Synergistic enhancement of oxygen vacancy enrichment and morphology regulation in CeO2-NiCo2O4 heterostructure catalysts for high-performance cathodes in direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cells.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) emerges as a viable oxidant for fuel cells, necessitating the development of an efficient and cost-effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR). In this study, we synthesized a self-supporting, highly active HPRR electrocatalyst comprising two morphologically distinct components: CeO2-NiCo2O4 nanowires and CeO2-NiCo2O4 metal organic framework derivatives, via a two-step hydrothermal process followed by air calcination. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of CeO2 and NiCo2O4, revealing the amalgamated interface between them. CeO2 exhibits multifunctionality in regulating the surface electronic configuration of NiCo2O4, fostering synergistic connections, and introducing oxygen deficiencies to enhance the catalytic efficacy in HPRR. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate a reduction current density of 789.9 mA·cm-2 at -0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The assembly of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHPFC) exhibits a peak power density of 45.2 mW·cm-2, demonstrating durable stability over a continuous operation period of 120 h. This investigation providing evidence that the fabrication of heterostructured catalysts based on CeO2 for HPRR is a viable approach for the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts in fuel cell technology.

Argyreia nervosa-driven biosynthesis of Cu-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles from plant leaves extract unveils enhanced antibacterial properties.

Our study specifically explores the biosynthesis of copper-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Cu-Ag BMNPs) using Argyreia nervosa (AN) plant leaf green extract as a versatile agent for capping, reducing, and stabilizing. This biosynthesis method is characterized by its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, utilizing silver nitrate (AgNO3) and cupric oxide (CuO) as precursor materials. Our comprehensive characterization of the Cu-Ag BMNPs, employing techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zetasizer, and Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR). FTIR analysis reveals biofunctional groups and chemical bands, while SEM and XRD analyses provide morphological and structural details. To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the Cu-Ag BMNPs, we conducted disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli), with results compared to the standard gentamicin antibiotic. It is observed that the 2% and 5% CuO concentrations of AN Cu-Ag BMNPs exhibit substantial antibacterial activity in comparison to AN extract when tested on EPEC. Among these, the Cu-Ag BMNPs at a 2% concentration demonstrate higher antibacterial activity, potentially attributed to the enhanced dispersion of BMNPs facilitated by the lower CuO doping concentration. These two assays showcased the improved antimicrobial activity of Cu-Ag BMNPs, highlighting their synergistic effect, characterized by high MIC values and a broad zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion tests against E. coli. These results emphasize the significant antibacterial potential of the synthesized BMNPs, with a medicinal plant AN leaf extract playing a pivotal role in enhancing antibacterial activity.

Synergetic Catalytic Effect between Ni and Co in Bimetallic Phosphide Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The application of electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for renewable energy conversion contributes to the ultimate goal of a zero-carbon emission society. Metal phosphides have been considered as promising HER catalysts in the alkaline environment, which, unfortunately, is still limited owing to the weak adsorption of H* and easy dissolution during operation. Herein, a bimetallic NiCoP-2/NF phosphide is constructed on nickel foam (NF), requiring rather low overpotentials of 150 mV and 169 mV to meet the current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm-2, respectively, and able to operate stably for 100 h without detectable activity decay. The excellent HER performance is obtained thanks to the synergetic catalytic effect between Ni and Co, among which Ni is introduced to enhance the intrinsic activity and Co increases the electrochemically active area. Meanwhile, the protection of the externally generated amorphous phosphorus oxide layer improves the stability of NiCoP/NF. An electrolyser using NiCoP-2/NF as both cathode and anode catalysts in an alkaline solution can produce hydrogen with low electric consumption (overpotential of 270 mV at 500 mA cm-2).

