imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy for enhanced antitumor efficiency, consists of upconversion (UC) core (NaYF4:Yb,Tm@NaYF4), Hypocrellin A (HA)/carbon dot (C-Dot) embodied silica sandwich shell, and mesoporous silica outer-shell. A photolabile o-nitrobenzyl derivative linker (NB linker) was prepared as the sensitive “gate” to encapsulate an anticancer drug (doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX) in the mesopore. Upon 980 nm light irradiation, the UV-emission can induce the bond breaking of the NB linker as well as drug release. The visible emission can stimulate HA to generate singlet oxygen species (ROS); moreover the incorporated C-Dots also can absorb this light to evolve heat. In view of the excess expression of the lactobionic acid (LA) receptor on tumor cells, LA were grafted outside the nanocomposites to insure their specific targeting. The synergistic effect of NIR-triggered chemotherapy with PTT and PDT would be expected to reveal the enhanced cytotoxicity to cancer cells. And the novel UC and C/HA fluorescence also makes the nanocomposites a potential candidate for the imaging-guided multi-therapy.

Currently, functional nanocomposites consisting of multiple therapy properties have attracted significant attention in the development of anticancer therapeutic agents. Herein, an enzyme and pH-responsive nanocomposite was constructed for sensitive intracellular drug release and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The nanocarrier, about 75 nm in size, is composed of an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP, NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4) core and mesoporous silica shell doped with chlorine e6 (Ce6) (UCNP@mSiO2-Ce6). Then, the sensitive linker succinic acid–glycine–phenylalanine–leucine–glycine (SGFLG) was prepared and grafted on to the nanovehicle to encapsulate the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The in vitro release kinetics was studied to reveal the sensitive DOX release, depending on the enzyme (cathepsin B) concentration and pH value. To further ensure the targeting of the tumor tissue, transferrin (Tf) was grafted, and then cellular uptake/release studies were carried out using HeLa as a model cancer cell and L02 (normal liver cell) as the control. The enhanced cytotoxicity towards HeLa over L02 cells is ascribed to the excess expression of Tf receptors, high concentration of cathepsin B, and the lower pH environment in cancer cells. In addition, under NIR irradiation, the visible light emission could excite Ce6 to generate reactive oxygen and to achieve PDT, which is associated with sensitive chemotherapy to further improve the specific cytotoxicity. The novel nanoplatform has potential application in cancer treatment.

Currently, incorporating multiple therapeutic functions into one nanostructure has attracted more and more attention for the development of efficient anticancer agents. In this study, a uniform core–shell UCNPs@mSiO2 nanocomposite was prepared as the carrier to develop the NIR light-controlled chemotherapy associated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). In view of the novel UV emission, the semiconductor photosensitizer TiO2 was exploited due to its high efficiency and chemical stability. The host modification method was used to integrate TiO2 doping and mesoporous structure, which can store anticancer drug molecules (doxorubicin, DOX). To improve the utilization of emission, a photolabile o-nitrobenzyl derivative was incorporated to form a sensitive linker (NB linker) as a “gate” to make sure the few leak. Upon NIR irradiation, the UV emission can not only excite TiO2 to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also induce the breaking of NB linker as well as drug release. The NIR-triggered performances were further demonstrated by the cell experiment using HeLa cells as the model cancer cell. The synergistic effect of chemotherapy and PDT induces enhanced cytotoxicity, which is more powerful than their simple effects added together. Therefore, the novel NIR light-controlled double-therapeutic nanocomposite should be a potential candidate for anticancer agents.

