bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors via Organic Redox Species on Laser‐Induced Graphene Network
Authors: Li Yiran , Zhang Maoqin , Lu Hongbo , Cai Xinxin , Jiao Zhaoyang , Li Shujing , Song Weixing
Published: April 2024

Hybrid zinc‐ion capacitors combine the energy storage capabilities of zinc‐ion batteries with the high‐power output of supercapacitors. However, the limited cycle life and narrow electrochemical window of hybrid zinc‐ion capacitors currently restrict their potential applications. Herein, a hybrid zinc‐ion capacitor is fabricated on laser‐induced graphene (LIG) based on in situ electropolymerization of organic compound poly(8‐amino‐2‐naphthol). The electropolymerized long‐conjugated chain polymers on the 3D conductive framework of LIG can enhance reaction kinetics, suppress the dissolution of organic compounds, and boost capacity. Simultaneously, hydrogen bonds form between polymer chains, aiding in proton transport. The assembled Zn//carbon cloth/LIG/poly(8‐amino‐2‐naphthol) hybrid zinc‐ion capacitors possess a high specific capacity of 308 mAh g−1 at 0.1 mA cm−2, which is twice as much as that of the batteries without LIG. Additionally, these hybrid capacitors can stably endure 10 000 cycles at a current density of 5 mA cm−2.
Dual‐Shelled Hollow Leafy Carbon Support with Atomically Dispersed (N,S)‐Bridged Hydroxy‐Coordinated Asymmetric Fe Sites for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Yuan Min , Liu Yang , Du Yunmei , Xiao Zhenyu , Li Hongdong , Liu Kang , Wang Lei
Published: April 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are widely studied in various chemical transformations due to their high catalytic activity and atom utilization. However, modulating the catalytic performance of catalysts by adjusting the microenvironment remains a great challenge. In this paper, a novel master‐double guest vulcanization‐assisted strategy is reported for synthesizing Fe single‐atom catalysts on N,S codoped porous hollow leaf carbon (FeSA/N,S‐PHLC) with highly exposed FeN3SOH sites. Fe(mIm) (guest I) is loaded on the surface of ZIF‐L (host) and then trithiocyanuric acid (TCA, guest II) is bonded with Fe(mIm), and the resulting ZIF‐L@Fe(mIm)@TCA precursors can be converted to FeSA/N,S‐PHLC with controllable structures. In addition, XPS analysis yield an increase in pyridine N content in FeSA/N,S‐PHLC compared to FeSA/N‐PHLC. It can be demonstrated by theoretical calculations that the N,S‐coordinated axially hydroxy‐coordinated asymmetric Fe centers synergistically with the abundance of pyridinic nitrogen facilitate the adsorption and desorption of oxygen intermediates, and the 3d orbitals of the Fe active centers can be optimized. The prepared FeSA/N,S‐PHLC catalyst has a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.91 V under alkaline conditions, and E1/2 = 0.75 V under acidic conditions. It shows excellent cycle stability (882 h) and power density (217 mW cm−2) in the assembly of zinc–air battery (ZABs) devices.
Artificial Muscles Based on Coiled Conductive Polymer Yarns
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Zhang Shengtao , Zhang Mengyang , Xu Jiawei , Salim Teddy , Li Yan , Hu Xinghao , Zhang Zhongqiang , Cheng Guanggui , Yuan Ningyi , Lam Yeng Ming , Ding Jianning
Published: April 2024

Lightweight artificial muscles with large strain and large stress output have great application prospects in robotics, rehabilitation, prosthetic, and exoskeletons. Despite the excellent performance of carbon nanotube‐based artificial muscles in recent years, their widespread use is hindered by the high manufacturing costs associated with carbon nanotubes. In this paper, the study introduces a novel approach by developing artificial muscles based on pure conductive polymer coiled yarns. This achievement is facilitated by the successful fabrication of high‐strength conductive polymer microfibers. Furthermore, the study elucidates the molecular structural changes occurring during electrochemical processes that induce a substantial radial volume expansion in the microfibers. The resultant anisotropic volume change is magnified by the coiled yarn, yielding a remarkable contractile strain exceeding 11% at a high stress of 5 MPa, equivalent to lifting loads more than 4000 times their own masses, all achieved with a low input voltage of 1 V. Additionally, these conductive polymer‐based artificial muscles exhibit hydration‐induced contraction up to 33%, with swift recovery through electrical heating, leveraging their intrinsic high conductivity. This breakthrough positions high‐performance conductive polymer microfibers as a promising cost‐effective alternative to carbon nanotubes, establishing them at the forefront of lightweight artificial muscles.
Hydrogen Bond Network Regulation in Electrolyte Structure for Zn‐based Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Sheng Dawei , Liu Xiaoxu , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Man , Li Yang , Ren Peipei , Yan Xueru , Shen Ze Xiang , Chao Dongliang
Published: April 2024

