bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Vacancies Generated Out‐of‐Plane and In‐Plane Ferroelectricity in Layered Bi2WO6 Nanoflake
Authors: Wang Lin , Pan Xiaohang , Zhang Yong , Zhong Yunlei , Zhang Xu , Zhang Zhen , Li Alei , Zhao Pin , Guo Qing , Li Yunfei , Zhang Hui , Xu Leilei , Wang Yujia , Han Mengjiao , Ma Xiuliang , Kang Lixing
Published: February 2025

Ferroelectricity in ultrathin 2D materials has garnered significant attention owing to its potential applications in nonvolatile memory, nanoelectronics, and optoelectronics. However, the exploration of ferroelectricity in materials possessing inherent centrosymmetric or mirror symmetry, particularly in the 2D domain, remains limited. In this study, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique is utilized to synthesize ultrathin Bi2WO6 (BWO) nanoflakes, revealing robustly intercorrelated out‐of‐plane (OOP) and in‐plane (IP) ferroelectric polarization. The measured ferroelectric phase transition temperature of ultrathin BWO nanoflake is ≈800 K. The emergence of OOP ferroelectricity in BWO nanoflake is ascribed to the displacement of oxygen vacancies between neighboring asymmetric sites, leading to the disruption of local structural mirror symmetry and the alignment of dipole moments. Moreover, the IP and OOP ferroelectric responses are modulated by distinct maximum bias voltages. This investigation offers novel insights into the advancement of 2D ferroelectrics with elevated Curie temperatures.
Intermetallic Synergy in PdCuCo Catalysts Boosts C─C Bond Cleavage of Polyalcohol Electrooxidation
Authors: Zhao Jin , Hu Tianjun , Wang Ying , Zhang Junming , Luo Ergui , Xiao He , Zhao Man , Zhang Li , Jia Jianfeng
Published: February 2025

Multi‐metallic catalysts with specific structures play a crucial role in enhancing the selectivity and activity of chemical reactions. However, challenges such as unfavorable alcohol adsorption on catalysts, CO poisoning, and high free energy barriers during oxidation processes pose significant obstacles to catalysts' ability to cleave C─C bonds for complete alcohol oxidation. Here, a series of PdCuCo metalene electrocatalysts is reported, wherein varying intermetallic interactions among Pd, Cu, and Co effectively modulate the alcohol oxidation pathway. Notably, the catalyst Pd0.15Cu0.35Co2, synthesized by galvanic replacement of Cu and Pd on a metallic Co surface, delivers remarkably high activity for electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol in alkaline electrolytes (9.7 and 10.9 A mg−1Pd, respectively), both of which are much better than reported electrocatalysts and broadly applicable to various alcohols. High performance is assigned to the structural advantages of the material and the synergistic effects of multiple metals. This synergy not merely enhances the surface electronics, fostering the creation of exclusive active sites, but also facilitates the oxidative cleavage of stable C─C bond for efficient oxidation of alcohols.
Electrically Induced Negative Differential Resistance States Mediated by Oxygen Octahedra Coupling in Manganites for Neuronal Dynamics
Authors: Jaman Azminul , Fratino Lorenzo , Ahmadi Majid , Rocco Rodolfo , Kooi Bart J. , Rozenberg Marcelo , Banerjee Tamalika
Published: February 2025

The precipitous rise of consumer network applications reiterates the urgency to redefine computing hardware with a low power footprint. Neuromorphic computing utilizing correlated oxides offers an energy‐efficient solution. By designing anisotropic functional properties in LSMO on a twinned LAO substrate and driving it out of thermodynamic equilibrium, two distinct negative differential resistance states are demonstrated in such volatile memristors. These are harnessed to exhibit oscillatory dynamics in LSMO at different frequencies and an artificial neuron with leaky integrate‐and‐fire dynamics. A material‐based modeling incorporating bond angle distortions in neighboring perovskites and capturing the inhomogeneity of domain distribution and propagation explains both the NDR regimes. The findings establish LSMO as an important material for neuromorphic computing hardware.
Mesoporous‐Confined Au Thorn Nano‐Pockets Enable of Precisely Capturing Target Molecules for Universal SERS Detection
Authors: Liao Pingyong , Zhao Jing , Zhao Xuejun , Wang Xiru , Xiao Lu , Chen Ruijia , Zhang Zihua , Wang Junchang , He Shan , Liu Wenbin
Published: February 2025

A persistent challenge in utilizing gold nanostructures for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) lies in positioning analytes into the nanoscale hotspots that maximize SERS performance and achieve universal substrates. Here, a novel mesoporous nano‐pockets strategy is proposed to design high performance universal SERS substrates by precisely capturing target molecules into plasmonic hotspots. This is achieved through utilizing mesoporous silica as nano‐pockets for confined growth of short Au thorns on the Fe3O4 core (Fe3O4@sAT@mSiO2), whilst the vertically open nano‐pockets structure with nanospace large enough at tips of short Au thorns to capture target molecules through hydroxyl group on the mesoporous surface. The electromagnetic field enhancement obtained from the Au thorns with an average gap size of 3 nm is sufficient to amplify the Raman signal peaks of the trapped molecules. Therefore, the as‐prepared Fe3O4@sAT@mSiO2 proves to be ultrasensitive and reliable SERS detection of 15 kinds of drugs, with all limits of detection lower than those reported in the current literature. Moreover, the experimental findings are further corroborated by simulations using the molecular dynamics and finite element method. These mesoporous‐confined Au thorn nano‐pockets with accessible hotspots promote future use for developing the universal SERS method in various fields.
Descriptors Divide‐and‐Conquer Enables Multifaceted and Interpretable Materials Structure–Activity Relationship Analysis
Authors: Liu Yue , Wu Linhan , Yang Zhengwei , Zou Xinxin , Zou Zheyi , Lin Yuxiao , Avdeev Maxim , Shi Siqi
Published: February 2025