•A rattle-structured UCNPs@mHTiO2 nanocomposite was constructed as the nanocarrier.•The LRET from UCNPs to DOX was used to monitor intercellular drug release kinetics.•The hollow mesoporous structure ensures the high surface area and loading capacity.•The synergistic effect of chemotherapy and PDT induces the enhanced cytotoxicity.Recently, incorporating multiple components into one nanoplatform for anticancer theranostics has attracted most attention. Herein, a rattle-structured nanocomposite by using UCNPs (NaYF4:Yb,Tm@NaYF4) as core coated with hollow mesoporous TiO2 (UCNPs@mHTiO2) was constructed as the nanocarrier. First, UCNPs@SiO2@TiO2 was prepared, by a selective etching method to remove SiO2 shell, to make sure the hollow mesoporous structure and high surface area (347 m2 g−1) of UCNPs@mHTiO2. Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, the UV emission can excite TiO2 to produce ROS and to realize photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, the hollow structure offers space to store antitumor drug molecules (doxorubicin, DOX) and this nanocomposite also exhibits the improved DOX release in mildly acidic environment, which could greatly promote chemotherapy efficiency. Moreover, the luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) from UCNPs to DOX, owing to the effective distance restricted by the cavity, can be used to monitor the intercellular drug release kinetics. HeLa cells were used as the model cancer cells and the detailed cell experiments show the enhanced cytotoxicity, ascribing to the synergistic effect of chemotherapy and PDT. Therefore, the novel multifunctional nanocomposite, combining with chemotherapy, PDT, and imaging, should be a potential candidate in anticancer field.Download high-res image (227KB)Download full-size image

The design and synthesis of unique novel heterostructures for high-performance photocatalytic activity has exerted a tremendous fascination and has recently attracted intensive attention. In this work, a branch-like α-Fe2O3/TiO2 heterostructure has been synthesized controllably through an electrospinning method combined with a hydrothermal approach. The backbone of the heterostructure is composed of a 3D porous TiO2 nanofiber (∼70 nm in diameter) network with plenty of α-Fe2O3 nanorods (100–200 nm in length) deposited on them. The novel branch-like nanocomposites have an abundantly porous structure as well as large surface areas (up to 42.8 m2 g−1). In addition, their visible light photodegradation behaviour towards organic dyes, including Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), eosin red (ER) and methyl orange (MO), was investigated. Their excellent photocatalytic performances are attributed to their large surfaces, improved visible light absorption and high separation efficiency of the photogenerated electrons/holes. Furthermore, the degradation process was further studied by varying the amount of α-Fe2O3 deposited. The sample α-Fe2O3/TiO2-3 possessed the best performance to efficiently decolor CR solution even at a high concentration of 50 mg L−1 (160 min, 94 mg g−1), ascribed to the high adsorption capacity derived from the large surface, strong electrostatic interaction and structural match between α-Fe2O3/TiO2-3 and CR. These α-Fe2O3/TiO2 heterostructures exhibit great potential for decontamination of organic pollutants in waste water under visible light.

Nanocomposites have attracted the most attention for antitumor treatment. Here, we present a near-infrared (NIR) sensitive nanovehicle to reveal synergistic chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP) NaYF4:Yb, Tm@NaYF4 were adopted as the core using a one-step coprecipitation method to realize the coating of the mesoporous silica shell and the doping of photosensitizer Hypocrellin A (HA). Furthermore, a UV light-cleavable 4-(2-carboxy-ethylsulfanylmethyl)-3-nitro-benzoic acid linker (CNBA) was synthesized and grafted outside as a “gate” to insure the encapsulation of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Upon NIR irradiation, the UV light emission (derived from UCNP) can induce the break of the CNBA linker to make the “gate” open and cause drug release. Besides, the blue emission (450–470 nm) can excite HA to generate reactive oxygen (ROS) to achieve PDT. Owing to the nanoscale particle size (75 nm) and targeting transferrin (Tf) modification, these nanocomposites possess fast uptake by cancer cells (HeLa and MCF-7) and the enhanced cytotoxicity is derived from the synergistic effect of chemotherapy and PDT that would easily be controlled by the acting strength and time of NIR irradiation. Hence, the NIR light-sensitive nanocomposites are expected to be the promising and flexible platform for cancer treatment.

Bimetallic nanostructures show exciting potential as materials for effective catalysis. Magnetically recoverable bimetallic nanoparticles are promising catalysts for chemical reactions. Here, Fe3O4@Pd and Fe3O4@Au–Pd hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized and used as catalysts. The morphology, composition, and structure of the Fe3O4@Pd and Fe3O4@Au–Pd hybrid nanoparticles were fully characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, high angle annular dark-field scanning TEM, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The Fe3O4@Pd and Fe3O4@Au–Pd nanoparticles show excellent catalytic activity towards the reduction of nitrophenols and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III). In addition, the magnetic bimetallic heterogeneous nanoparticles can be easily recycled, showing good reusability; conversion higher than 99% was achieved after 6 cycles.