Combined therapy of dabrafenib and an anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate for advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer characterized by its high metastatic potential. In the past decade, targeted and immunotherapy have brought revolutionary survival benefits to patients with advanced and metastatic melanoma, but these treatment responses are also heterogeneous and/or do not achieve durable responses. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for improving outcomes remain an unmet clinical need. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms of RC48, a novel HER2-target antibody drug conjugate, either alone or in combination with dabrafenib, a V600-mutant BRAF inhibitor, for the treatment of advanced BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of RC48, alone or in combination with dabrafenib, in BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma cell lines and cell-derived xenograft (CDX) models. We also conducted signaling pathways analysis and global mRNA sequencing to explore mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect of the combination therapy. RESULTS: Our results revealed the expression of membrane-localized HER2 in melanoma cells. RC48 effectively targeted and inhibited the growth of HER2-positive human melanoma cell lines and corresponding CDX models. When used RC48 and dabrafenib synergically induced tumor regression together in human BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines and CDX models. Mechanically, our results demonstrated that the combination therapy induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest while suppressing cell motility in vitro. Furthermore, global RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that the combination treatment led to the downregulation of several key signaling pathways, including the PI3K-AKT pathway, MAPK pathway, AMPK pathway, and FOXO pathway. CONCLUSION: These findings establish a preclinical foundation for the combined use of an anti-HER2 drug conjugate and a BRAF inhibitor in the treatment of BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma.

Rational Design of Multinary Metal Chalcogenide Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 Nanocrystals for Efficient Potassium Storage.

Multinary metal chalcogenides hold considerable promise for high-energy potassium storage due to their numerous redox reactions. However, challenges arise from issues such as volume expansion and sluggish kinetics. Here, a design featuring a layered ternary Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 anchored on graphene layers as a composite anode, where Bi atoms act as a lattice softening agent on Sb, is presented. Benefiting from the lattice arrangement in Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 and structure, Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3/graphene exhibits a mitigated expansion of 28% during the potassiation/depotassiation process and demonstrates facile K+ ion transfer kinetics, enabling long-term durability of 500 cycles at various high rates. Operando synchrotron diffraction patterns and spectroscopies including in situ Raman, ex situ adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron reveal multiple conversion and alloying/dealloying reactions for potassium storage at the atomic level. In addition, both theoretical calculations and electrochemical examinations elucidate the K+ migration pathways and indicate a reduction in energy barriers within Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3/graphene, thereby suggesting enhanced diffusion kinetics for K+. These findings provide insight in the design of durable high-energy multinary tellurides for potassium storage.

The synergistic effect of oxaliplatin and punicalagin on colon cancer cells Caco-2 death.

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to investigate the synergistic effect of oxaliplatin (oxa) and punicalagin (pun) on the death of colon cancer cells (Caco-2) by apoptosis and autophagy. Methods: The effects of the combined treatments (5 µM oxa + 50 µM pun, 5 µM oxa + 75 µM pun, 20 µM oxa + 50 µM pun, and 5 µM oxa + 75 µM pun) were compared with untreated Caco2 cells (control) or cells treated with oxa alone. Apoptosis was detected using an Annex in V FITC flow cytometry assay and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage by western blotting. Light chain 3 was detected by western blotting as an autophagy marker. Results: The combined treatments significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in comparison to untreated cells or cells treated with oxa alone. By contrast, the combined treatments had no significant effect on autophagy. Conclusion: The combined treatment significantly promoted cell death through apoptosis while maintaining a basal level of autophagy.

Mechanisms underlying the efficacy and limitation of dopa and tetrahydrobiopterin therapies for the deficiency of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 revealed in a novel mouse model.