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly adopted to explore the dependence of properties on descriptors especially for materials with the complicated structure–activity relationships. However, most current ML modeling strategies typically depend on a single combination of descriptors, which leads to inaccurate and unilateral inferences. Here, a descriptors divide‐and‐conquer method is proposed for machine learning (descriptors‐DCML) in which rough set theory (RST) is integrated with materials domain knowledge to select multiple optimal sets of descriptors combinations and thus diverse rule extraction strategies are provided to dig out mechanisms latent in materials data. Its potential utility and applications using the sodium ion energy barrier prediction of NASICION‐type solid‐state electrolyte compounds with multifaceted influencing factors as an example are demonstrated. A total of 85 NASICION‐type samples with 45 descriptors derived from 72 published literature serve as the data foundation for ML modeling. Not only does descriptors‐DCML exhibit the energy barrier prediction accuracy of 93.8% but also extract 9 relations mapping essential factors to Na ion energy barrier in which 5 ones conform to existing understanding rule and the rest are waiting for validation. This work paves the way for reducing the complexity of analyzing materials structure–activity relationships and enhancing the interpretability of ML models.
Reversibly Switching Hydrogen‐Responsive Palladium–Graphene Composite Membranes
Authors: Kim Lohyun , Persad Aaron , Cheng Chi , Field Randall , Karnik Rohit
Published: February 2025

The growing importance of hydrogen in clean energy highlights the need for advanced technologies for efficient hydrogen flow control and separation. Stimuli‐responsive membranes, regulating flow in response to external stimuli, could present new approaches to enhance hydrogen management. However, hydrogen gas‐responsive membranes have yet to be realized, and palladium‐based membranes, known for their high affinity and selectivity for hydrogen, suffer from irreversible structural damage during the palladium hydride phase transition. Here, a palladium composite membrane is developed, consisting of a single nanoporous graphene layer supporting an ultrathin (≈100 nm) palladium film. Gas permeation tests under varying hydrogen pressures and temperatures and with gas mixtures, demonstrate approximately 10‐fold reversible modulation in permeation in response to the partial pressure of hydrogen, corresponding to the palladium phase transition. Control experiments and modeling suggest that reversible adhesion at the graphene/palladium interface and the graphene porosity are key to this switching. Further reduction of the palladium layer thickness leads to discrete palladium islands, tuning the pore size in graphene and producing a hydrogen‐selective molecular sieving membrane with high permeance. These findings illustrate the potential of palladium–graphene synergy to create new functional materials for applications in hydrogen sensing, flow control, and related fields.
Dissolving Microneedles as In Situ Chemical Reaction Chambers: from Design Strategies to Versatile Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tian Yu , Xia Lili , Song Xinran , Chen Yu
Published: February 2025

The skin microenvironment is a highly intricate and dynamic system, characterized by an acidic pH, a diverse microbiota, various metabolites, and numerous enzymes, creating both challenges and opportunities for the development of innovative drug delivery systems. Dissolving Microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a promising, pain‐free alternative to conventional invasive injections, offering the ability to deliver therapeutics through gradual degradation within the skin's interstitial fluids. Building upon the unique properties of both the skin microenvironment and dissolving MNs, a novel concept is introduced wherein dissolving MNs serve as in situ chemical reaction chambers. In this framework, MNs can deliver chemical reactants or catalysts to the skin, enabling the initiation of specific chemical reactions, such as prodrug activation for targeted therapy, the degradation of harmful metabolites, or the enhanced synthesis of beneficial molecules. Moreover, this review systematically explores the potential of dissolving MNs as chemical reaction chambers, discussing key aspects such as their sustained release mechanisms, design strategies, and a range of therapeutic applications. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective is provided on the future development of dissolving MNs, addressing the challenges and opportunities for their broader clinical translation and application in personalized medicine.
Scallion‐Inspired Environmental Energy Enhanced Solar Evaporator with Integrated Water Transport and Thermal Management
Authors: Cheng Sijie , He Enyu , Zhang Panpan , Sutar Rajaram S , Kannan Shree Kesavan , Balu Satheesh kumar , Zhao Haipeng , Xing Ruimin , Liu Shanhu
Published: February 2025

Solar‐driven interface evaporation is recognized as an efficient and energy‐saving strategy to address the global freshwater crisis. However, challenges such as salt crystallization and high energy loss of the evaporators seriously hinder their practical application. In this study, inspired by natural scallion structure, a 3D layered curled cylindrical photothermal interface evaporator using copper sulfide (CuS) and nickel foam (NF) are constructed, achieving an impressive evaporation rate of up to 6.12 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 kW·m−2 solar irradiation. Further analysis reveals that the layered curled cylindrical structure of the evaporator reduces heat loss to the underlying water, optimizing the balance between water transport and thermal management. Notably, the evaporator demonstrated excellent salt resistance and robust desalination durability for 140 h in 20 wt.% NaCl solution, attributed to the vertical and horizontal water channels. This work guides the design of efficient, salt‐resistant solar‐driven evaporators for seawater desalination and wastewater treatment in extreme conditions.
Bidirectionally Symmetric Self‐Assembly of Switchable Chiral Microstructures Based on Angle Compensation and pH Regulation Strategy for Chiroptical Metamaterials
Authors: Lao Zhaoxin , Liu Xin , Qi Qiaoqiao , Hu Haijian , Liu Meiqi , Zhu Haojie , Dong Rui , Zhang Yachao , Wu Sizhu , Zhang Chenchu , Chen Chao , Zhang Li
Published: February 2025