Electrolyte regulation in Zn‐based aqueous batteries (ZABs) has been extensively reported, and a broad range of strategies has been proposed. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summaries and a comprehensive understanding of the impact of hydrogen bond (H‐bond) networks on electrolyte performance. This work presents the electrolyte structure model, encompassing solvation structure, electrolyte/Zn anode interface, and H‐bond network. Through emphasizing and summarizing the reconstruction, strengthening, and breaking of the H‐bond network within the electrolyte structure, various specific regulation strategies are identified, such as high Gutmann donor number solvent, organic co‐solvent, molecular crowding additives, structure‐breaking ions, and solid‐state design. A critical appraisal is then provided on the key performance metrics influenced by these regulation methods, including Coulomb efficiency, voltage hysteresis, freezing point, and lifespan. This work is expected to illustrate electrolyte structure design to improve the comprehensive performance of ZABs. Last, a data‐driven summary and outlook on hydrogen bond network regulation in electrolyte structure is provided, to objectively evaluate the overall performances of ZABs.
Impact of Amorphous LiF Coating Layers on Cathode‐Electrolyte Interfaces in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Hu Taiping , Xu Linhan , Dai Fuzhi , Zhou Guobing , Fu Fangjia , Wang Xiaoxu , Li Linsen , Ai Xinping , Xu Shenzhen
Published: April 2024

High interfacial resistance between electrodes and solid‐state electrolyte is the major cause for the failure of all‐solid‐state Li‐ion batteries. Spontaneous (electro)chemical reactions and poor Li‐ion diffusion at the interfaces are closely related to this increased impedance. Although introducing a coating layer can mitigate interfacial reactions and structural reconstruction, it may also lead to poor Li‐ion diffusion. Balancing this trade‐off therefore is crucial for the design of coating layer materials. In this study, the impact of the amorphous LiF (a‐LiF) coating layer on interfacial structural reconstruction and Li‐ion diffusion at the LiCoO2/Li6PS5Cl solid‐state interface is explicitly elucidated via machine‐learning‐assisted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It is found that the a‐LiF can effectively protect the P‐S tetrahedron local structures in Li6PS5Cl but cannot suppress the formation of side product S2 dimers. It is further discovered that once the a‐LiF coating exceeds a certain critical thickness, emergence of ordered local structures will inhibit Li‐ion diffusion. The simulations propose that the optimal thickness of the coating layer is around 1 nm. Overall, the work provides a microscopic understanding for effects of the a‐LiF coating layer on the structural and kinetic properties of cathode‐solid electrolyte interfaces and can guide the design of interfacial coating materials for solid‐state batteries.
Macrophage‐Derived Nanosponges Adsorb Cytokines and Modulate Macrophage Polarization for Renal Cell Carcinoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Yao , Nie Disen , Hu Zhihao , Zhang Chao , Chang Lingdi , Li Yu , Li Zhengxuan , Hu Wei , Li Hongji , Li Sikai , Xu Chao , Liu Shaojie , Yang Fa , Wen Weihong , Han Donghui , Zhang Keying , Qin Weijun
Published: April 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a hot tumor infiltrated by large numbers of CD8+ T cells and is highly sensitive to immunotherapy. However, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), mainly M2 macrophages, tend to undermine the efficacy of immunotherapy and promote the progression of RCC. Here, macrophage‐derived nanosponges are fabricated by M2 macrophage membrane‐coated poly（lactic‐co‐glycolic acid）（PLGA）, which could chemotaxis to the CXC and CC chemokine subfamily‐enriched RCC microenvironment via corresponding membrane chemokine receptors. Subsequently, the nanosponges act like cytokine decoys to adsorb and neutralize broad‐spectrum immunosuppressive cytokines such as colony stimulating factor‐1(CSF‐1), transforming growth factor‐β（TGF‐β）, and Lnterleukin‐10（IL‐10）, thereby reversing the polarization of M2‐TAMs toward the pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype, and enhancing the anti‐tumor effect of CD8+ T cells. To further enhance the polarization reprogramming efficiency of TAMs, DSPE‐PEG‐M2pep is conjugated on the surface of macrophage‐derived nanosponges for specific recognition of M2‐TAMs, and the toll like receptors 7/8（TLR7/8） agonist, R848, is encapsulated in these nanosponges to induce M1 polarization, which result in significant efficacy against RCC. In addition, these nanosponges exhibit undetectable biotoxicity, making them suitable for clinical applications. In summary, a promising and facile strategy is provided for immunomodulatory therapies, which are expected to be used in the treatment of tumors, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.
Injectable Inflammation‐Responsive Hydrogels for Microenvironmental Regulation of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Wantao , Huang Lin , Xian Yiwen , Ma Wenzheng , Zhao Lei , Li Yixi , Zheng Zhaomin , Liu Hongmei , Wu Decheng
Published: April 2024

Chronic local inflammation and excessive cell apoptosis in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue are the main causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels have great potential in the treatment of IDD by facilitating localized and controlled drug delivery. Herein, an injectable drug‐loaded dual stimuli‐responsive adhesive hydrogel for microenvironmental regulation of IDD, is developed. The gelatin methacryloyl is functionalized with phenylboronic acid groups to enhance drug loading capacity and enable dual stimuli‐responsive behavior, while the incorporation of oxidized hyaluronic acid further improves the adhesive properties. The prepared hydrogel exhibits an enhanced drug loading capacity for diol‐containing drugs, pH‐ and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive behaviors, excellent radical scavenging efficiency, potent antibacterial activity, and favorable biocompatibility. Furthermore, the hydrogel shows a beneficial protective efficacy on NP cells within an in vitro oxidative stress microenvironment. The in vivo results demonstrate the hydrogel's excellent therapeutic effect on treating IDD by maintaining water retention, restoring disc height, and promoting NP regeneration, indicating that this hydrogel holds great potential as a promising therapeutic approach for regulating the microenvironment and alleviating the progression of IDD.
Hydrogen Bonds Induced Ultralong Stability of Conductive π–d Conjugated FeCo3(DDA)2 with High OER Activity
Authors: Lin Lingtong , Zhang Caiyun , Liang Congcong , Zhang Honggang , Wang Zeyan , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Cheng Hefeng , Xing Danning , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: April 2024