Dopa and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation are recommended therapies for the dopa-responsive dystonia caused by GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1, also known as GTPCH) deficits. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of these therapies have not been intensively studied yet. In this study, we tested the efficacy of dopa and BH4 therapies by using a novel GTPCH deficiency mouse model, Gch1KI/KI, which manifested infancy-onset motor deficits and growth retardation similar to the patients. First, dopa supplementation supported Gch1KI/KI mouse survival to adulthood, but residual motor deficits and dwarfism remained. Interestingly, RNAseq analysis indicated that while the genes participating in BH4 biosynthesis and regeneration were significantly increased in the liver, no significant changes were observed in the brain. Second, BH4 supplementation alone restored the growth of Gch1KI/KI pups only in early postnatal developmental stage. High doses of BH4 supplementation indeed restored the total brain BH4 levels, but brain dopamine deficiency remained. While total brain TH levels were relatively increased in the BH4 treated Gch1KI/KI mice, the TH in the striatum were still almost undetectable, suggesting differential BH4 requirements among brain regions. Last, the growth of Gch1KI/KI mice under combined therapy outperformed dopa or BH4 therapy alone. Notably, dopamine was abnormally high in more than half, but not all, of the treated Gch1KI/KI mice, suggesting the existence of variable synergetic effects of dopa and BH4 supplementation. Our results provide not only experimental evidence but also novel mechanistic insights into the efficacy and limitations of dopa and BH4 therapies for GTPCH deficiency.

From Synthesis to Mechanisms: In-Depth Exploration of the Dual-Atom Catalytic Mechanisms Toward Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) hold a higher metal atom loading and provide greater flexibility in terms of the structural characteristics of their active sites in comparison to single-atom catalysts. Consequently, DACs hold great promise for achieving improved catalytic performance. This article aims to provide a focused overview of the latest advancements in DACs, covering their synthesis and mechanisms in reversible oxygen electrocatalysis, which plays a key role in sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. The discussion starts by highlighting the structures of DACs and the differences in diatomic coordination induced by various substrates. Subsequently, the state-of-the-art fabrication strategies of DACs for oxygen electrocatalysis are discussed from several different perspectives. It particularly highlights the challenges of increasing the diatomic loading capacity. More importantly, the main focus of this overview is to investigate the correlation between the configuration and activity in DACs in order to gain a deeper understanding of their active roles in oxygen electrocatalysis. This will be achieved through density functional theory calculations and sophisticated in situ characterization technologies. The aim is to provide guidelines for optimizing and upgrading DACs in oxygen electrocatalysis. Additionally, the overview discusses the current challenges and future prospects in this rapidly evolving area of research.

Combined inhibition of HER2 and VEGFR synergistically improves therapeutic efficacy via PI3K-AKT pathway in advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a prevalent malignancy in the female reproductive system, and developing effective targeted therapies for this disease remains challenging. The aim of this study was to use clinically-relevant OC models to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of RC48, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting HER2, either alone or in combination with the VEGFR inhibitor Cediranib Maleate (CM), for the treatment of advanced OC. METHODS: OC tumor specimens and cell lines were analyzed to determine HER2 and VEGFR expression by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Moreover, the OC cell lines, cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were treated with RC48 and/or CM and then subjected to cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and tumor growth analyses to evaluate the feasibility of combination therapy for OC both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the critical mechanism underlying the combination therapy of RC48 and CM. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that RC48 alone effectively targeted and inhibited the growth of HER2-positive OC tumors in both cell lines and PDX models. Furthermore, the combination of RC48 and CM synergistically induced tumor regression in human OC cell lines, as well as CDX and PDX models. Mechanistically, we observed that the combination treatment inhibited the growth of OC cells involved inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell motility. RNA-seq analysis provided further mechanistic insights and revealed that co-administration of RC48 and CM downregulated multiple cancer-related pathways, including the AKT/mTOR pathway, cell cycle, and cell proliferation. Notably, our data further confirmed that the PI3K-AKT pathway played a key role in the inhibition of proliferation triggered by combinational treatment of RC48 and CM in OC cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a preclinical framework supporting the potential of dual targeting HER2 and VEGFR as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve outcomes in patients with OC.

Current Status and Perspectives of Dual-Atom Catalysts Towards Sustainable Energy Utilization.