Chiral metamaterials have attracted pronounced attention due to their great potential in detecting vortex‐structured light and enantiomeric chiral molecules. However, most previously‐explored rigid chiral structures are constrained by poor tunability, resulting from their inability to achieve bidirectionally symmetric fabrication. Though the integration of smart materials with femtosecond laser printing has advanced the development of 3D tunable microstructures, unfortunately, the asymmetric deformation of those smart materials breaks the chiral symmetry of fabricated structures. Herein, a feasible strategy namely angle compensation coupling with laser‐induced self‐assembly of pH‐sensitive microstructures to restore the symmetry of chiral self‐assemblies, is proposed. Relying on the laser‐printing guided capillary force self‐assembly, the targeted chiral microstructures featuring bidirectional symmetry and shape‐morphing reversibility are successfully harvested, witnessing its unparalleled fabricating flexibility and accurate controllability. Significantly, once the vortex light serves as a probe, the assembled chiral enantiomers yield symmetrically distributed dichroism spectra, evidencing the feasibility of current approaches. This work grants a paradigm for the rapid and steerable manufacture of chiral metasurfaces and further enhances the potential in the fields of optical communication, chemical sensing, and chiral photonics.
Tailored Heterogeneous Catalysts via Space‐Confined Engineering for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wu Chenxiao , Liu Chuang , Gao Ang , Xia Tianyu , Huang He , Xu Bojia , Bai Xiaoyan , Wang Ruijie , Gao Han , Song Li , Wang Rongming , Tian He , Wang Shouguo , Guo Haizhong , Gu Lin
Published: February 2025

Enhancing the intrinsic activity and number of catalytic sites is crucial in developing high‐performing and robust electrocatalysts. Reductionism provides a material design concept that progresses from atoms to phases and then to phase sequences. Herein, the well‐recognized high‐active (CoFe)Se2 and multi‐site (CoFe)─N─C phases are carefully selected and creatively combined by space‐confined selenization, resulting in the (CoFe)Se2@(CoFe)─N─C heterogeneous nanocatalyst. This design simultaneously yields “better” and “more” catalytic active sites to enable stronger reaction kinetics with a low overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the oxygen evolution reaction. The overpotential surprisingly remained almost unchanged after an ultra‐long 500 h of continuous reaction. This ideal space‐confined combination effectively optimizes the absorption capacity and alters the rate‐determining step from *O→*OOH to *OH→*O. This work effectively demonstrates the principles of reductionism and confined engineering, opening a promising avenue for designing and constructing efficient multi‐phase catalytic nanomaterials.
Defect Engineering Zr‐MOF‐Endowed Activity‐Dimension Dual‐Sieving Strategy for Anti‐acid Recognition of Real Phosphoryl Fluoride Nerve Agents
Authors: Zang Runqiang , Liu Yuan , Wang Yihang , Feng Lu , Ge Yuansheng , Qin Molin , Du Yuwan , Ning Jinliang , Ma Xiaowei , Dou Xincun
Published: February 2025

Defect‐engineering‐involved metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been highly valued in many fields due to the enhanced porosity and abundant active sites, but how the systematic modulation on deficiency influencing fluorescent sensing performance is still in its infancy. Here, systematic defect‐engineering of MOF‐525 is used to modulate the exposure of zirconium (Zr) clusters and the sieving capability of inner channels, enabling precise fluorescent sensing of phosphoryl fluoride nerve agents with specific chemical activity and molecular dimensions. Controllable defects transformed the localized emission of porphyrin into ligand‐metal charge transferring (LMCT) due to the gradual loss of the ligand molecules, which is interrupted upon the coordination of nerve agents, triggering a red turn‐on fluorescence. Thus, the defective MOF‐525 with 60% deficiency effectively discriminates the phosphoryl fluoride nerve agents (e.g., sarin, soman) from similar substances (e.g., tabun, venomous agent X) due to synergistic sieving effect of chemical activity and molecular dimension. It exhibits highly sensitive (0.96 nm/3.8 ppb), rapid (<1 s) response toward target nerve agents and is robust to the environmental interference from the acidic, humid and common fluorescent substances. This work enhances understanding of defect‐engineering MOFs and the correpsonding luminescent behavior, paving a new avenue for sensing strategy of trace real nerve agent vapor.
Na‐K Interlayer Driven Na‐NASICON Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Zhichao , Sun Chen , Liu Shiqiao , Dou Yankun , Yuan Xuanyi , Jin Haibo , Zhao Yongjie
Published: February 2025