Conductive π–d conjugated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted wide concerns in electrocatalysis due to their intrinsic high conductivity. However, the poor electrocatalytic stability is still a major problem that hinders the practical application of MOFs. Herein, a novel approach to enhancing the stability of MOF‐based electrocatalyst, namely, the introduction of hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds), is reported. Impressively, the π–d conjugated MOF FeCo3(DDA)2 (DDA = 1,5‐diamino‐4,8‐dihydroxy‐9,10‐anthraceneedione) exhibits ultrahigh oxygen evolution reaction (OER) stability (up to 2000 h). The experimental studies demonstrate that the presence of H‐bonds in FeCo3(DDA)2 is responsible for its ultrahigh OER stability. Besides that, FeCo3(DDA)2 also displays a prominent OER activity (an overpotential of 260 mV vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 46.86 mV dec−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further indicate that the synergistic effect of the Fe and Co sites in FeCo3(DDA)2 contributes to its prominent OER performance. This work provides a new avenue of boosting the electrocatalytic stability of conductive π–d conjugated MOFs.
Topological Defect‐Regulated Porous Carbon Anodes with Fast Interfacial and Bulk Kinetics for High‐Rate and High‐Energy‐Density Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Junlong , Chen Yongqi , Cen Zongheng , Yi Tan , Liang Min , Zhu Youlong , Liu Ruliang , Fu Ruowen , Liu Shaohong , Wu Dingcai
Published: April 2024

Carbonaceous materials are regarded as one of the most promising anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), but their rate capabilities are largely limited by the slow solid‐state potassium diffusion kinetics inside anode and sluggish interfacial potassium ion transfer process. Herein, high‐rate and high‐capacity PIBs are demonstrated by facile topological defect‐regulation of the microstructure of carbon anodes. The carbon lattice of the as‐obtained porous carbon nanosheets (CNSs) with abundant topological defects (TDPCNSs) holds relatively high potassium adsorption energy yet low potassium migration barrier, thereby enabling efficient storage and diffusion of potassium inside graphitic layers. Moreover, the topological defects can induce preferential decomposition of anions, leading to the formation of high potassium ion conductive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film with decreased potassium ion de‐solvation and transfer barrier. Additionally, the dominant sp2‐hybridized carbon conjugated skeleton of TDPCNSs enables high electrical conductivity (39.4 S cm−1) and relatively low potassium storage potential. As a result, the as‐constructed TDPCNSs anode demonstrates high potassium storage capacity (504 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), remarkable rate capability (118 mA h g−1 at 40 A g−1), as well as long‐term cycling stability.
Unravelling the Ageing Effects of PDMS‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Xu Tianhuai , Ye Jiahao , Tan Jin‐Chong
Published: April 2024

Ageing of elastomeric materials in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) often leads to compromised electrical performance and can greatly affect their real‐world application as next‐generation energy harvesters and self‐powered sensors. Herein, the ageing behavior of PDMS‐based TENGs is investigated by probing the dielectric and mechanical properties of the membrane materials. Over time, ageing of PDMS after 17 months is evinced by a decline by 71%, 68% and 52% in open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current and charge transfer, respectively, and an increase by 6.8 times in surface charge decay rate. The reduced electrical performance can be attributed to a decrease in work function, dielectric constant, surface adhesion and heterogeneity in stiffness, as well as an increase in loss tangent. The effect of chemical chain scission on the PDMS surface is confirmed through nearfield infrared nanospectroscopy. This study gives insights into the underlying mechanism behind the ageing of PDMS‐based TENGs, paving the way to future work for ameliorating these ageing‐related issues with the aim to ensure long‐term stability of practical triboelectric devices.
R‐Vine Copulas for Data‐Driven Quantification of Descriptor Relationships in Porous Materials
Authors: Neumann Matthias , Gräfensteiner Phillip , Machado Charry Eduardo , Hirn Ulrich , Hilger André , Manke Ingo , Schennach Robert , Schmidt Volker , Zojer Karin
Published: April 2024

Local variations in the 3D microstructure can control the macroscopic behavior of heterogeneous porous materials. For example, the permittivity through porous sheets or membranes is governed by local high‐volume pathways or bottlenecks. Due to local variations, unfeasibly large amounts of microstructure data may be needed to reliably predict such material properties directly from image data. Here it is demonstrated that a vine copula approach provides parametric models for local microstructure descriptors that compactly capture the 3D microstructure including its local variations and efficiently probe it with respect to selected, measurable properties. In contrast to common methods of complexity reduction, the proposed approach creates parametric models for the multivariate probability distribution of high‐dimensional descriptor vectors that inherently contain the complex, nonlinear dependencies between these descriptors. Therein, material properties are offered in physically motivated distributions of microstructure descriptors rather than as normally distributed data. Applied to porous fiber networks (paper) before and after unidirectional compression, it is shown that the copula‐based models reveal material‐characteristic relationships between two or more microstructure descriptors. In this way, the presented modeling approach can provide deeper insight into the microscopic origin of effective macroscopic properties of heterogeneous porous materials.
Magnetic Nanoparticle‐Assisted Non‐Viral CRISPR‐Cas9 for Enhanced Genome Editing to Treat Rett Syndrome
Authors: Cho Hyeon‐Yeol , Yoo Myungsik , Pongkulapa Thanapat , Rabie Hudifah , Muotri Alysson R. , Yin Perry T. , Choi Jeong‐Woo , Lee Ki‐Bum
Published: April 2024

The CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases, including Rett syndrome, by enabling the correction of genes or mutations in human patient cells. However, several challenges need to be addressed before its widespread clinical application. These challenges include the low delivery efficiencies to target cells, the actual efficiency of the genome‐editing process, and the precision with which the CRISPR‐Cas system operates. Herein, the study presents a Magnetic Nanoparticle‐Assisted Genome Editing (MAGE) platform, which significantly improves the transfection efficiency, biocompatibility, and genome‐editing accuracy of CRISPR‐Cas9 technology. To demonstrate the feasibility of the developed technology, MAGE is applied to correct the mutated MeCP2 gene in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural progenitor cells (iPSC‐NPCs) from a Rett syndrome patient. By combining magnetofection and magnetic‐activated cell sorting, MAGE achieves higher multi‐plasmid delivery (99.3%) and repairing efficiencies (42.95%) with significantly shorter incubation times than conventional transfection agents without size limitations on plasmids. The repaired iPSC‐NPCs showed similar characteristics as wild‐type neurons when they differentiated into neurons, further validating MAGE and its potential for future clinical applications. In short, the developed nanobio‐combined CRISPR‐Cas9 technology offers the potential for various clinical applications, particularly in stem cell therapies targeting different genetic diseases.
Cascade Reactions Catalyzed by Gold Hybrid Nanoparticles Generate CO Gas Against Periodontitis in Diabetes
Authors: Wang Yi , Chu Tengda , Jin Ting , Xu Shengming , Zheng Cheng , Huang Jianmin , Li Sisi , Wu Lixia , Shen Jianliang , Cai Xiaojun , Deng Hui
Published: April 2024

The treatment of diabetic periodontitis poses a significant challenge due to the presence of local inflammation characterized by excessive glucose concentration, bacterial infection, and high oxidative stress. Herein, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are embellished with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and loaded with manganese carbonyl to prepare a carbon monoxide (CO) enhanced multienzyme cooperative hybrid nanoplatform (MSN‐Au@CO). The Glucose‐like oxidase activity of Au NPs catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid，and then converts H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by peroxidase‐like activity to destroy bacteria. Moreover, CO production in response to H2O2, together with Au NPs exhibited a synergistic anti‐inflammatory effect in macrophages challenged by lipopolysaccharides. The underlying mechanism can be the induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 to reduce reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa‐B signaling to diminish inflammatory response. Importantly, the antibacterial and anti‐inflammation effects of MSN‐Au@CO are validated in diabetic rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis by showing decreased periodontal bone loss with good biocompatibility. To summarize, MSN‐Au@CO is fabricate to utilize glucose‐activated cascade reaction to eliminate bacteria, and synergize with gas therapy to regulate the immune microenvironment, offering a potential direction for the treatment of diabetic periodontitis.
Reaction Mechanism and Performance of Innovative 2D Germanane‐Silicane Alloys: SixGe1−xH Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Shuangying , Hartman Tomáš , Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Liu Xueting , Wang Gang , Kovalska Evgeniya , Wu Bing , Azadmanjiri Jalal , Yu Ruizhi , Chacko Levna , Dekanovsky Lukas , Oliveira Filipa M. , Li Min , Luxa Jan , Jamali Ashtiani Saeed , Su Jincang , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: April 2024

The adjustable structures and remarkable physicochemical properties of 2D monoelemental materials, such as silicene and germanene, have attracted significant attention in recent years. They can be transformed into silicane (SiH) and germanane (GeH) through covalent functionalization via hydrogen atom termination. However, synthesizing these materials with a scalable and low‐cost fabrication process to achieve high‐quality 2D SiH and GeH poses challenges. Herein, groundbreaking 2D SiH and GeH materials with varying compositions, specifically Si0.25Ge0.75H, Si0.50Ge0.50H, and Si0.75Ge0.25H, are prepared through a simple and efficient chemical exfoliation of their Zintl phases. These 2D materials offer significant advantages, including their large surface area, high mechanical flexibility, rapid electron mobility, and defect‐rich loose‐layered structures. Among these compositions, the Si0.50Ge0.50H electrode demonstrates the highest discharge capacity, reaching up to 1059 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles at a current density of 75 mA g−1. A comprehensive ex‐situ electrochemical analysis is conducted to investigate the reaction mechanisms of lithiation/delithiation in Si0.50Ge0.50H. Subsequently, an initial assessment of the c‐Li15(SixGe1‐x)4 phase after lithiation and the a‐Si0.50Ge0.50 phase after delithiation is presented. Hence, this study contributes crucial insights into the (de)lithiation reaction mechanisms within germanane‐silicane alloys. Such understanding is pivotal for mastering promising materials that amalgamate the finest properties of silicon and germanium.
Alleviating Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator‐induced Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke via Targeted Delivery of a Ferroptosis Inhibitor
Authors: Geng Yan‐Qin , Qiu Li‐Na , Cheng Yuan‐Qiu , Li Juan‐Juan , Ma Yi‐Lin , Zhao Cheng‐Cheng , Cai Ying , Zhang Xue‐Bin , Chen Jieli , Pan Yu‐Chen , Wang Ke‐Rang , Yao Xiu‐Hua , Guo Dong‐Sheng , Wu Jia‐Ling
Published: April 2024

Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the primary treatment for ischemic stroke. However, rtPA treatment can substantially increase blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability and susceptibility to hemorrhagic transformation. Herein, the mechanism underlying the side effects of rtPA treatment is investigated and demonstrated that ferroptosis plays an important role. The ferroptosis inhibitor, liproxstatin‐1 (Lip) is proposed to alleviate the side effects. A well‐designed macrocyclic carrier, glucose‐modified azocalix[4]arene (GluAC4A), is prepared to deliver Lip to the ischemic site. GluAC4A bound tightly to Lip and markedly improved its solubility. Glucose, modified at the upper rim of GluAC4A, imparts BBB targeting to the drug delivery system owing to the presence of glucose transporter 1 on the BBB surface. The responsiveness of GluAC4A to hypoxia due to the presence of azo groups enabled the targeted release of Lip at the ischemic site. GluAC4A successfully improved drug accumulation in the brain, and Lip@GluAC4A significantly reduced ferroptosis, BBB leakage, and neurological deficits induced by rtPA in vivo. These findings deepen the understanding of the side effects of rtPA treatment and provide a novel strategy for their effective mitigation, which is of great significance for the treatment and prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke.
Lactobacillus Reuteri Vesicles Regulate Mitochondrial Function of Macrophages to Promote Mucosal and Cutaneous Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Yuan , Huang Xiaoyao , Liu Anqi , Fan Siyuan , Liu Shiyu , Li Zihan , Yang Xiaoxue , Guo Hao , Wu Meiling , Liu Meng , Liu Peisheng , Fu Fei , Liu Siying , Xuan Kun
Published: April 2024

The interplay between bacteria and their host influences the homeostasis of the human immune microenvironment, and this reciprocal interaction also affects the process of tissue damage repair. A variety of immunomodulatory commensal bacteria reside in the body, capable of delivering membrane vesicles (MVs) to host cells to regulate the local immune microenvironment. This research revealed, for the initial time, the significant enhancement of mucosal and cutaneous wound healing by MVs secreted by the human commensal Lactobacillus reuteri (RMVs) through modulation of the inflammatory environment in wound tissue. Local administration of RMVs reduces the proportion of pro‐inflammatory macrophages in inflamed tissues and mitigates the level of local inflammation, thereby facilitating the healing of oral mucosa and cutaneous wounds. The elevated oxidative stress levels in activated pro‐inflammatory macrophages can be modulated by RMVs, resulting in phenotypic transformation of macrophages. Furthermore, 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde present in RMVs can decrease the mitochondrial permeability of macrophages and stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby promoting the conversion of macrophages to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype. This study pioneers the significance of commensal bacterial MVs in tissue injury repair and presents a novel concept for the repair of tissue damage.
Structural Design and Energy and Environmental Applications of Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Liu Guangli , Fu Tao , Ding Keren , Guo Jinrui , Wang Zhenran , Xia Wei , Shangguan Huayuan
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are emerging porous materials that show high structural flexibility, mild synthetic conditions, good solution processability, easy healing and regeneration, and good recyclability. Although these properties give them many potential multifunctional applications, their frameworks are unstable due to the presence of only weak and reversible hydrogen bonds. In this work, the development history and synthesis methods of HOFs are reviewed, and categorize their structural design concepts and strategies to improve their stability. More importantly, due to the significant potential of the latest HOF‐related research for addressing energy and environmental issues, this work discusses the latest advances in the methods of energy storage and conversion, energy substance generation and isolation, environmental detection and isolation, degradation and transformation, and biological applications. Furthermore, a discussion of the coupling orientation of HOF in the cross‐cutting fields of energy and environment is presented for the first time. Finally, current challenges, opportunities, and strategies for the development of HOFs to advance their energy and environmental applications are discussed.
A Dynamic Ultrasound Phantom with Tissue‐Mimicking Mechanical and Acoustic Properties
Authors: Fernandez Sara V. , Kim Jin‐Hoon , Sadat David , Marcus Colin , Suh Emma , Mclntosh Rachel , Shah Aastha , Dagdeviren Canan
Published: April 2024

Tissue‐mimicking phantoms are valuable tools that aid in improving the equipment and training available to medical professionals. However, current phantoms possess limited utility due to their inability to precisely simulate multiple physical properties simultaneously, which is crucial for achieving a system understanding of dynamic human tissues. In this work, novel materials design and fabrication processes to produce various tissue‐mimicking materials (TMMs) for skin, adipose, muscle, and soft tissue at a human scale are developed. Target properties (Young's modulus, density, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation) are first defined for each TMM based on literature. Each TMM recipe is developed, associated mechanical and acoustic properties are characterized, and the TMMs are confirmed to have comparable mechanical and acoustic properties with the corresponding human tissues. Furthermore, a novel sacrificial core to fabricate a hollow, ellipsoid‐shaped bladder phantom complete with inlet and outlet tubes, which allow liquids to flow through and expand this phantom, is adopted. This dynamic bladder phantom with realistic mechanical and acoustic properties to human tissues in combination with the developed skin, soft tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue TMMs, culminates in a human scale torso tank and electro‐mechanical system that can be systematically utilized for characterizing various medical imaging devices.
Multifunctional Fluoropolymer‐Engineered Magnetic Nanoparticles to Facilitate Blood‐Brain Barrier Penetration and Effective Gene Silencing in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Forgham Helen , Zhu Jiayuan , Huang Xumin , Zhang Cheng , Biggs Heather , Liu Liwei , Wang Yi Cheng , Fletcher Nicholas , Humphries James , Cowin Gary , Mardon Karine , Kavallaris Maria , Thurecht Kristofer , Davis Thomas P. , Qiao Ruirui
Published: April 2024

