bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospun Ti3C2 MXene Fiber‐Decorated Interlayer for Synchronous Sulfur Activation and Lithium Stabilization
Authors: Zhao Bo , Song Lixian , Zou Zhijuan , Xiong Zhu , Zhang Yunfeng , Yang Qin , Shi Zixiong , Zhang Yaping , Song Yingze 
Published: February 2025

AbstractConcurrent regulation of sulfur redox kinetics and lithium deposition homogeneity is a key prerequisite for achieving high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. To this end, rational design of dual‐functional interlayers is recognized as a feasible yet promising approach. Herein, few‐layered Ti3C2 MXene flakes are uniformly decorated into the porous carbon nanofiber film via a straightforward electrostatic spinning technique, wherein the Ti3C2 MXene content is fine‐tuned to maximum sulfur utilization and stabilize lithium anode. For one thing, it is revealed by synchrotron radiation X‐ray three‐dimensional nano‐computed tomography that Ti3C2 MXene‐decorated fiber can expedite polysulfide conversion and induce favorable Li2S nucleation. For another, small‐angle neutron scattering evidence substantiates that abundant lithiophilic sites are conducive to homogenizing Li‐ion flux and promoting lithium deposition during cycling procedure. As a consequence, Li–S batteries maintain a stable operation at 2.0 C over 1000 cycles with a low‐capacity degeneration rate of 0.057% per cycle, accompanied by a superior areal capacity of 7.5 mAh cm−2 when the sulfur loading is increased to 9.5 mg cm−2. More encouragingly, the as‐assembled multi‐layer Li–S pouch cell deliver an impressive cell energy density of 342.3 Wh kg−1 with smooth cyclic operation.
An Unexpected Low‐Temperature Battery Formation Technology Enabling Fast‐Charging Graphite Anodes
Authors: Hou Ruilin , Zheng Linlin , Shi Tianze , Cui Can , Xu Sheng , Zhou Haoshen , Guo Shaohua 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe battery formation process is pivotal for constructing a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite anodes, generally conducted at high temperatures. However, the resulting excessive SEI film causes significant lithium loss and an inferior charging rate. Herein, an unconventional low‐temperature formation technology based on an innovative temperature‐responsive electrolyte with an anion‐dominated solvation structure at low temperature is validated. During the formation cycling at 5 °C, the enhanced anion–cation interaction, coupled with the suppressed solvent decomposition, facilitates the generation of a thin and lithium fluoride‐rich SEI film. Consequently, the graphite anodes exhibit 5C fast‐charging performance (198.89 mAh g−1, 53.39% of theoretical capacity), successfully overcoming the rate bottleneck of 2C commonly encountered in commercial graphite anodes, and realize 95.88% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 0.5C. Moreover, compared to traditional high‐temperature formation, the low‐temperature formation technology saves 52.73% (from 22.02 to 10.42 h) of formation time and reduces lithium loss from 16.76% to 7.21%. This work highlights the importance and opportunities of utilizing the low temperature as a “driving force” for regulating the solvation structure and interfacial chemistry.
Heterogeneous Engineered Solid Electrolyte for Seamless and Stable Integration of Anode and Cathode
Authors: Zhu Tianke , Wang Gang , Hou Junyu , Sun Wu , Song Changsheng , Yuan Qunyao , Zhang Ce , Lei Xingyu , Su Yang , Chen Min , Song Yun , Zhao Jie 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSolid‐state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with high safety and energy density are the ultimate goal for energy storage systems. The bottleneck lies in the solid electrolytes, which must maintain perfect solid–solid contact and be electrochemically stable for both Li anode and high‐voltage cathode. Here, we develop an in situ polymerized hetero‐layered electrolyte that simultaneously broadens the electrochemical window and addresses interfacial issues between multiple components. The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer toward the cathode improves high voltage compatibility to 4.8 V, while the boron nitride (BN) layer toward the anode provides sufficient mechanical strength, regulates Li‐ions transport and promotes the formation of an inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The effect of the hetero‐layered structure is then verified in an easy‐to‐process in situ polymerized poly(1,3‐dioxane) (PDOL) electrolyte, that seamlessly integrates multiple interfaces, bridging cathode, PVDF, BN, and Li metal. This solid electrolyte is characterized by high room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity (2.1 × 10−3 S cm−1), and high Li‐ions transference number (0.801). Most importantly, the Li|LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2(NCM622) full batteries show remarkable cycling performance with capacity retention of 90.3% over 200 cycles at 0.5 C. The hetero‐layered structure with a seamless in situ polymerized interface provides a new avenue for high‐energy, solid‐state LMBs.