The exploration of sustainable energy utilization requires the implementation of advanced electrochemical devices for efficient energy conversion and storage, which are enabled by the usage of cost-effective, high-performance electrocatalysts. Currently, heterogeneous atomically dispersed catalysts are considered as potential candidates for a wide range of applications. Compared to conventional catalysts, atomically dispersed metal atoms in carbon-based catalysts have more unsaturated coordination sites, quantum size effect, and strong metal-support interactions, resulting in exceptional catalytic activity. Of these, dual-atomic catalysts (DACs) have attracted extensive attention due to the additional synergistic effect between two adjacent metal atoms. DACs have the advantages of full active site exposure, high selectivity, theoretical 100% atom utilization, and the ability to break the scaling relationship of adsorption free energy on active sites. In this review, we summarize recent research advancement of DACs, which includes (1) the comprehensive understanding of the synergy between atomic pairs; (2) the synthesis of DACs; (3) characterization methods, especially aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron spectroscopy; and (4) electrochemical energy-related applications. The last part focuses on great potential for the electrochemical catalysis of energy-related small molecules, such as oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and N2 reduction reaction. The future research challenges and opportunities are also raised in prospective section.

Insights into the efficient mineralization of antibiotic trimethoprim in aqueous media by Fe2+ catalytically enhanced vacuum-UV irradiation: Kinetics, mechanisms, and toxicity evaluation.

The widespread existence of antibiotics in the environment has attracted growing concerns regarding the potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms, ecosystems, and human health even at low concentrations. Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing new methods for effective elimination of antibiotics from wastewater. Herein, a novel process of Fe2+ catalytically enhanced vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation was proposed as a promising approach for the removal of antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) in water. Compared with UVC photolysis, VUV photolysis, and UVC/Fe2+, VUV/Fe2+ could increase the pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant of TMP removal by 6.6-38.4 times and the mineralization rate by 36.5%-59.9%. The excellent performance might originate from the synergistic effect of VUV and Fe2+, i.e., VUV irradiation could effectively split water and largely accelerate the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle to generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS). EPR results indicated that •OH and O2•- were identified as the main ROS in the UVC/Fe2+ and VUV/Fe2+ processes, while •OH, O2•-, and 1O2 were involved in the VUV process. The operating parameters, such as Fe2+ dosage and initial TMP contents, were evaluated and optimized. Up to 8 aromatic intermediates derived from hydroxylation, demethylation, carbonylation, and methylene group cleavage were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technique, the possible pathways of TMP degradation were proposed. Finally, the acute and chronic toxicity of intermediates formed during TMP degradation in the VUV/Fe2+ process were also evaluated.

Strengthening the Metal-Acid Interactions by Using CeO2 as Regulators of Precisely Placing Pt Species in ZSM-5 for Furfural Hydrogenation.

Understanding the synergism between the metal site and acid site is of great significance in boosting the efficiency of bi-functional catalysts in many heterogeneous reactions, particularly in biomass upgrading. Herein, a "confined auto-redox" strategy is reported to fix CeO2-anchored Pt atoms on the inner wall of a ZSM-5 cage, achieving the target of finely controlling the placements of the two active sites. Compared with the conventional surface-supported counterpart, the encapsulated Pt/CeO2@ZSM-5 catalyst possesses remarkably-improved activity and selectivity, which can convert >99% furfural into cyclopentanone with 97.2% selectivity in 6 h at 160 °C. Besides the excellent catalytic performance, the ordered metal-acid distribution also makes such kind of catalyst an ideal research subject for metal-acid interactions. The following mechanization investigation reveals that the enhancement is strongly related to the unique encapsulation structure, which promotes the migration of the reactants over different active sites, thereby contributing to the tandem reaction.

Intercalating of AIEgens into MoS2 nanosheets to induce crystal phase transform for enhanced photothermal and photodynamic synergetic anti-tumor therapy.