Patients with brain cancers including medulloblastoma lack treatments that are effective long‐term and without side effects. In this study, a multifunctional fluoropolymer‐engineered iron oxide nanoparticle gene‐therapeutic platform is presented to overcome these challenges. The fluoropolymers are designed and synthesized to incorporate various properties including robust anchoring moieties for efficient surface coating, cationic components to facilitate short interference RNA (siRNA) binding, and a fluorinated tail to ensure stability in serum. The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) tailored system demonstrates enhanced BBB penetration, facilitates delivery of functionally active siRNA to medulloblastoma cells, and delivers a significant, almost complete block in protein expression within an in vitro extracellular acidic environment (pH 6.7) – as favored by most cancer cells. In vivo, it effectively crosses an intact BBB, provides contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and delivers siRNA capable of slowing tumor growth without causing signs of toxicity – meaning it possesses a safe theranostic function. The pioneering methodology applied shows significant promise in the advancement of brain and tumor microenvironment‐focused MRI‐siRNA theranostics for the better treatment and diagnosis of medulloblastoma.
Alcohol‐Processable All‐Polymer n‐Type Thermoelectrics
Authors: Fan Xinyi , Liu Jian , Duan Xiaozheng , Li Hongxiang , Deng Sihui , Kuang Yazhuo , Li Jingyu , Lin Chengjiang , Meng Bin , Hu Junli , Wang Shumeng , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: April 2024

The general strategy for n‐type organic thermoelectric is to blend n‐type conjugated polymer hosts with small molecule dopants. In this work, all‐polymer n‐type thermoelectric is reported by dissolving a novel n‐type conjugated polymer and a polymer dopant, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), in alcohol solution, followed by spin‐coating to give polymer host/polymer dopant blend film. To this end, an alcohol‐soluble n‐type conjugated polymer is developed by attaching polar and branched oligo (ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chains to a cyano‐substituted poly(thiophene‐alt‐co‐thiazole) main chain. The main chain results in the n‐type property and the OEG side chain leads to the solubility in hexafluorineisopropanol (HFIP). In the polymer host/polymer dopant blend film, the Coulombic interaction between the dopant counterions and the negatively charged polymer chains is reduced and the ordered stacking of the polymer host is preserved. As a result, the polymer host/polymer dopant blend exhibits the power factor of 36.9 µW m−1 K−1, which is one time higher than that of the control polymer host/small molecule dopant blend. Moreover, the polymer host/polymer dopant blend shows much better thermal stability than the control polymer host/small molecule dopant blend. This research demonstrates the high performance and excellent stability of all‐polymer n‐type thermoelectric.
Regulating the Third Metal to Design and Engineer Multilayered NiFeM (M: Co, Mn, and Cu) Nanofoam Anode Catalysts for Anion‐Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Liang Jiashun , Shi Qiurong , Zachman Michael J. , Kabir Sadia , Liang Junwu , Zhu Jing , Slenker Benjamin , Pupucevski Max , Macauley Natalia , Kropf A. Jeremy , Zeng Hao , Strasser Derek , Myers Deborah J. , Xu Hui , Zeng Zhenhua , Yan Yushan , Wu Gang
Published: April 2024

Alkaline anion‐exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) for green hydrogen production have received intensive attention due to their feasibility of using earth‐abundant platinum group metal (PGM)‐free catalysts. Herein, the third metal is incorporated into NiFe‐based catalysts to regulate their electronic structures and morphologies, aiming to achieve sufficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and performance in AEMWEs. The ternary NiFeM (M: Cu, Co, or Mn) catalysts are featured with multiple layered structures and nanofoam network morphologies, consisting of highly OER‐active amorphous Ni‐rich oxide shells and electrically conductive metallic alloy cores. The physical and electronic perturbations to the NiFe induced by a third element lead to a fine‐tuning of the redox ability of the metal sites at the reaction centers, which breaks the scaling relationship between OH* and O* intermediates at the reaction centers. Thus, the unique structural configuration and electronic regulation simultaneously benefit catalytic activity and performance improvements. These NiFeM nanofoam catalysts demonstrated promising anode performance in actual AEMWEs, comparable to the IrO2 reference, especially at high current densities. Notably, using various electrolytes (e.g., KOH solution or pure water) for AEMWEs exhibited a different performance trend among studied NiFeM catalysts, likely due to dynamic changes of catalysts under various OER environments.
Development of Durable Zn–MnO2 Battery via a Functionalized Hydrogel Film
Authors: Zheng Xinhua , Xu Kui , Ma Yirui , Sun Jifei , Han Bibo , Luo Ruihao , Wang Mingming , Chen Na , Song Li , Zhao Qingbiao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc (Zn) battery with remarkable advantages of high safety, low cost, and high reversibility is highly applauded in next‐generation low‐speed electric vehicles and large‐scale energy storage applications. However, Zn anode suffers from a series of unfavorable reactions, hindering its progress toward industrialization. Herein, a functionalized hydrogel film is designed using polydopamine and polyacrylamide crosslinking (PDAM) as the Zn protective layer to stabilize the Zn anode. Benefiting from the strong interaction of Zn2+ with PDAM, the primary solvation shell of Zn2+ is regulated by PDAM into the form of PDAM–Zn2+‐5H2O. This remodeling prevents Zn dendrite growth and inhibits water‐induced side reactions. As a result, the Zn–MnO2 battery using PDAM‐coated Zn anode exhibits excellent cycling stability, demonstrating over 1150 cycles at an areal capacity of 5 mAh cm−2 with an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 96.5%. For a scaled‐up PDAM@Zn–MnO2 pouch cell with a capacity of 80 mAh, stable cycling of over 200 cycles with an average CE of 91.9% is achieved. The superior Zn–MnO2 battery enabled by the functionalized hydrogel protective film enlightens an arena toward next‐generation energy storage applications.
Layered Double Hydroxides with Carbonate Intercalation as Ultra‐Stable Anodes for Seawater Splitting at Ampere‐Level Current Density
Authors: Deng Peng‐Jun , Liu Yang , Liu Huili , Li Xiaona , Lu Jiajia , Jing Shengyu , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: April 2024