•Diselenide linker gated Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanoplatform was constructed as drug carrier.•The nanocomposite reveals the glutathione triggered drug release.•The enhanced cytotoxicity to cancer cells benefits from the enhanced cellular drug release.•The folic acid associated with magnetic core insures the targeting.The targeting drug release is significant to the anticancer treatment. In this context, the redox-responsive drug delivery has attracted most attention owing to the intracellular reductive environment, such as the high concentration of glutathione reductase in many cancer cells. Herein, a glutathione sensitive drug delivery nanoplatform was constructed by using core-shell mesoporous silica nanocomposite (Fe3O4@mSiO2) as carrier. By a simple silane coupling reaction, the glutathione cleavable diselenide linker has been prepared and grafted on to Fe3O4@mSiO2 to insure the encapsulation of anticancer drug doxorubicin. The detail release kinetics studies reveal the glutathione triggered drug release, which could be further adjusted by varying the amount of diselenide linker. To improve the tumor-targeting, folic acid was grafted. The cellular uptake and drug release investigation was carried out using HeLa (cervical cancer cell line) as the model cancer cell and L02 and HUVEC (human hepatic cell line and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, non-cancerous cell lines) as control, indicating the enhanced cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells that benefits from the fast endocytosis and enhanced cellular drug release owing to their overexpressing folic acid receptors and high concentration of glutathione. Associating with the magnetic targeting, these novel nanomaterials are expected to be promising in the potential application of tumor-targeting therapy.Fe3O4@mSiO2-DOX@-Se-Se-FA nanoparticles were constructed to show the enhanced specific cytotoxicity toward cancer cell due to the overexpressing FA receptors and GSH.

A novel near infrared (NIR)-triggered anticancer drug delivery system has been successfully constructed. Firstly, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Tm,Yb@NaYF4) were synthesized as a core and mesoporous silica (mSiO2) as a shell to assemble the core–shell nanostructure (UCNP@mSiO2) as the host. Supramolecular nanovalves based on α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) torus encircling a pimelic acid thread and being held in place by a cleavable stopper (nitrobenzyl alcohol) were used as nanoscopic caps to block the pore and inhibit drug diffusion. Upon irradiation with a 980 nm laser on the nanocomposites, the emitted ultraviolet light (UV, 360 nm) photocleaved the o-nitrobenzyl (ONB) photolabile group, causing these α-CD caps to dissociate from the stalk and release the drug. The “Ladder” pulsatile release-profiles, regulated by varying the intensity and time duration of NIR irradiation, further reveal the light-triggered release performance. In addition, without NIR irradiation, few immaturities ensure the high pharmacological efficacy. Moreover, the elaborate cell experiments, by using HeLa as model cancer cells, were also carried out to reveal the good biocompatibility, fast uptake and NIR light-sensitive toxicity. Therefore, the novel NIR light-triggered drug delivery system displays great potential for cancer therapy.

Multifunctional nanocarriers based on the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle core and bis-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxy phenyl) disulfide (R–S–S–R1) modified mesoporous silica shell (Fe3O4@mSiO2@R–S–S–R1) were synthesized for cancer treatment through passive targeting and enzyme-sensitive drug release. Anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was used as the model cargo to reveal the release behavior of the system. The drug loading system (DOX–Fe3O4@mSiO2@R–S–S–R1) retains the drug until it reaches the tumor tissue where glutathione reductase (GSH) can degrade the disulfide bonds and release the drug. Furthermore, the grafting amount of R–S–S–R1 can be used to adjust the release performance. All the release behaviors fit the Higuchi model very well and the release kinetics are predominated by disulfide bond degradation and mesoporous structure. With good bioactivity and targeted release performance, the system could play an important role in the development of intracellular delivery nanodevices for cancer therapy.

Based on the expected high surface area and electrical conductivity, porous carbon attracts most attention as the potential materials on electrochemistry. Herein, mesoporous graphitic carbon fibers, with large surface areas (870–1790 m2/g) and high pore volumes (0.729–1.308 cm3/g), were synthesized by electrospinning method using PF resin and polyvinylpyrrolidone as carbon sources and triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 (P123) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as mesoporous templates. Moreover, nickel nitrate was introduced as the catalyst to improve the graphitization degree. These mesoporous graphitic carbon fibers, for use as electrodes in electrochemical supercapacitors, show the high capacitance (303 F/g at 0.7 A/g), well retentively at various discharge current, and excellent cycling stability. The above enhanced performances can be ascribed to their fiber morphology, improved porous structure and graphitization degree.