A MoS2-based nanotherapeutic platform was developed for synergetic photothermal and photodynamic anti-tumor therapy. AIEgens TFPy-SH molecules were intercalated into MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) with S-deficiencies to give the nanocomposite MoS2-TFPy. The AIEgens intercalation expanded the interlayer spacing of MoS2 NSs and induced the transform of MoS2 crystal phase from 2H to 1T, offering MoS2-TFPy nanocomposite high molar absorption coefficient (5.65 L g-1 cm-1), excellent photothermal conversion efficiency under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation (38.3%), and favorable intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity. The positively charged MoS2-TFPy were mainly distributed in mitochondria after cell up-taking, and achieved 1+1>2 anti-tumor effect attributed to its favorable photothermal and photodynamic properties. The high structure and physiological stability, favorable biocompatibility, excellent photothermal and photodynamic therapy effect make the MoS2-TFPy nanoplatform an promising candidate in biomedical clinical applications.

Co-gasification of biomass and oil shale under CO2 atmosphere: Comparative analysis of fixed-bed reactor, gas chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy (TGA-MS).

Co-gasification of biomass with oil shale offers potential for integrating renewable and fossil energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Biomass (pine and birch wood and bark) and oil shale blends (10-30 wt%) were gasified under CO2 conditions using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA-MS), fixed-bed reactor, and gas chromatography. Results revealed an interaction between oil shale and biomass, enhancing CO and CH4 concentrations in the producer gas. Bark samples demonstrated higher CO concentrations compared to wood samples, particularly in pine, with 16.1 vol% and 5.4 vol%, respectively. While birch wood showed increased H2 evaporation in TGA-MS experiments, oil shale's impact on H2 concentration was inhibitive, as shown by quantitative analysis. Pine bark, with a threefold catalytic index compared to other biomass samples, demonstrated the highest total gas concentrations (19.2 vol%). Interestingly, pine bark char blends exhibited the lowest surface areas (up to 434 m2/g) among the tested samples.

In Situ S-Doping Engineering for Highly Efficient NH3-SCR over Metal-Free Carbon Catalysts: A Novel Synergetic Promotional Mechanism.

Cyclic desulfurization-regeneration-denitrification based on metal-free carbon materials is one of the most promising ways to remove NOx and SO2 simultaneously. However, the impact of S-doping induced by the cyclic desulfurization and regeneration (C-S-R) process on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is not well understood. Herein, it is demonstrated that the C-S-R process at 500 °C induces in situ S-doping with a significant accumulation of C-S-C structures. NOx conversion was dramatically enhanced from 18.95% of the original sample to 84.55% of the S-doped sample. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the C-S-C structure significantly regulates the electronic structure of the C atom adjacent to the ketonic carbonyl group, thereby significantly altering the NH3 adsorption configuration with superior adsorption capacity. Moreover, S-doping induces an extra electron transfer between the N atom of the NH3 molecule and the C atom of the carbon plane, thereby promoting the activation of NH3 over the ketonic carbonyl group with a reduced energy barrier. This study elucidates a synergetic promotional mechanism between the ketonic carbonyl group and the C-S-C structure for SCR, offering a novel design strategy for high-performance heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts in industrial applications.

Ultrasensitive and reversible NO2 gas sensor based on SnS2/TiO2 heterostructures for room temperature applications.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the toxic gases produced by chemical industries, power plants, and vehicles. In this work, we demonstrate an inexpensive sensing platform for NO2 detection at room temperature (RT-32 °C) based on a charge transfer mechanism. Three-dimensional hierarchical SnS2 and SnS2/mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via the solvothermal method. SnS2/20 wt% mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposites sample showed 245.4% enhanced response compared to pristine SnS2. The fabricated device exhibits excellent selectivity among all other interfering gases with one-month stability. The rapid response and enhanced response achieved were obtained for the minimum concentration of 2 ppm NO2. The formation of heterojunction between SnS2 and mesoporous TiO2 has a synergetic effect, providing more active sites and porous structures for the detection of NO2 gas molecules.

Treatment of Mixture Pollutants with Combined Plasma Photocatalysis in Continuous Tubular Reactors with Atmospheric-Pressure Environment: Understanding Synergetic Effect Sources.