3D Bioprinted Coaxial Testis Model Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells:A Step Toward Bicompartmental Cytoarchitecture and Functionalization
Authors: Robinson Meghan A , Kung Sonia HY , Youssef Khaled YM , Scheck Kali M , Bell Robert H , Sar Funda , Haegert Anne M , Asmae M Mahdi , Cheng Changfeng , Yeack Salina V , Mathur Bhairvi T , Jiang Feng , Collins Colin C , Hach Faraz , Willerth Stephanie M , Flannigan Ryan K 
Published: February 2025

AbstractFertility preservation following pediatric cancer therapy programs has become a major avenue of infertility research. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) aims to generate sperm from banked prepubertal testicular tissues in a lab setting using specialized culture conditions. While successful using rodent tissues, progress with human tissues is limited by the scarcity of human prepubertal testicular tissues for research. This study posits that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can model human prepubertal testicular tissue to facilitate the development of human IVS conditions. Testicular cells derived from hiPSCs are characterized for phenotype markers and profiled transcriptionally. HiPSC‐derived testicular cells are bioprinted into core–shell constructs representative of testis cytoarchitecture and found to capture functional aspects of prepubertal testicular tissues within 7 days under xeno‐free conditions. Moreover, hiPSC‐derived Sertoli cells illustrate the capacity to mature under pubertal‐like conditions. The utility of the model is tested by comparing 2 methods of supplementing retinoic acid (RA), the vitamin responsible for inducing spermatogenesis. The model reveals a significant gain in activity under microsphere‐released RA compared to RA medium supplementation, indicating that the fragility of free RA in vitro may be a contributing factor to the molecular dysfunction observed in human IVS studies to date.
Application of 4D‐Printed Magnetoresponsive FOGS Hydrogel Scaffolds in Auricular Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Hongyi , Hua Shan , He Chenlong , Yin Ming , Qin Jingwen , Liu Huawei , Zhou Han , Wu Shengming , Yu Xingge , Jiang Hua , Wang Yilong , Qian Yuxin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract3D‐printed hydrogel scaffolds are widely utilized in auricular cartilage tissue engineering. However, issues such as graft‐related inflammation, poor mechanical properties, and the lack of external modulation of 3D‐printed scaffolds in vivo have raised significant concerns. To address these challenges, a “fried egg” structure is designed, consisting of chitosan‐coated ferroferric oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@CS MNPs), which are uniformly incorporated into hydrogel. Through 4D printing technology, magnetoresponsive hydrogel scaffolds are constructed to overcome the aforementioned limitations. The results demonstrated that, compared to 3D printing, 4D‐printed magnetic hydrogel scaffolds significantly enhanced cartilage tissue regeneration in both in vitro and in vivo environments when subjected to an external magnetic field (MF). Furthermore, the mechanical strength of regenerated cartilage approached to that of natural cartilage. The chitosan coating on the surface of MNPs exhibited anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial properties, promoting M2 polarization of macrophages and suppressing graft‐related inflammation and bacteria. Transcriptomic analysis confirmed that MNPs modulate macrophage immunity by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, a magnetoresponsive multifunctional scaffold is designed that can be externally controlled by magnetic fields to promote ear cartilage tissue regeneration. The regenerated cartilage exhibits excellent biocompatibility, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial properties, and mechanical performance, providing new insights for auricular cartilage tissue engineering.