TiO2/porous carbon nanofibers (TiO2/PCNFs) were prepared for visible photocatalysis for dye degradation. PCNFs were synthesized via an electrospinning technique, exhibiting a highly porous structure and large surface area. After hydrothermal treatment, TiO2 nanorods were deposited onto the PCNFs to obtain a TiO2/PCNFs heterostructure. By adjusting the amount of Ti source material, the amount of TiO2 nanorods could be easily controlled. Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO) and eosin red (ER) were adopted as the model dye molecules, and the adsorption and visible photocatalysis studies were carried out in depth. All of the TiO2/PCNFs exhibit an enhanced visible photocatalytic efficiency and good recyclability due to the large surface, improved visible light absorption and high separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron/hole. In particular, TiO2/PCNFs-4 possesses the ability to efficiently decolor MB solution even with a high concentration (120 mg L−1, 70 min), ascribed to the high adsorption capacity derived from the strong electrostatic interaction and structure match between TiO2/PCNFs-4 and MB. These TiO2/PCNF heterostructures exhibit the great potential for practical application to eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater.

Fe3O4@mSiO2 (magnetic Fe3O4 core coated by a mesoporous silica shell) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized as a carrier. The anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and chlorambucil (Chl) were used as the model cargo. After the drug-loading, a sodium hyaluronic acid (HA) cross-linked gel was adopted to coat the outside of the Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanoparticles as a layer (named as drug–Fe3O4@mSiO2–HA) to prevent drug pervasion. The detailed release kinetics were investigated, revealing the sensitive release triggered by hyaluronidase (HAase), a major enzyme which is rich in the tumor microenvironment, which can degrade the HA shell to induce the enzyme sensitive drug release. Moreover, there are some HA receptors in many tumor areas, associating with magnetic targets to further ensure the specific targeted drug delivery. With these improved performances, these smart multifunctional nanocomposites are expected to possess potential applications in the biopharmaceutical for cancer therapy.

A Rh-catalyzed N-Ac-sulfonamide group directed C–H olefination–cyclization to afford benzofused five-ring sultam is described with high yield and a wide range of substrate scope. The N-acetyl group is a key for this transformation implying that N–H acidity is the major influence. The acetyl group is removed under mild conditions in excellent yield to provide NH-free sultam that can be transformed into various benzofused five-ring sultam analogues via acylation, nucleophilic substitution, and Mitsunobu alkylation.

In this paper, novel CdS 3D assemblies are prepared via a facile and effective hydrothermal route using dimethyl sulfoxide as the growth template. Morphologies, microstructures and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products are investigated in detail. It was found that dimethyl sulfoxide played an important role in the formation of CdS assemblies. A possible growth mechanism for CdS assemblies was proposed based on the experimental results. In addition, CdS assemblies exhibit superior photocatalytic activities by the photodegradation of eosin B, Methyl orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation, with a comparison with other CdS nanostructures, P25 and α-Fe2O3 powders, demonstrating potential applications in removal of organic dye molecules from waste water.

Manganese-based oxides have been proven to be promising materials for applications in high voltage and high energy density Li-ion batteries. In this work, by using hydrothermally synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods as the templates, we prepared single-crystalline CoMn2O4 nano/submicrorods with diameters of about 100 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers. The electrochemical tests showed that the CoMn2O4 products have a reversible capacity of 512 mA h g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 98% after 100 cycles. A specific capacity of about 400 mA h g−1 was obtained even at a current density as high as 1000 mA g−1, exhibiting a high reversibility and a good capacity retention. This study suggests that CoMn2O4 nano/submicrorods are promising anode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

In this paper, large scale hierarchical CdS dendrites are synthesized via a facile and effective hydrothermal route. The morphologies, microstructures and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products are investigated in detail. Individual CdS dendrites consist of a long central trunk with secondary and tertiary sharp branches, which preferentially grow in a parallel direction with a definite angle to the trunk. A possible growth mechanism for CdS dendrites is proposed based on the experimental results and phenomena. Photocatalytic tests reveal that eosin red can be degraded nearly completely (over 95%) after visible light irradiation of 100 min. In addition, Congo red and methylene blue aqueous solution degradation experiments are also conducted under the same conditions, revealing versatile potential applications of such dendritic structures for wastewater purification.