Owing to the presence of a substantial concentration of chlorine in seawater, the anode still faces severe chlorine corrosion, especially the water splitting operated at high current densities. Herein, the cost‐effective and scalable NiFe layered double hydroxides with carbonate intercalation (named as NiFe LDH_CO32−) are synthesized utilizing the etching‐hydrolysis and ion exchange strategies under ambient conditions. Experimental findings demonstrate that NiFe LDH_CO32− shows excellent stability at 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 for 1000 h under alkaline simulated seawater. Additionally, a two‐electrode system offers great stability at current densities ranging from 100 to 1000 mA cm−2 over a duration of 400 h in alkaline seawater. This remarkably catalytic stability can be ascribed to the etching‐hydrolysis and carbonate intercalation strategies. The etching‐hydrolysis strategy leads to an integrated electrode for the catalyst‐carrier, enhancing the adhesion between them, and retarding hence the divorce of catalysts from the carrier. Theoretical calculations suggest that the carbonate intercalation weakens the adsorbability of chlorine on catalysts and hinders the coupling of metal atoms with chlorine, thereby impeding the anode corrosion caused by chlorine and improving catalytic stability. More importantly, this strategy has been extended to the preparation of other layered double hydroxides with carbonate intercalation.
Superfluorescence in Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Tang Yue , Jing Yao , Sum Tze Chien , Bruno Annalisa , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: April 2024

Superfluorescence (SF) is a unique quantum optical phenomenon where an ensemble of atoms or molecules exhibit coherent emission of an intense burst of light of high directionality, with temporal coherence. SF exhibits ultrafast optical characteristics and is considerably explored in diverse inorganic and hybrid semiconductor materials at cryogenic temperatures, including inorganic and hybrid metal halide perovskites. Notably, SF is reported in different perovskites’ nanocrystal superlattices, alongside two examples in thin films, impressively achieving SF at room temperature. The density of quantum emitters, excited state characteristics, interaction strengths, and temperature all affect the SF threshold. Although significant progress is reported in the observance of SF phenomena, a full interpretation of the relationship between the factors that determine the SF threshold and the intrinsic material properties remains unclear. This review addresses the current state‐of‐the‐art observations of SF in perovskite systems, such as nanocrystal superlattices and thin films, elucidating the optical properties, ultrafast dynamics, and the proposed mechanisms for room‐temperature SF. The review concludes with a discussion on the existing challenges, unresolved questions, and future perspectives for advancing perovskite SF research
Enabling and Boosting Preferential Epitaxial Zinc Growth via Multi‐Interface Regulation for Stable and Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Ren Tiantian , Wang Zeping , Liu Chengxin , Zhang Yuhang , Xu Ao , Chen Chunxia , Bai Jinbo , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojie
Published: April 2024

The practical application of aqueous Zn‐metal anodes (AZMAs) is mainly impeded by the short cycling life and unsatisfactory reversibility springing from the notorious Zn dendrite growth and detrimental water‐induced parasitic reactions at anode‐electrolyte interface. To tackle these challenges, a multifunctional interface of Sn‐modified Ti3C2Cl2 MXene (denoted as Sn‐MXene) with high zincophilic and hydrophobic properties is rationally designed via a 1‐step strategy with a novel molten salt etching to achieve dendrite‐free Zn deposition. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the Sn nanoparticles can induce a strongly zincophilic surface with high Zn2+ adsorption, and the Ti3C2Cl2 MXene significantly decreases the surface energy of the Zn (002) plane, guiding the zinc‐preferred orientation along the (002) plane in the electroplating growth process. Moreover, the hydrophobic properties of ‐Cl terminations of the protective interface for the Zn anode can regulate Zn‐ion solvation structure to mitigate H2O‐decomposition‐induced side reactions, and guarantee a steady stream of Zn2+ flux. Encouragingly, benefiting from the Sn‐MXene layer, a side reaction‐free and dendrite‐free Zn anode with an excellent lifespan is achieved, which is further applied as an anode for full battery (Sn‐MXene‐Zn//α‐MnO2) with a long‐term span over 800 cycles under 1 A g–1 with a capacity retention of 96%.
Modifying Roles of CuSbSe2 in Realizing High Thermoelectric Performance of GeTe
Authors: Jin Yang , Qiu Yuting , Bai Shulin , Xie Hongyao , Liu Shibo , Hong Tao , Gao Xiang , Wen Yi , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: April 2024

