Materials Advances最新文献

{"title":"Pioneering wound care solutions: triaxial wet-spun fibers with bioactive agents for chronic wounds, part II (controlled release and biological activity of the active agents)†","authors":"Catarina S. Miranda, A. Francisca G. Silva, Camille Evenou, Jérôme Lamartine, Berengere Fromy, Sílvia M. M. A. Pereira-Lima, Artur Ribeiro, Susana P. G. Costa, Natália C. Homem and Helena P. Felgueiras","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01104J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01104J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The incidence of bacterial infections associated with chronic wounds (CWs) has increased in recent years. Thus, a triaxial wet-spun fibrous system (containing three layers) was produced for CW healing. The triaxial fibers were loaded with cinnamon leaf oil (CLO), endowed with high antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features, and an antimicrobial peptide –alanine–alanine–proline–valine (AAPV) – capable of regulating the activity of human neutrophil elastase (HNE; highly expressed during inflammatory processes). To overcome the characteristic high volatility of essential oils (EOs), CLO was loaded at the system's core and blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) which has excellent elasticity and tensile strength. The intermediate layer was composed of sodium alginate (SA) which has high hydration capacity and AAPV. Finally, the shell was made of cellulose acetate (CA), ensuring the system's structural integrity and providing a porous network for the controlled release of AAPV and CLO. This research was divided into two parts, with the present addressing the biological characterization of the system, namely the controlled release of bioactive agents, their antibacterial, antioxidant and cytocompatibility profiles and the peptide-loaded fiber ability to inhibit HNE activity. AAPV-loaded wet-spun fibers attained a sustained release of up to 55% during 24 h of incubation in physiological-like media, also presenting effective HNE inhibition (≈65%). Additionally, CLO-loaded fibers demonstrated a controlled release of up to ≈52% during 24 h of incubation in PBS, reaching higher antibacterial and antioxidant profiles in comparison with the unloaded fibers. Data confirmed the biological potential, safety and suitability of the proposed system for future applications in CW care.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 2029-2047"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01104j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143638092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flexible polyurethane foam: materials, synthesis, recycling, and applications in energy harvesting – a review","authors":"Ahmed Abdelhamid Maamoun, Mustafa Arafa and Amal M. K. Esawi","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01026D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01026D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The increasing demand for sustainable and clean energy, driven by the finite supply of fossil fuels, has motivated researchers to explore alternative energy sources. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are innovative devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy without the use of an external power source. The efficiency of TENG devices relies heavily on the materials employed. Polymeric materials with porous structures have proved particularly effective for TENG applications. Among these, polyurethanes (PUs) stand out as a versatile class of materials with significant potential across various applications, owing to their unique structure–property relationships. Flexible polyurethanes (FPUs) exhibit high elasticity, a three-dimensional pore network, and diverse densities that make them a promising material for energy harvesting applications. This review explores the materials, chemistry, recycling, and limitations of FPUs with a focus on their application in TENG devices. Furthermore, it compares the efficiency of FPUs in TENG devices with compact and other porous materials. The review concludes that FPU is a promising material for TENG devices across a wide range of applications, outperforming compact materials. This is mainly due to several advantages, such as high porosity, high elasticity, lightweight nature, versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, this review presents the future scope for the use of FPU in TENG applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 1842-1858"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01026d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143638061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equilibrium adsorption behaviour of a 3D-printed zeolite–geopolymer composite with high faujasitic content†","authors":"Carlo Gravino, Nicola Gargiulo, Antonio Peluso, Paolo Aprea, Marco D’Agostini, Giorgia Franchin, Paolo Colombo and Domenico Caputo","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01074D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01074D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this work, a NaX zeolite/Na-activated geopolymer composite material having a 70 wt% zeolitic content was used for fabricating 3D-printed monoliths by means of Direct Ink Writing. The produced material was characterized employing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and gas adsorption porosimetry, confirming that the NaX zeolite substantially retained its structure and properties after being mixed with the geopolymer matrix and undergoing the 3D printing process. In particular, the textural properties, specifically the specific surface area (242 m<small>²</small> g<small>⁻¹</small>) and total pore volume (0.100 cm<small>³</small> g<small>⁻¹</small>), exceed those already reported for comparable composites. CO<small>₂</small> and water vapour adsorption isotherms of the samples were gravimetrically evaluated at 298.15, 318.15 and 338.15 K. CO<small>₂</small> adsorption results (<em>e.g.