This paper describes the sensing application of water-dispersible thioctic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (TA-GNPs) as sensors for the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ion in water samples. The state and stability of thioctic acid decorated gold nanoparticles in pH range (pH = 4–11) were evaluated by UV/vis spectra. The thioctic acid modified GNPs could be induced to aggregate quickly in the presence of Hg2+, especially after adding a solution of 0.05 M NaCl. The detection of Hg2+ by TA-GNPs at different pH values (pH = 5, 7, 9, 11) was also investigated to optimize the experimental conditions in detail. The result indicated that the TA-GNPs at pH 5 were the most optimal choice for detecting Hg2+. The detection results of Hg2+ could be determined by the naked eye or a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The detection of Hg2+ could be realized with a detection limit of 10 nM over a long range (10 nM to 20 μM). Additionally, the selectivity of this method has been investigated using other metal ions. The TA-GNPs can selectively bind Hg2+ over other metal ions (Pb2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Ba2+, Ag+ and Cr3+), leading to prominent color change. This will provide a simple and effective colorimetric sensor (no DNA) for on-site and real-time Hg2+ ion detection. More importantly, this probe was also applied to determine the Hg2+ in lake samples, and the results demonstrate low interference and high sensitivity.

Large scale ZnS nanowire bundles and nanorod arrays have been successfully obtained by a facile solvothermal method at a mild temperature. The as-synthesized products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and water contact angle (CA) measurements. These nanostructures grow along the [0001] direction and possess a single crystalline wurtzite structure. Possible formation mechanisms for the growth of the ZnS nanostructures were proposed based on the experimental results. PL spectra of the as-synthesized products presented strong yellow light emission peaks. Water contact angle data demonstrated that the ZnS nanowire bundles possessed an excellent superhydrophobic ability.

Efficacious chemotherapy mainly hinges on the tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs. Herein we report a successful fabrication of highly photoluminescent and water dispersible ZnO quantum dotsvia a new ligand exchange free strategy. In addition to bioimaging, ZnO QDs have also been evaluated as a platform for targeted and pH responsive intracellular delivery of an anticancer drug. The cancer targeting feature is endowed by conjugating folic acid on to the surface of ZnO–NH2 QDs via an amidation reaction. Doxorubicin (DOX) is then successfully loaded onto the folic acid functionalized ZnO QDs by capitalizing on its marked tendency towards the formation of metal complexes. Drug loaded ZnO-FA QDs remain stable at physiological pH but readily disintegrate in the mildly acidic intracellular environment of cancer cells as validated by a drug release profile, confocal microscopy and a cell-cytotoxicity assay. Compared to the conventional drug nanovector, ZnO-FA QDs themselves manifest a significant therapeutic activity after reaching their targeted site, therefore, combined DOX and ZnO QDs can be more efficacious than either alone. Hence, this approach provides a valuable ZnO QDs-based nanovector that can simultaneously realize targeting, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer cells.

A new mixed surfactants system using alkyl carboxylic acids and quaternized poly[bis(2-chloroethyl)ether-alt-1,3-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl] urea] (PEPU) as the co-template was used to synthesize mesoporous silica materials with various morphologies and structures, including flakes, regular spheres, nanoparticles, and tube-spheres. The cationic polymer connected the anionic surfactant micelle to the anionic polysilicate species to induce the synthesis of the mesoporous silica materials. The structure and property of the surfactant and the cationic polymer determined the formation of mesoporous silica, and also had a signification influence on the morphology and structure of the final materials. To further explore the possible formation mechanism of these mesoporous materials, zeta potential was utilized to evaluate the interaction between the anionic surfactant and the cationic co-template. In addition, the structure, morphology, and porosity of these materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements.Graphical abstractA new mixed surfactants system using alkyl carboxylic acids and PEPU as the co-template was used to synthesize mesoporous silica materials with various morphologies and structures. .Highlights►A new mixed surfactants system induced the mesoporous silica materials with various morphologies and structure. ► It is a development of the type S−N+I− route of the mesoporous formation. ► Zeta potential was utilized to evaluate the interaction between the anionic surfactant and the cationic co-template. ► The property and amount of surfactant and polymer determined the formation of the mesoporous materials.

