In this work, CuSbS hierarchical flower-like microspheres composed of chlorine (Cl)-doped CuSbS nanoflakes are realized via a one pot solvothermal ion exchange reaction. The kinetic factors including the duration time, the ratio of source materials, and the KOH concentration, are systematically investigated. Using a suite of analytical techniques, including SEM, XRD and FTIR, the mechanism of the two stage in situ chemical transformation of CuS flower-like microspheres consisting of nanoflake intermediates to the target product CuSbS is elucidated. The difference in solubility between reactants and products (Ksp(CuS) > Ksp(CuSbS)) determines that the ion-exchange reaction from transition binary to ternary metal chalcogenides is favorable under the impetus of a thermodynamic driving force. In addition, the optical and enhanced thermoelectric transport properties are investigated. The results revealed that Cl-doped CuSbS exhibited an improved power factor, which was 8 times higher than that of undoped CuSbS at 500 K. The current study not only provides a facile and economical way to synthesize high-quality Cl-doped Cu-Sb-S three dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanostructures, but also opens up a new route for preparation of other I-V-VI multicomponent chalcogenide NCs, such as Cu-Bi-S and Cu-Pb-S systems, which would be difficult to obtain otherwise.

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Cisplatin (DDP)-based chemotherapy is the first-line regimen for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, advanced NSCLC patients may have innate resistance to DDP or develop resistance during DDP treatment. We investigated a natural compound, arteannuin B (Art B), for its potential effects on DDP resistance in NSCLC. Art B was isolated from Artemisia annua by chromatographic purification and spectral elucidation. The activities of Art B on DDP-mediated effects were examined using in vitro and in vivo assays. We observed significant correlations in T stage, clinical stage, chemotherapy resistance and poor survival of NSCLC patients with low Cx43 expression. Art B enhanced the effectiveness of cisplatin by increasing Cx43 expression in normal and DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Art B also increased DDP uptake through up-regulating Cx43. The combination of DDP and Art B showed better therapeutic effect than individual treatments both in vitro and in vivo. Art B increased intracellular Fe[Formula: see text] level, promoted calcium influx, and activated gap junction and MAPK pathways, which might contribute to Art B-mediated effects. Art B may serve as a new drug candidate to enhance the antitumor effect of DDP on NSCLC.