Solid‐state sodium batteries are deemed as a highly promising candidate for medium and long‐term stationary energy storage. But, the solid‐state electrolyte with desirable ionic conductivity and high stability against solid metal electrodes remains a significant challenge for the research and development of solid‐state sodium metal batteries. In this research, the approach of in‐situ formed Na‐K interlayer is put forward, wherein K+ electrochemically migrates from the K‐substituted NASICON‐structure ceramic electrolyte toward the interface of ceramic electrolyte and Na metal electrode, locally and dynamically forming a Na‐K interlayer with Na metal. Therefore, the compatibility between ceramic electrolytes and the Na electrode is obviously enhanced. Accordingly, the area specific resistance of the solid/solid interface contact gets reduced to 29.9 Ω cm2 and a high room temperature critical current density of 1.3 mA cm−2 is achieved. In the meantime, the Na/Na3Zr2Si2PO12‐0.005K/Na can steadily operate for 1400 h at 0.2 mA cm−2. Moreover, NASICON‐structure ceramic electrolyte‐based solid‐state sodium metal batteries paired with polyanion and layered sodium ion cathodes are constructed to highlight the superiority of this well‐designed ceramic electrolyte/metal electrode interface.
High‐Mobility SnO Enabled by Doping‐Induced Interstitial Oxygen for All‐Oxide Complementary Logics
Authors: Han Jing , Hong Ruohao , Liu Hanzhong , Niu Wencheng , Yin Xu , Tang Lin , Zhang Sen , Song Yu , Meng You , He Penghui , Huang Hao , Tang Liming , Liu Xingqiang , Zou Xuming , Liao Lei
Published: February 2025

Developing high‐performance p‐type oxide semiconductors is a significant challenge in thin‐film semiconductor technology due to their complex electronic structure and the presence of compensating intrinsic defects. To this aim, an unexplored thulium (Tm) doping strategy is proposed to alter the formation energy of interstitial oxygen in p‐type tin monoxide (SnO) with Hall mobility up to 284.0 ± 3.0 cm2 V∙s−1, in which a field‐effect hole mobility of 12.8 cm2 V∙s−1 and an on/off ratio above 104 are achieved. Benefiting from the enhanced reliability of Tm‐doped SnO thin‐film transistors (TFTs), complementary logic circuits such as inverters, NAND, and NOR gates are constructed. The inverters exhibit an ultrahigh gain, which is close to 800, surpassing most of existing counterparts. This work unfolds novel mechanism and highlights the effectiveness of the Tm doping strategy in developing Sn‐based oxide complementary devices and circuits that meet the performance requirements of future TFTs technology.
Enhanced Bioprinting of 3D Corneal Stroma Patches with Reliability, Assessing Product Consistency and Quality through Optimized Electron Beam Sterilization
Authors: Yoon Jungbin , Lee Yeon‐ju , Kim Minji , Park Ju Young , Jang Jinah
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the optimization of sterilization methods for bioprinted three‐dimensional (3D) corneal stroma patches prepared using cornea‐derived decellularized extracellular matrix (Co‐dECM) hydrogels and human keratocytes, with the aim of enhancing clinical applications in corneal tissue engineering. An essential aspect of this study is to refine the sterilization processes, particularly focusing on electron beam (EB) sterilization, to maintain the structural and functional integrity of the Co‐dECM hydrogels while ensuring sterility. The study reveals that EB sterilization outperformed traditional methods like ethylene oxide (EtO) gas and autoclaving, which tend to degrade the biochemical properties of hydrogels. By optimizing the EB‐sterilization process, the essential mechanical and biochemical characteristics needed for successful 3D bioprinting are retained, reducing batch variability in bioprinted 3D corneal stroma patches. Consistency in production is vital for meeting regulatory standards and ensuring patient safety. Moreover, the study investigates the immunomodulatory properties of sterilized hydrogels, emphasizing their potential to minimize inflammatory responses, which is crucial for maintaining keratocyte phenotype. These findings significantly advance biomedical engineering by providing a sterilization method that preserves material integrity, minimizes immunogenicity, and supports the clinical translation of bioprinted corneal stroma patches, offering a promising alternative to donor transplants and synthetic substitutes.
Acid‐Responsive Bacteria‐Targeted Zinc‐Porphyrin Based Sonosensitizer with Enhancing Antibacterial Efficacy and Biofilm Eradication for Infected Wounds Healing
Authors: Zhao Xingjun , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Peng , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Li
Published: February 2025

Diseases caused by bacterial infections place a significant burden on global public health. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as an emerging antibacterial treatment, faces clinical challenges due to the non‐polar nature of most sonosensitizers. To address this, an acid‐responsive zinc‐porphyrin‐based sonosensitizer (Zn‐TCPP) is developed via a simple thermal reaction, which is then coated with phenylboronic acid‐modified hyaluronic acid (B‐HA), to fabricate B‐HA@Zn‐TCPP. While in the mildly acidic microenvironment mimicking an infected wound site, the released B‐HA@Zn‐TCPP achieves effective SDT activity. The disruption of the bacterial membrane and the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) verified that the inhibition rate can reach 99% within 5 min, without any development of resistance after 15 consecutive generations of culture. Additionally, under ultrasound (US) ‐mediated cavitation, B‐HA@Zn‐TCPP exhibits excellent penetration into biofilms, achieving a 90.04% bactericidal rate for bacteria within biofilms. In vivo studies further demonstrated that B‐HA@Zn‐TCPP can effectively accelerate the healing of bacterial infected wounds with a wound healing rate of 98.65% within 9 days. Therefore, B‐HA@Zn‐TCPP as a novel sonosensitizer offers a viable strategy to overcome the limitations of traditional sonosensitizers for the bacterial wound infections.
Robust 3D‐Printable, Injectable, and Adhesive Hydrogels with Stepwise‐Triggered Dual Reversible/Irreversible Covalent Linkages for Wound Healing
Authors: Li Fucheng , Zhang Xiaoying , Cui Tingting , He Fukun , Lu Lingyu , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su
Published: February 2025