The bimodal porous structured silica materials consisting of macropores with the diameter of 5–20 μm and framework-like mesopores with the diameter of 4.7–6.0 nm were prepared using natural Manchurian ash and mango linin as macropored hard templates and P123 as mesopore soft templates, respectively. The macroporous structures of Manchurian ash and mango linin were replicated with the walls containing highly ordered mesoporous silica as well. As-synthesized dual porous silica was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption, fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Ibuprofen (Ibu) was employed as a model drug and the release profiles showed that the dual porous material had a sustained drug delivery capability. And such highly ordered dual pore silica materials may have potential applications for bimolecular adsorption/separation and tissue repairing.

A series of two-dimensionally (2D) ordered macroporous silica materials have been prepared by using eight natural plants as templates. The macroporous materials replicate the complicated morphologies of natural plants precisely, and retained the original pore shape of plants. Meanwhile, these macroporous materials showed roughly similar morphologies and pore structure by the same part of plants, while the distribution of macropore diameters is ca. 8–1,000 μm. It may provide a effective approach to prepare macroporous materials with different 2D pore and complicated morphologies. These 2D ordered macropore silica materials may have potentially application for tissue repairing and templates materials to produce other kinds of macropores or hierarchically porous materials.

ZnS nanobelts with large aspect ratio are successfully synthesized on a large scale through thermally evaporating of ZnS powder with a trace of SnO2 powder using gold coated Si wafer as the substrate at 1100°C. The results indicate that the as-obtained ZnS nanobelts are about 10 nm in thickness and hundreds of micrometers in length, and the aspect ratio reaches more than 104. Substrate dependent experiments are conducted to better study the growth mechanism of the ZnS nanobelts. Subsequently, optical properties of the as-synthesized ZnS nanobelts are also investigated by using a cathodoluminescence (CL) system, which shows the existence of a strong ultraviolet emission at 342 nm and two poor emission peaks at 522 nm and 683 nm at room temperature, respectively.

Manganese-based oxides have been proven to be promising materials for applications in high voltage and high energy density Li-ion batteries. In this work, by using hydrothermally synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods as the templates, we prepared single-crystalline CoMn2O4 nano/submicrorods with diameters of about 100 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers. The electrochemical tests showed that the CoMn2O4 products have a reversible capacity of 512 mA h g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 98% after 100 cycles. A specific capacity of about 400 mA h g−1 was obtained even at a current density as high as 1000 mA g−1, exhibiting a high reversibility and a good capacity retention. This study suggests that CoMn2O4 nano/submicrorods are promising anode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

The design and synthesis of unique novel heterostructures for high-performance photocatalytic activity has exerted a tremendous fascination and has recently attracted intensive attention. In this work, a branch-like α-Fe2O3/TiO2 heterostructure has been synthesized controllably through an electrospinning method combined with a hydrothermal approach. The backbone of the heterostructure is composed of a 3D porous TiO2 nanofiber (∼70 nm in diameter) network with plenty of α-Fe2O3 nanorods (100–200 nm in length) deposited on them. The novel branch-like nanocomposites have an abundantly porous structure as well as large surface areas (up to 42.8 m2 g−1). In addition, their visible light photodegradation behaviour towards organic dyes, including Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), eosin red (ER) and methyl orange (MO), was investigated. Their excellent photocatalytic performances are attributed to their large surfaces, improved visible light absorption and high separation efficiency of the photogenerated electrons/holes. Furthermore, the degradation process was further studied by varying the amount of α-Fe2O3 deposited. The sample α-Fe2O3/TiO2-3 possessed the best performance to efficiently decolor CR solution even at a high concentration of 50 mg L−1 (160 min, 94 mg g−1), ascribed to the high adsorption capacity derived from the large surface, strong electrostatic interaction and structural match between α-Fe2O3/TiO2-3 and CR. These α-Fe2O3/TiO2 heterostructures exhibit great potential for decontamination of organic pollutants in waste water under visible light.