</em>, about 3.2 mol kg<small>⁻¹</small> at 100 kPa and 298.15 K) suggested that, inside the composite, the NaX zeolite is the only active adsorbent for this adsorbate. On the other hand, water vapour adsorption results (<em>e.g.</em>, about 10.1 mol kg<small>⁻¹</small> at saturation and 298.15 K) showed that the geopolymer matrix was a significantly active adsorbent, working alongside the embedded NaX powders. The experimental data regarding both CO<small>₂</small> and water vapour adsorption were well fitted by the semi-empirical Toth model, thus allowing determination of the respective isosteric heats of adsorption, with values significantly lower than those of pristine NaX powders. In the case of CO<small>₂</small> adsorption, this is a positive finding in the light of possibly implementing this material in adsorption-based CO<small>₂</small> capture technologies. Conversely, the same result for water vapour adsorption renders the material unsuitable for use in thermal energy storage devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 8","pages":" 2579-2587"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01074d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143830617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of the antibacterial and photocatalytic properties of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles synthesized from Azadirachta indica leaf extract and electronic waste cable","authors":"Sumaya Tabassum, Md. Sahadat Hossain, Md. Abu Saeed, Md. Najem Uddin and Samina Ahmed","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01047G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01047G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study examined the antibacterial properties of CuO nanoparticles derived from <em>Azadirachta indica</em> leaf extract and waste Cu wire as a source of CuNO<small>₃</small>. This environmentally friendly material efficiently facilitated the breakdown of industrial pollutants (dye and ciprofloxacin). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the produced sample was CuO, with a crystallite size ranging from 5 to 92 nm, determined using the Sahadat–Scherrer, Monshi–Scherrer, Halder–Wagner, size-strain plot, and Williamson–Hall methods and the linear straight-line method of Scherrer's equation. A thermogravimetric analyzer confirmed three stages of weight loss (totaling 30.22%), while scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical-shaped NPs. The elemental composition (76.55% Cu and 23.45% O) was confirmed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, along with XRD, confirmed the presence of Cu–O bonding, indicating the generation of CuO NPs. The degradation percentages of CR dye (95%) and ciprofloxacin (80%) were estimated at a 20 ppm concentration (pH 7) using 0.1 g of catalyst, with degradation occurring over 120 min and 210 min, respectively. The computed rate constants, based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model equation, were 0.0198 min<small>⁻¹</small> for CR dye and 0.0047 min<small>⁻¹</small> for ciprofloxacin. The zones of inhibition for two Gram-positive bacteria were 27 mm (<em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>) and 14 mm (<em>Bacillus megaterium</em>), while for Gram-negative bacteria, the zones were 20 mm (<em>Escherichia coli</em>) and 13 mm (<em>Salmonella typhi</em>).</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 7","pages":" 2338-2355"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01047g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication of a mesoporous CoFe2O4/rGO nanohybrid and laccase interface biosensor for rapid detection of adrenaline for neurodegenerative disease diagnosis†","authors":"Rahul Verma, Surendra K. Yadav, Diksha Singh and Jay Singh","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01216J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01216J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A hydrothermally synthesized mesoporous CoFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> (CF)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid (nh) provides the electroactive surfaces and facilitates fast electron transfer between the nanofabricated bioelectrode–electrolyte interfaces, responsible for the high electrocatalytic activity in sensing adrenaline (AD). A promising biosensor for detecting adrenaline and bovine serum albumin (BSA) used as a real sample for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases is described here. This study focuses on the electrochemical impedance biosensing of AD because of its unique ability to identify various kinds of health issues, including blood pressure, fight-or-flight response, memory loss, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac asthma. A La/CF/rGO/ITO bioelectrode (La: Laccase) is the biosensor component. It is created by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of a CF/rGO nh and drop-casting immobilization of the La-enzyme. The low charge-transfer resistance (<em>R</em><small>_ct</small>) of the CF/rGO electrode was sensed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), confirming the synergistic