Chuanhao Li

Erratum to: Novel one-dimensional polyaniline/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 hybrid nanostructure: synthesis, magnetic, and electromagnetic wave absorption properties

For the first time, the novel one-dimensional uniform polyaniline (PANI)/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (NZFO) hybrid nanorods were synthesized by an in situ polymerization approach with the assistance of ultrasound and magnetic field. Owing to the unique shape, structure, and chemical composition, the as-synthesized hybrid nanorods with different PANI/NZFO mass ratios possess adjustable magnetic properties, high-saturated magnetization, and coercivity. In addition, these hybrid nanorods present stronger reflection loss and a wider absorption band than pure NZFO. Especially, the hybrid nanorods containing 59 wt% NZFO exhibit excellent microwave absorption properties, with a maximum reflection loss (R L) of −27.5 dB observed at 6.2 GHz. And the widest absorption band (R L ≤ −10 dB) is 8.1 GHz, corresponding to a matching thin thickness of 2 mm. It is superior to the previously reported value of PANI/ferrite. Therefore, these PANI/NZFO hybrid nanorods may be candidates for lightweight, low-cost, broadband, and highly efficient microwave-absorbing materials.

Preparation and characterization of a novel hybrid hydrogel shell for localized photodynamic therapy

Due to the limits of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in clinical use, the development of a new system for PDT may hold promise to improve the situation. In this article, we report the preparation of a novel hybrid hydrogel (HHG) containing poly (ethylene glycol) double acrylates (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), phthalocyanine zinc (ZnPc) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) based on in situ photopolymerization. ZnPc is used as both the photoinitiator for initiating the formation of HHG and the photosensitizer for producing singlet oxygen to kill tumor cells. PTA plays a significant co-initiator role in the photopolymerization process and has a positive impact on the acceleration of singlet oxygen generation. The HHG shows good biocompatibility, swelling and drug retention abilities, and especially can be easily and rapidly formed on tumor cells in situ by irradiating the precursor with near-infrared light. The HHG shell not only prevents diffusion of the photosensitizer, but also maintains a high ZnPc concentration in or on tumor cells for more effective PDT. Thus, this novel HHG is an attractive candidate for local PDT and has a huge potential application in the future development of cancer treatment.

Effects of Calcium Ions on Thermodynamic Properties of Mixed Bilirubin/Cholesterol Monolayers

The mixed monolayer behavior of bilirubin/cholesterol was studied through surface pressure-area (π-A) isotherms on aqueous solutions containing various concentrations of calcium ions. Based on the data of π-A isotherms, the mean area per molecule, collapse pressure, surface compressibility modulus, excess molecular areas, free energy of mixing, and excess free energy of mixing of the monolayers on different subphases were calculated. The results show an expansion in the structure of the mixed monolayer with Ca2+ in subphase, and non-ideal mixing of the components at the air/water interface is observed with positive deviation from the additivity rule in the excess molecular areas. The miscibility between the components is weakened with the increase of concentration of Ca2+ in subphase. The facts indicate the presence of coordination between Ca2+ and the two components. The mixed monolayer, in which the molar ratio of bilirubin to cholesterol is 3:2, is more stable from a thermodynamic point of view on pure water. But the stable 3:2 stoichiometry complex is destroyed with the increase of the concentration of Ca2+ in subphase. Otherwise, the mixed monolayers have more thermodynamic stability at lower surface pressure on Ca2+ subphase.

A study of the fractal structure of the precipitate and the mechanism of its formation from the gallbladder bile of a patient

The precipitation of three kinds of structures from gallbladder bile of a patient, fractal structure, regular crystal structure, and small disperse granules, was observed in the same sample using Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). The results indicated that there was a transition from a linear equilibrium system to a nonlinear and nonequilibrium system, which was discussed using the theory of entropy. The chemical compositions of these three different kinds of precipitates were determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This experimental result revealed that Na and Cl played important roles in the formation of the fractal and crystal structures. Besides, the Aggregation-Diffusion-Fractal (ADF) model was used to explain the growth mechanism of the fractal.