This study investigates the pilot-scale combination of nonthermal plasma and photocatalysis for removing Toluene and dimethyl sulfur (DMDS), examining the influence of plasma energy and initial pollutant concentration on the performance and by-product formation in both pure compounds and mixtures. The results indicate a consistent 15% synergy effect, improving Toluene conversion rates compared to single systems. Ozone reduction and enhanced CO2 selectivity were observed when combining plasma and photocatalysis. This process effectively treats pollutant mixtures, even those containing sulfur compounds. Furthermore, tests confirm nonthermal plasma's in-situ regeneration of the photocatalytic surface, providing a constant synergy effect.

Fe2O3/TiO2/reduced graphene oxide-driven recycled visible-photocatalytic Fenton reactions to mineralize organic pollutants in a wide pH range.

Photocatalytic Fenton reactions combined the advantages from both photocatalysis and Fenton reaction in mineralizing organic pollutants. The key problems are the efficiency and recycling stability. Herein, we reported a novel Fe2O3/TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (FTG) nanocomposite synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The TiO2 in FTG degraded organic pollutants and mineralized intermediates via photocatalysis under visible light irradiation, which could also promote Fenton reaction by accelerating Fe3+-Fe2+ recycle. Meanwhile, the Fe2O3 rapidly degraded organic pollutants via Fenton reactions, which also promoted photocatalysis by enhancing visible light absorbance and diminishing photoelectron-hole recombination. The high distribution of TiO2 and Fe2O3 on rGO, together with their strong interaction resulted in enhanced synergetic cooperation between photocatalysis and Fenton reactions, leading to the high mineralization efficiency of organic pollutants. More importantly, it could also inhibit the leaching of Fe species, leading to the long lifetime of FTG during photocatalytic Fenton reactions in a wide pH range from 3.4 to 9.2.

Epigallocatechin gallate circumvents drug-induced resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer by modulating glucose metabolism and AMPK/AKT/MAPK axis.

Upon prolonged use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), acquired drug resistance inevitably occurs. This study investigates the combined use of EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib or osimertinib) with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to overcome acquired drug resistance in NSCLC models. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of EGFR-TKIs and EGCG combination in EGFR-mutant parental and resistant cell lines were evaluated. The in vivo efficacy of the combination was assessed in xenograft mouse models derived from EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells. We found that the combined use of EGFR-TKIs and EGCG significantly reversed the Warburg effect by suppressing glycolysis while boosting mitochondrial respiration, which was accompanied by increased cellular ROS and decreased lactate secretion. The combination effectively activated the AMPK pathway while inhibited both ERK/MAPK and AKT/mTOR pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in drug-resistant NSCLC cells. The in vivo results obtained from mouse tumor xenograft model confirmed that EGCG effectively overcame osimertinib resistance. This study revealed that EGCG suppressed cancer bypass survival signaling and altered cancer metabolic profiles, which is a promising anticancer adjuvant of EGFR-TKIs to overcome acquired drug resistance in NSCLC.

Highly Dispersed Ni-Pt Bimetallic Cocatalyst: The Synergetic Effect Yields Pt-Like Activity in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Achieving high photocatalytic activity with the lowest possible platinum (Pt) consumption is crucial for reducing the cost of Pt-based cocatalysts and enabling large-scale applications. Bimetallic Ni-Pt cocatalysts exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance and are considered one of the most promising photocatalysts capable of replacing pure Pt for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the synergistic photocatalytic mechanism between bimetallic Ni-Pt cocatalysts needs to be further investigated. Herein, we deposit highly dispersed Ni-Pt bimetallic cocatalysts on the surface of TiO2 by radiolytic reduction. We study the dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers of the Ni-Pt-comodified TiO2 and propose their underlying electron transfer mechanisms, in which Pt acts as an electron trap, whereas Ni serves as an electron supplier. The synergistic effect is Ni/Pt ratio-dependent and can confer bimetallic Ni-Pt to pure Pt-like photocatalytic activity in HER. The Ni2-Pt1-comodified TiO2 is optimized to be the most cost-effective photocatalyst with robust stability, which exhibits about 40-fold higher performance than bare TiO2.