The development of 3D‐printable and injectable biocompatible hydrogels with robust mechanical and adhesive properties useful for biomedical applications remains a great challenge. Herein, stepwise‐triggered dual reversible/irreversible covalent linkages are engineered between two functionalized polymers, glycidyl methacrylate‐modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA‐GMA) and oxidized sodium alginate tailed with 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (OSA‐PBA), allowing the availability of PVA‐GMA/OSA‐PBA (PGOP) hydrogels with versatile properties and functions. The PGOP hydrogels have excellent injectability, processability, mechanical strength (39.5 ± 2.3 kPa), self‐healing, elasticity and toughness (80% compressive strain at 84.5 kPa stress), bioadhesion (34.2 ± 2.7 kPa adhesive strength to fresh pig skin, vs 7.3–15.38 kPa for commercial fibrin glue adhesives), degradability, antibacterial property, and biocompatibility (265% cell survival with fibroblasts co‐culture for 5 d). With these merits, PGOP pregel and hydrogels can be applied as 3D‐printing glue and construct materials to produce diverse 3D hierarchical architectures with high shape fidelity, good mechanical properties, and active materials‐laden capacity. The mouse liver hemorrhage model and the full‐thickness skin defect model demonstrate that PGOP hydrogels have excellent hemostatic ability and accelerated wound healing capacity. Therefore, this work provides 3D‐printable and injectable glue and hydrogel adhesives with favorable mechanical strength useful for various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.
2D AgTiPS6: a Cross‐Stacked In‐Plane Anisotropic Semiconductor for Broadband and Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetection
Authors: Wu Dong , Wu Fafa , Shen Wanfu , Zhou Liujiang , Hu Chunguang , Yu Peng , Yang Guowei
Published: February 2025

2D anisotropic materials, typically consisting of 1D distorted chains arranged in parallel or anti‐parallel patterns, are gaining attention for their potential in anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices. 2D anisotropic materials with cross‐stacked interconnected 1D chains will show improved anisotropy and stability. Nonetheless, to date, no 2D anisotropic materials featuring cross‐stacked motifs have been experimentally realized. This work identifies AgTiPS6 atomic layers, the 2D in‐plane anisotropic material with cross‐stacked structural motifs, as an n‐type semiconductor with a 1.0 eV band gap. Significantly, the unique cross‐stacked configuration of 2D AgTiPS6 results in a significant in‐plane anisotropy, with electrical and optoelectrical anisotropies measuring 5.44 and 2.44, respectively, as well as an axially orientation selectivity. Meanwhile, a broadband response from visible (Vis, 405 nm) to middle infrared (MIR, 10.6 µm) is achieved in the AgTiPS6‐based photodetector, with the photoresponse above the bandgap attributed to photothermoelectric effect. Furthermore, 2D AgTiPS6 has demonstrated environmental stability exceeding 12 months and a laser damage threshold exceeding 10 W cm−2, attributed to its extra‐thick monolayer (1.32 nm). This work introduces a novel in‐plane anisotropic material, expanding the repertoire of 2D anisotropic materials and offering potential for the development of anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Harnessing Amino Acid Modularity for Programmable Function in Covalent Peptide Assemblies
Authors: Hur Yun‐Mi , Min Kyoung‐Ik
Published: February 2025

Covalent peptide assembly leverages robust covalent bonds and dynamic non‐covalent interactions to provide enhanced stability and introduce diverse functionalities. Nevertheless, it remains significantly challenging to achieve modular control over the structural diversity and functional complexity while elucidating how specific amino acid sequences contribute to these processes. Here, the systematic encoding of peptide derivative characteristics is demonstrated through amino acid modularity to enable precise control over both the structural diversity and functional complexity in covalent peptide assemblies. By systematically screening single amino acid substitutions in pentapeptides using tyrosine crosslinking, a diverse library of peptide constructs is developed. Each construct is tailored to exhibit distinct properties, including charge repulsion, aggregation‐induced quenching, disassembly behavior, and redox responsiveness. The strategic manipulation of sequence composition, both in individual assemblies and combinatorial systems, enables programmable control over the structural diversity and functional complexity. This approach yields various module‐specific functions, including frustrated growth, hierarchical hollow architecture formation, affinity enrichment, stimuli‐responsive behavior, and fluorescence signal amplification. This work establishes a framework for the design of modular peptide materials with programmable functionalities, advancing the development of next‐generation multicomponent peptide assembly technologies characterized by unprecedented complexity and adaptability.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Robust Biocatalyst for Preparing Heteroatom‐Containing Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Han Yuchen , Geng Nan , Sha Jiangtao , Li Huanhuan , You Chun , Liu Weidong , Zhang Jie , Shi Jianjun , Wu Xin , Zhang Wuyuan
Published: February 2025