A novel near infrared (NIR)-triggered anticancer drug delivery system has been successfully constructed. Firstly, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Tm,Yb@NaYF4) were synthesized as a core and mesoporous silica (mSiO2) as a shell to assemble the core–shell nanostructure (UCNP@mSiO2) as the host. Supramolecular nanovalves based on α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) torus encircling a pimelic acid thread and being held in place by a cleavable stopper (nitrobenzyl alcohol) were used as nanoscopic caps to block the pore and inhibit drug diffusion. Upon irradiation with a 980 nm laser on the nanocomposites, the emitted ultraviolet light (UV, 360 nm) photocleaved the o-nitrobenzyl (ONB) photolabile group, causing these α-CD caps to dissociate from the stalk and release the drug. The “Ladder” pulsatile release-profiles, regulated by varying the intensity and time duration of NIR irradiation, further reveal the light-triggered release performance. In addition, without NIR irradiation, few immaturities ensure the high pharmacological efficacy. Moreover, the elaborate cell experiments, by using HeLa as model cancer cells, were also carried out to reveal the good biocompatibility, fast uptake and NIR light-sensitive toxicity. Therefore, the novel NIR light-triggered drug delivery system displays great potential for cancer therapy.

Efficacious chemotherapy mainly hinges on the tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs. Herein we report a successful fabrication of highly photoluminescent and water dispersible ZnO quantum dotsvia a new ligand exchange free strategy. In addition to bioimaging, ZnO QDs have also been evaluated as a platform for targeted and pH responsive intracellular delivery of an anticancer drug. The cancer targeting feature is endowed by conjugating folic acid on to the surface of ZnO–NH2 QDs via an amidation reaction. Doxorubicin (DOX) is then successfully loaded onto the folic acid functionalized ZnO QDs by capitalizing on its marked tendency towards the formation of metal complexes. Drug loaded ZnO-FA QDs remain stable at physiological pH but readily disintegrate in the mildly acidic intracellular environment of cancer cells as validated by a drug release profile, confocal microscopy and a cell-cytotoxicity assay. Compared to the conventional drug nanovector, ZnO-FA QDs themselves manifest a significant therapeutic activity after reaching their targeted site, therefore, combined DOX and ZnO QDs can be more efficacious than either alone. Hence, this approach provides a valuable ZnO QDs-based nanovector that can simultaneously realize targeting, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer cells.

In this paper, novel CdS 3D assemblies are prepared via a facile and effective hydrothermal route using dimethyl sulfoxide as the growth template. Morphologies, microstructures and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products are investigated in detail. It was found that dimethyl sulfoxide played an important role in the formation of CdS assemblies. A possible growth mechanism for CdS assemblies was proposed based on the experimental results. In addition, CdS assemblies exhibit superior photocatalytic activities by the photodegradation of eosin B, Methyl orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation, with a comparison with other CdS nanostructures, P25 and α-Fe2O3 powders, demonstrating potential applications in removal of organic dye molecules from waste water.

In this paper, large scale hierarchical CdS dendrites are synthesized via a facile and effective hydrothermal route. The morphologies, microstructures and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products are investigated in detail. Individual CdS dendrites consist of a long central trunk with secondary and tertiary sharp branches, which preferentially grow in a parallel direction with a definite angle to the trunk. A possible growth mechanism for CdS dendrites is proposed based on the experimental results and phenomena. Photocatalytic tests reveal that eosin red can be degraded nearly completely (over 95%) after visible light irradiation of 100 min. In addition, Congo red and methylene blue aqueous solution degradation experiments are also conducted under the same conditions, revealing versatile potential applications of such dendritic structures for wastewater purification.

Multifunctional nanocarriers based on the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle core and bis-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxy phenyl) disulfide (R–S–S–R1) modified mesoporous silica shell (Fe3O4@mSiO2@R–S–S–R1) were synthesized for cancer treatment through passive targeting and enzyme-sensitive drug release. Anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was used as the model cargo to reveal the release behavior of the system. The drug loading system (DOX–Fe3O4@mSiO2@R–S–S–R1) retains the drug until it reaches the tumor tissue where glutathione reductase (GSH) can degrade the disulfide bonds and release the drug. Furthermore, the grafting amount of R–S–S–R1 can be used to adjust the release performance. All the release behaviors fit the Higuchi model very well and the release kinetics are predominated by disulfide bond degradation and mesoporous structure. With good bioactivity and targeted release performance, the system could play an important role in the development of intracellular delivery nanodevices for cancer therapy.