impact of CF/rGO on the La/CF/rGO/ITO fabricated bioelectrode in AD detection. This gives the high heterogeneous rate constant (<em>K</em><small>_s</small>: 2.83 × 10<small>⁻⁴</small>) and increases the surface adsorption and diffusion coefficient (<em>D</em>: 5.25 × 10<small>⁻²</small> cm<small>²</small> s<small>⁻¹</small>). The proposed biosensor exhibited high sensitivity (0.214 Ω μM<small>⁻¹</small> cm<small>⁻²</small>), long linear range (1 to 500 μM), lower detection limit (LoD: 40.3 μM), high selectivity (RSD 5.8%), and stability with good recovery %, emphasizing its potential implementation in biosensing techniques for monitoring neurotransmitter disorders in real world applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 1988-2001"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01216j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143638068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Continuous flow extraction of lithium from brine using silica-coated LMO beads","authors":"Jialun Su, Qiyue Fan, Xiangting Hu, Yue Sun, Jie Lin, Jiayue Xu, Bingcai Pan and Zhenda Lu","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01100G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01100G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicle market has intensified the demand for efficient lithium extraction from salt lake brine. This study presents a novel approach using silica-coated lithium manganese oxide (LMO) adsorbents embedded in millimeter-sized sodium alginate (SA) beads (LMO@SiO<small>₂</small>/SA beads). By replacing expensive and environmentally detrimental tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with low-cost, eco-friendly sodium metasilicate (Na<small>₂</small>SiO<small>₃</small>), we have developed a more sustainable and cost-effective lithium extraction method. Continuous flow adsorption–desorption experiments demonstrated the excellent performance of the LMO@SiO<small>₂</small>/SA beads, maintaining a lithium adsorption capacity of 6.22 mg g<small>⁻¹</small> and a consistent manganese dissolution ratio of 1.26% per cycle after 50 cycles. These results highlight the potential of this approach for large-scale lithium extraction from salt lakes, providing a sustainable and economical option to support the growing electric vehicle industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 7","pages":" 2202-2210"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01100g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unzipped MWCNT/polypyrrole hybrid composites: a pathway to high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors†","authors":"Shilpa Simon, Letcy V. Theresa and Sreeja P. B.","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01270D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01270D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A novel method has been developed for the conversion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into unzipped MWCNTs (UzMWCNT) using a modified Hummer's method followed by reduction. This technique allows for the controlled modification of MWCNTs in both transverse and longitudinal directions. The UzMWCNT exhibits unique structural characteristics that combine the properties of 1D nanotubes and graphene-like features. The UzMWCNT/PPy composite exhibited an impressive specific capacitance of 944 F g<small>⁻¹</small> along with excellent cycling stability, retaining 92% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles. For the UzMWCNT/PPy//AC composite, the gravimetric capacitance decreased with increasing current density, from 400 F g<small>⁻¹</small> at 1.0 A g<small>⁻¹</small> to 162 F g<small>⁻¹</small> at 2.5 A g<small>⁻¹</small>. Furthermore, the UzMWCNT/PPy//AC composite demonstrated outstanding long-term durability, retaining approximately 95% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g<small>⁻¹</small>, underscoring its excellent cycling stability. This research paves the way for the development of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes using hybrid materials derived from MWCNTs.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 2002-2015"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01270d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143638069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of a multifunctional liquid crystal material in colored PEDOT:PSS/Si heterojunction solar cells†","authors":"Zheng Zhou, Shibo Chen, Yingming Shen, Juan Wang, Guijun Zhang, Yang Shi, Haixia Wu, Jingjing Luo, Xiaohong Cheng and Yu Yang","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00007F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00007F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >PEDOT:PSS/Si heterojunction solar cells (HSCs) with a simple preparation process and low production costs have attracted significant attention. The adjustable color and good stability of the devices will greatly expand their application scenarios. In this work, a liquid crystal molecule, 5,5'-bis(9-(3,4,5-tris(tetradecyloxy)benzyl)-9<em>H</em>-carbazol-3-yl)-2,2'-bithiophene (DT), was used as an additive and coating to fabricate colored and stable PEDOT:PSS/Si HSCs. The addition of DT to PEDOT:PSS films improved the conductivity of the films and the junction quality of the devices, leading to an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.24% for the uncolored devices. Based on the addition of DT to PEDOT:PSS films, DT films with different thicknesses were spin-coated onto the top surface of the uncolored devices, fabricating multi-colored devices with