Heterocyclic scaffolds have broad applications in organic synthesis, resulting in the
production of essential compounds utilized in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and
dietary products. In this study, we present the characterization of a discovered succinic
semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpSSADH) and elucidate
its crystallographic structure. Further investigation into the catalytic performance of
KpSSADH reveals its remarkable efficiency in converting various heteroatomcontaining
(including N, S, O, and their combinations) cyclic aldehydes into the
corresponding acids with conversions reaching up to 99%. To expand the range of
available substrates, we designed cascade reactions by integrating thiol oxidase from
Methylovorus sp. MP688 or unspecific peroxygenase from Agrocybe aegerita with
KpSSADH. Through this approach, the desired acids via alcohol oxidation and C‐H
bond oxyfunctionalization were obtained, respectively. The discovery of KpSSADH and
the envisioned cascade reactions have significantly broadened the biocatalytic toolbox
for synthesizing heteroatom‐containing carboxylic acids, thereby holding potential for
applications in the modern pharmaceutical industry.
A Standalone and Quantitative Point‐of‐Need Testing Platform with Manual Readout Capability Based on Smart Hydrogel Strands
Authors: Boroomand Saeed , Farhoudi Navid , Reiche Christopher F. , Magda Jules J. , Solzbacher Florian , Laurentius Lars B.
Published: February 2025

Smart hydrogels hold great promise as sensing elements that can be tailored to respond to a wide array of biomarkers and can be integrated with different readout modalities. However, a major challenge with these sensors is response time, which depends on the hydrogel swelling behavior and is limited by diffusion. While geometrical miniaturization can accelerate response time, it often requires complex readout systems to detect volume changes, which is detrimental for use in point‐of‐need (PoN) applications. This study introduces a novel approach for hydrogel‐based platforms that realizes important PoN requirements such as sensitivity, cost‐effectiveness, instrument‐free, and fast response time. The proposed sensing mechanism involves constraining a hydrogel strand at both ends and utilizing a visually observable buckling behavior instead of directly measuring a volume change. The sensing principle is validated by measuring glucose, an important biological analyte, and examines measurement repeatability, response time, sensitivity, and dynamic range. The performance is also demonstrated in blood and serum. The effects of design parameters such as strand length and diameter on sensor performance are also investigated. This new sensor offers a straightforward visual readout without requiring complex instrumentation, paving the way for more accessible and affordable PoN devices.
Theoretical Optimization and Comparison of (FA)2BiCuI6 and Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 Based Double Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Rana Ashish D. , Bhargava Kshitij
Published: February 2025

To overcome the issue of toxicity in lead (Pb) based perovskite solar cells, this work investigates, optimizes, and compares the performance of solar photovoltaic cells based on two different promising Pb‐free double perovskite absorber materials viz. (FA)2BiCuI6 and Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6. The optoelectronic properties of these materials indicate high absorption coefficient with minimum reflection coefficients, making them appropriate for photon absorption. The performance of (FA)2BiCuI6 and Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 based modeled cells are examined for several combinations of electron and hole transport materials using SCAPS‐1D and the optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.3% and 11.1% are achieved by simulating the architectures FTO/SnO2/(FA)2BiCuI6/Cu2O/Au and FTO/SnO2/Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6/Cu2O/Au, respectively. Further, this work employs the bandgap grading scheme to enhance their PCEs. The efficiency of cells further improves to 14.8% and 12.2% credited to the reduction in interfacial recombination with bandgap graded absorber layers. Moreover, the comparative investigations are also done in terms of absorber layer defect density and working temperature. The findings provide valuable insights into designing of highly efficient Pb‐free double perovskite solar cells as the promising alternative to conventional Pb based halide perovskite photovoltaic cells.
A Gallbladder‐Specific Hydrophobic Bile Acid‐FXR‐MUC1 Signaling Axis Mediates Cholesterol Gallstone Formation
Authors: Chen Hongtan , Jiang Xin , Li Yiqiao , Guo Honggang , Wu Jianguo , Li Sha , Hu Fengling , Xu Guoqiang
Published: February 2025

Differences in the distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bile acids (BA) are observed in mouse models of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high‐fat‐cholesterol “Western‐style” diet (WD), and cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD) induced by a lithogenic diet. Despite sharing common pathological processes, these models exhibit distinct characteristics in their BA pools. The study investigates the impact of hydrophobic BA (HphoBA) and hydrophilic BA (HphilBA) on CGD development using cytochrome‐P450‐2c70 knockout (C70‐KO) mice (miceC70‐KO), genetically modified to resemble humans with a hydrophobic BA pool. All miceC70‐KO fed the WD develop CGD, resembling human cholelithiasis patients, while WD‐fed wild‐type (WT) mice (miceWT) show cholesterol‐saturated bile but rarely form gallstones. Compared to miceWT, WD‐fed miceC70‐KO display caveolae microdomain redistribution in the gallbladder mediated by the HphoBA, FXR, and miR30c/e axis, which enhances the Sp1 transcriptional activity of mucin‐1 (MUC1) genes through nuclear translocation of protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ). These changes contribute to increased production of pronucleating agents (MUC1 and MUC5ac) and accelerate crystallization of gallbladder cholesterol. The data also suggest that WD‐fed miceC70‐KO appropriately model human CGD since lithogenic diet‐fed miceWT have a larger BA pool that masks the negative effects of gallbladder FXR on CGD development.
CircSATB1 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis through Facilitating FKBP8 Degradation via RNF25‐Mediated Ubiquitination
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Tian Chuanxin , Zhu Renzhong , Chen Chen , Jin Chi , Wang Xiaowei , Sun Lejia , Peng Wen , Ji Dongjian , Zhang Yue , Sun Yueming
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and liver metastasis is the leading reason for its mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are conclusively associated with the progression of various cancers, rendering the exploration of its specific mechanisms in colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM) highly valuable. Combined with GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) databases and clinical data in our center, we found that high expression of circSATB1 is closely related to the progression of CRLM. Functionally, circSATB1 could significantly promote the metastatic ability of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circSATB1 facilitated the RNF25‐mediated ubiquitylation and degradation of FKBP8, releasing its inhibitory effects on mTOR signaling. In this process, circSATB1 acted as a scaffold for RNF25‐FKBP8 complexes. Additionally, circSATB1 could be packaged in exosomes and secreted from the CRC primary tumors into plasma. In conclusion, this study uncovered a new circSATB1 that acts as a potent promoter of CRLM and offers novel insights into the precision therapeutic strategies for CRLM.
Phosphorylation of POU3F3 Mediated Nuclear Translocation Promotes Proliferation in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer through Accelerating ATP5PF Transcription and ATP Production
Authors: Zeng Qi‐Gang , Li Le , Chang Tao , Sun Yong , Zheng Bin , Xue Ling‐Na , Liu Chao‐Ling , Li Xia‐Qing , Huang Ruo‐Tong , Gu Jia‐Xin , An Zhao‐Rong , Yao Hao‐Tao , Zhou Dan‐Yang , Fan Jun , Dai Yong
Published: February 2025

Targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) through inhibiting the electron transport chain (ETC) has shown promising pre‐clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Although aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, emerging evidence suggest OXPHOS is frequently enhanced, providing metabolic advantages for cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance in a variety of aggressive cancer types including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here it is reported that POU‐domain containing family protein POU3F3 is translocated into the nuclei of NSCLC cell lines harboring mutant RAS, where it activates transcription of ATP5PF, an essential component of mitochondrial ATP synthase and consequent ATP production, leading to enhanced NSCLC proliferation and migration. Moreover, it is further found out that ERK1 phosphorylates POU3F3 at the S393 site in the cytoplasm and promotes the nuclear translocation of POU3F3 via receptor importin β1 in RAS mutant NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that POU3F3 binds to the promoter of ATP5PF, leading to enhanced ATP5PF transcription and ATP production. Together, this study uncovers a novel RAS‐POU3F3‐ATP5PF axis in facilitating NSCLC progression, providing a new perspective on the understanding of molecular mechanisms for NSCLC progression.
Mitochondrial Amount Determines Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xiong Weiyao , Li Bin , Pan Jianan , Li Dongjiu , Yuan Haihua , Wan Xin , Zhang Yanjie , Fu Lijun , Zhang Junfeng , Lei Ming , Chang Alex Chia Yu
Published: February 2025

Doxorubicin, an anthracycline commonly used for treating cancer patients, is known for its cardiotoxic side‐effects. Although dose‐dependent, but susceptibility remains variable among patients, and childhood‐exposure‐adult‐onset remains challenging. Besides topoisomerase toxicity, Doxorubicin is also toxic to the mitochondria yet the underlying late onset mechanism remains elusive. Here, it is observed that the mitochondrial copy number in PBMCs of patients treated with anthracycline chemotherapy is negatively correlated with the change in plasma BNP levels after treatment. Isogenic hiPSC‐CMs are generated with high, norm, and low mitochondrial copy numbers using mitochondrial transplantation and the YFP‐Parkin system. Remarkably, lower mitochondria copy number translates to lower IC50, suggesting increased susceptibility. Mitochondria supplementation by intramyocardial injection prevents doxorubicin induced heart failure. Mechanistically, doxorubicin treatment leads to mPTP opening and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. This mtDNA leakage event activates the cGAS‐STING pathway and drives inflammation and myocardial senescence. Cardiomyocyte‐specific knockout of Sting (Myh6‐Cre/Stingflox/flox; StingCKO) and over expression of mitochondrial tagged DNase1 in mice partially rescue doxorubicin‐induced cardiac dysfunction. In conclusion, the work establishes a negative correlation between cardiomyocyte mitochondrial copy number and doxorubicin toxicity. Molecularly, it is demonstrated that mtDNA leakage activates cGAS‐STING pathway and accelerates myocardial dysfunction. These insights offer new co‐administration strategies for cancer patients.
Lone Pair and Unique N‐Bridging of Novel Titanium Nitridophosphate
Authors: Ufondu Peter , Sakshi  , Boyko Teak D. , Pointner Monika M. , Schnick Wolfgang , Moewes Alexander
Published: February 2025

In exploring advanced materials for solar power, the novel titanium nitridophosphate (TiP4N8) stands out due to its unique linear nitrogen bridging. To investigate the elemental interactions responsible for the photovoltaic performance under visible light, the titanium L2, 3‐edges and nitrogen K‐edge are specifically explored using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering (RIXS) techniques to map the unoccupied and occupied electronic states. It is shown that the indirect interaction between the linear nitrogen bearing the lone pair and titanium is responsible for the bandgap of 1.55 ± 0.30 eV and 1.77 ± 0.30 eV in the β‐ and α‐TiP4N8 phases as well as the stability of the α‐phase. The formal oxidation state of the Ti ion in the β‐ and α‐phases are also validated to be trivalent (Ti+3) and both trivalent (Ti+3) and tetravalent (Ti+4), respectively.
Medium Spiny Neurons Mediate Timing Perception in Coordination with Prefrontal Neurons in Primates
Authors: Liu Xinhe , Zhang Zhiting , Gan Lu , Yu Panke , Dai Ji
Published: February 2025