Thermoelectric materials are widely researched for their energy conversion capabilities in the fields of power generation and refrigeration. And a superior thermoelectric conversion efficiency requires an excellent power factor and low thermal conductivity. Herein, a remarkable thermoelectric figure of merit（ZT） ∼ 2.6 at 673 K is realized in GeTe with 20% addition of CuSbSe2. Multiple synergistic effects of CuSbSe2 alloying collectively contribute to the excellent thermoelectric performance in GeTe. CuSbSe2 alloying effectively tunes ultrahigh carrier density of GeTe to the optimum. The introduction of Cu, Sb, and Se atoms create numerous point defects that scatter high‐frequency phonons. Additionally, surplus CuSbSe2 facilitates the formation of copper‐selenium phases, which embed at grain boundaries and generate interfaces after sintering. Combining the planar defects evolved from Ge vacancies, multi‐dimension defects effectively scatter multiple frequency phonons. An extraordinarily low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.3 Wm−1 K−1 at 673 K is obtained, approaching the theoretical estimation predicted by Cahill model. Eventually, the peak conversion efficiency of 7.4% is obtained in segmented device with ΔT of 419 K. The commingled effects of CuSbSe2 in GeTe further open up an elitist route to designing high‐performance materials.
Unlocking the Myths of Molecular Bonding State in Modulating Oxidation and Anderson Localization for Inorganic Sn/Pb‐based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Qin , Ma Junjie , Xu Xuanchen , Gao Peng , Cai Meng , Han Mengqi , Yang Jing , Zhang Yiqiang , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2024

The improvement of photovoltaic and stability performance of tin (Sn)‐based halide perovskite solar cells is impeded by notorious oxidation issues and Anderson localization. Despite previous implements in antioxidation through the incorporation of Lewis base additives, there still exist ongoing uncertainties surrounding its complex interaction mechanisms. A perplexing phenomenon regarding accelerated oxidation in acrylic acid is discovered that deviates from conventional Lewis base–acid reaction. The underlying insights into the deprotonation of acrylic acid followed by the formation of a “tripod” ionic bonding form are provided, which results in amplifying the delocalization effect of electrons of Sn2+. Furthermore, with the assistance of acrylamide and acrolein, synergistic enhancement in terms of the antioxidation and suppression of Anderson localization can be achieved — a concept referred to as “Dual Synergistic Engineering”. This suppresses the oxidation of Sn2+ and reduces Sn4+ content by ≈76%. Meanwhile, the diffusion length is prolonged significantly from 195.9 to 458.9 nm. The optimized all‐inorganic Sn/Pb‐based perovskite solar cells exhibit a power conversion efficiency of above 14% with enhanced stability. These findings provide an alternative viewpoint for comprehending the impact of chemical interaction on oxidation and crystal growth in Sn/Pb‐based perovskites.
Phenotypic consequences of GBA1 pathological variant R463C (p.R502C)
Authors: Ryan Emory , Nishimura Samantha , Lopez Grisel , Tayebi Nahid , Sidransky Ellen
Published: April 2024

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessively inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by biallelic pathological variants in the GBA1 gene. Patients present along a broad clinical spectrum, and phenotypes are often difficult to predict based on genotype alone. The variant R463C (p.Arg502Cys) exemplifies this challenge. To better characterize its different clinical presentations, we examined the records of 25 current and historical patients evaluated at the National Institutes of Health. Nine patients were classified as GD1, 14 were classified as GD3, and two had an ambiguous diagnosis between GD1 and GD3. In addition, we reviewed the published literature in PubMed and Web of Science through December 2023, identifying 62 cases with an R463C variant from 18 countries. Within the NIH cohort, the most common second variants were N370S (p.N409S) and L444P (p.L483P). R463C/L444P was encountered in patients with GD1 and GD3 in both the NIH cohort and worldwide. In the literature, R463C/R463C was also reported in both GD1 and GD3, although sparse phenotypic information was shared. Often the phenotype reflected what might be predicted for the second mutant allele. This diversity of phenotypes emphasizes the need for longitudinal follow‐up to assess symptom development and neurological involvement.
Differences in vertebral bone density between African apes
Authors: Korpinen Niina
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Low‐energy vertebral fractures are a common health concern, especially in elderly people. Interestingly, African apes do not seem to experience as many vertebral fractures and the low‐energy ones are even rarer. One potential explanation for this difference is the lower bone density in humans. Yet, only limited research has been done on the vertebral bone density of the great apes and these have mainly included only single vertebrae. Hence the study aim is to expand our understanding of the vertebral microstructure of African apes in multiple spinal segments.

Materials

Bone density in the vertebral body of C7, T12, and L3 was measured from 32 Pan troglodytes and 26 Gorilla gorilla using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

Results

There was a clear difference between the three individual vertebrae and consequently the spinal segments in terms of trabecular density and cortical density and thickness. The variation of these bone parameters between the vertebrae differed between the apes but was also different from those reported for humans. The chimpanzees were observed to have overall higher trabecular density, but gorillas had higher cortical density and thickness. Cortical thickness had a relatively strong association with the vertebral size.

Discussion

Despite the similarity in locomotion and posture, the results show slight differences in the bone parameters and their variation between spinal segments in African apes. This variation also differs from humans and appears to indicate a complex influence of locomotion, posture, and body size on the different spinal segments.