higher PCE compared to the control devices. DT coatings could isolate air and absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, enhancing the stability of colored devices in the air and under extreme UV irradiation. In addition, it was found that DT coatings effectively prevented the poor uniformity of PEDOT:PSS films and the disrupted linear structure of PEDOT chains under UV illumination. The work provides promising strategies for the preparation of colored and stable PEDOT:PSS/Si HSCs with high efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 9","pages":" 2800-2810"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00007f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143908475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Orthogonal effect of pyrene–porphyrin conjugates on the detection of volatile organic compounds under UV and visible light illumination through surface photovoltage†","authors":"Prasanth Palanisamy, Mageshwari Anandan, Sheethal Sasi, Arbacheena Bora, Sarath Kumar Chedharla Balaji, Rence P. Reji, Yoshiyuki Kawazoe, Kommineni Kalyani, Surya Velappa Jayaraman, Yuvaraj Sivalingam and Venkatramaiah Nutalapati","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01228C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01228C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this work, we have developed two modular compounds featuring pyrene at the meso position of the freebase porphyrin (H<small>₂</small>PyP) and its complex with Zn (ZnPyP). Both compounds exhibited a unique energy transfer process due to the orthogonal pyrene units, demonstrating that appreciable electronic interactions existed between the peripheral units and the porphyrin π-system. These compounds were found to behave as strong donor materials in solid-state thin films. Detailed photophysical properties and excited-state interactions in the gas phase were modulated through surface photovoltage measurements using the scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) technique. These interactions were explored towards the detection of different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (ethanol, acetone, 1-hexanol, triethylamine, nonanal, and acetonitrile) under dark, UV and visible light illuminations. H<small>₂</small>PyP and ZnPyP showed n-type behaviour with high selectivity towards 1-hexanol under UV light illumination, while under visible light illumination, ZnPyP exhibited n-type behaviour and H<small>₂</small>PyP showed p-type behaviour. The response and recovery studies demonstrated that H<small>₂</small>PyP and ZnPyP showed unprecedented selectivity towards 1-hexanol by altering their p- and n-type behaviour. H<small>₂</small>PyP exhibited a high photovoltage response of 93% for an exposure of 17 s with a recovery rate of 23% in 5 s, while ZnPyP showed 97% in 2 s with a recovery rate of 55% in 116 s under UV light. The unique response of H<small>₂</small>PyP and ZnPyP to 1-hexanol could be attributed to donor–donor interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonding at the central core, as well as the variations in the energy transfer process. Furthermore, density functional theory studies revealed that the binding interactions of H<small>₂</small>PyP and ZnPyP with VOCs showed a greater affinity for alcohol vapours compared to other compounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 8","pages":" 2549-2561"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01228c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143830614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetic activated carbon particles as stimuli-responsive vehicles for methotrexate†","authors":"J. A. Lirio Piñar, M. Lázaro, G. R. Iglesias, Tania Romacho, A. V. Delgado, Gracia García-García and S. Ahualli","doi":"10.1039/D4MA01037J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA01037J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This study investigates porous activated carbon (AC) particles as drug delivery vehicles for methotrexate (MTX). To enhance functionality, magnetic nanoparticles are embedded in AC imparting superparamagnetic properties (MAC composites), making them suitable for controlled transport and localization, as well as for facilitating their response to external fields. The composites are further functionalized with branched low molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI) to confer them a positive charge. After characterizing size, composition, and magnetic hysteresis, their potential as MTX carriers is assessed. Electrophoretic mobility and infrared data confirm the presence of magnetite, polymer, and drug molecules. Photothermal therapy (PTT) tests reveal that MAC–PEI particles produce up to 180 W g<small>⁻¹</small> of specific absorption rate (SAR) under infrared laser radiation. Due to its anisotropy, rotating magnetic fields (RMF) induce particle rotation, offering another external stimulus. Biocompatibility studies with human skin M1 fibroblasts confirm no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations below 700 μg mL<small>⁻¹</small>. The particles adsorb over 80% of MTX from 0.6 mM solutions, with release evaluated at pH 5.8 under PTT and RMF stimuli. Both methods significantly enhance MTX release, achieving twice the drug release compared to passive conditions, demonstrating the particles’ high potential as active vehicles for targeted MTX delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 7","pages":" 2170-2179"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d4ma01037j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}