Timing perception is a fundamental cognitive function that allows organisms to navigate their environment effectively, encompassing both prospective and retrospective timing. Despite significant advancements in understanding how the brain processes temporal information, the neural mechanisms underlying these two forms of timing remain largely unexplored. In this study, it aims to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating the functional roles of various neuronal populations in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shaping subjective experiences of time. Utilizing a large‐scale electrode array, it recorded responses from over 3000 neurons in the striatum and PFC of macaque monkeys during timing tasks. The analysis classified neurons into distinct groups and revealed that retrospective and prospective timings are governed by separate neural processes. Specifically, this study demonstrates that medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum play a crucial role in facilitating these timing processes. Through cell‐type‐specific manipulation, it identified D2‐MSNs as the primary contributors to both forms of timing. Additionally, the findings indicate that effective processing of timing requires coordination between the PFC and the striatum. In summary, this study advances the understanding of the neural foundations of timing perception and highlights its behavioral implications.
Rejuvenating Hyaline Cartilage with Senescence‐Targeting Si‐ADAM19 Delivery for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Authors: Wang Jiasheng , Guo Peng , Wu Dongmei , Yi Junzhi , Jiang Qi , Hu Jiajie , Ouyang Hongwei
Published: February 2025

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint degenerative diseases without effective treatment, whose pathology is related to the local accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs). However, existing SnCs‐scavenging drugs “senolytics” may lead to the exhaustion of stem and progenitor cells, impairing chondrocyte proliferation and cartilage regeneration. Here, ADAM19, a kind of endopeptidases from the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family, is identified as a novel target for senescent chondrocyte rejuvenation. ADAM19 is elevated in senescent chondrocytes in both mice and human osteoarthritic joints, as well as in cellular senescence model in vitro. ADAM19 knockdown not only significantly attenuated senescent phenotype of chondrocytes, but also promoted cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. RNA sequencing revealed ADAM19 may regulate chondrocyte senescence mainly through the PI3K/AKT signal axis. In addition, a senescence‐targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system is developed for in vivo delivery of therapeutic siRNA. The complex selectively released ADAM19 siRNA in SnCs and performed high silencing effect on target gene. Furthermore, intra‐articular (IA) injection of the complex once every two weeks in OA mice effectively reduced SnCs accumulation and promoted hyaline cartilage regeneration. This study provides a promising strategy for the development of regenerative RNA interference therapy.
Hybrid Electro‐optical Stimulation Improves Ischemic Brain Damage by Augmenting the Glymphatic System
Authors: Kim Min Jae , Youn Jiman , Lee Hong Ju , Lee Seo‐Yeon , Kim Tae‐Gyu , Jung Young‐Jin , Shin Yong‐Il , Choi Byung Tae , Jeong Joonsoo , Shin Hwa Kyoung
Published: February 2025

Ischemic brain injury not only results in significant neurological, motor, and cognitive impairment but also contributes to the accumulation of toxic solutes and proinflammatory cytokines in the infarction region, exacerbating ischemic brain damage. The glymphatic system, which is crucial for brain waste clearance and homeostasis, is impaired by ischemic injury, highlighting the importance of developing therapeutic strategies for poststroke complications. Herein, a novel hybrid electro‐optical stimulation device is proposed that integrates near‐infrared micro‐light‐emitting diode with transparent microneedles, enabling efficient noninvasive stimulation of the cortical area for ischemic stroke treatment. This study investigates whether this hybrid electro‐optical stimulation enhances the glymphatic system function and ameliorates ischemic brain injury in the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) mice model. The results demonstrate that hybrid stimulation improves the neurological, motor, and cognitive functions and reduces brain atrophy following MCAO/R. Moreover, hybrid stimulation restores impaired glymphatic system function by modulation of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) polarization and alleviates the accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β. Notably, AQP4 inhibition partly reverses the improved functional outcomes of hybrid stimulation. The findings suggest that targeting glymphatic drainage using hybrid electro‐optical stimulation is a promising therapeutic approach for treating ischemic brain injury.
Elemental Stability Rules for High Entropy Disordered Rocksalt Type Li‐Ion Battery Positive Electrodes
Authors: Wang Lin , Sunariwal Neelam , He Yufang , Kim Do‐hoon , Yeon Dong‐hee , Zeng Yan , Cabana Jordi , Ouyang Bin
Published: February 2025

High entropy disordered rocksalt (HE‐DRX) Li‐ion battery positive electrodes have gained attention as a potential alternative to commercialized positive electrodes, aiming to eliminate or minimize the use of Ni/Co while maintaining competitive electrochemical performance. Despite their potential, understanding the intricate elemental stability across the vast HE‐DRX chemical landscape remains a significant challenge. In this study, we tackle this challenge by conducting a comprehensive data‐driven phase diagram analysis of 18810 potential HE‐DRX compositions, each featuring common Li and F stoichiometries. Leveraging a charge balance algorithm, we systematically explore redox stability and phase stability, unveiling critical insights into chemical stability rules within the HE‐DRX design space. The analysis also uncovers untapped potential of Cu as redox‐active centers, with Sb and Sn contributing as stable charge compensators. The utilization of these elements is seldom reported in the literature but has been validated by the successful experimental synthesis of materials Li21Zr3Ti3Mn2Fe5Cu2O36 and Li21Mn2Ti3Fe5Cu2Sn3O36.