Non‐Surgical, In‐Stent Membrane Bioelectronics for Long‐Term Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Lee Jimin , Bateman Allison , Kim Mi Hyeon , Rigo Bruno , Kim Hodam , Lee Jaeho , Choi Yun Hyeok , Herbert Robert , Lee Deok Hee , Yeo Woon‐Hong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTraditional intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring methods, using intraventricular catheters, face significant limitations, including high invasiveness, discrete data, calibration complexities, and drift issues, which hinder long‐term and stable monitoring. Here, a non‐surgical, in‐stent membrane bioelectronic system is presented for continuous and reliable ICP monitoring. This platform integrates a capacitive thin‐film sensor with a stent, enabling precise real‐time detection of pressure fluctuations directly within the dural venous sinus without requiring skull penetration or frequent recalibration. The sensor demonstrates a high sensitivity of 0.052%/mmHg and a broad, readable pressure range of 3–30 mmHg while maintaining calibration‐free and drift‐free performance. A series of in vivo studies highlight the system's superior sensitivity, rapid sampling rate, and long‐term stability compared to conventional microcatheters. Statistical analyses reveal a strong agreement between the device and clinical reference, underscoring its potential to revolutionize ICP monitoring. These advancements pave the way for broader clinical applications, minimizing complications and improving patient outcomes in neurocritical care.
Injectable Microspheres With Cartilage‐Like Structure Facilitate Inflammation Inhibition and Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Feng Qi , Li Qingtao , Lin Zequ , Xu Xinbin , Huang Yue , Dong Hua , Cao Xiaodong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe unique structure of cartilage tissue, characterized by a robust collagen fiber framework and a dynamic proteoglycan hydrogel filling, is crucial for maintaining biomechanical and biochemical homeostasis. Herein, a cartilage‐inspired microsphere with sponge framework and hydrogel filling (SponGel MS) is successfully prepared to restore cartilage homeostasis. Specifically, epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles coated with MnO2 (MnO2@EGCG) are first synthesized, which can scavenge H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals. The formation of SponGel MS involves sequential fabrication of the sponge phase through cryogenic radical reaction and hydrogel phase via Schiff base reaction. The hydrogel phase can dynamically release MnO2@EGCG to inhibit inflammation and SDF‐1 to recruit stem cells. Porous sponge phase with favorable compressive performance and His‐Ala‐Val (HAV) peptide provides stable stem cell niches to regulate stem cell condensation, co‐assembly and chondrogenic differentiation. Animal experiments demonstrate that SponGel MS suppresses the expression of IL‐1β and collagen I, ultimately achieving cartilage regeneration. This study represents a novel strategy for constructing cartilage repair materials.
A Smart MMP‐9‐responsive Hydrogel Releasing M2 Macrophage‐derived Exosomes for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Meng Hao , Su Jianlong , Shen Qi , Hu Wenzhi , Li Pinxue , Guo Kailu , Liu Xi , Ma Kui , Zhong Weicheng , Chen Shengqiu , Ma Liqian , Hao Yaying , Chen Junli , Jiang Yufeng , Li Linlin , Fu Xiaobing , Zhang Cuiping 
Published: February 2025

AbstractChronic diabetic wounds are characterized by prolonged inflammation and excessive accumulation of M1 macrophages, which impede the healing process. Therefore, resolving inflammation promptly and transitioning to the proliferative phase are critical steps for effective diabetic wound healing. Exosomes have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, a smart hydrogel capable of responding to pathological cues in the inflammatory microenvironment to promote the transition from inflammation to proliferation by delivering M2 macrophage‐derived exosomes (M2‐Exos) is developed. The smart hydrogel is synthesized through the cross–linking of oxidized dextran, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9‐sensitive peptide, and carboxymethyl chitosan containing M2‐Exos. In response to elevated MMP‐9 concentrations in the inflammatory microenvironment, the hydrogel demonstrates diagnostic logic, adjusting the release kinetics of M2‐Exos accordingly. The on‐demand release of M2‐Exos facilitated macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, thereby promoting the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase and accelerating diabetic wound healing. The transcriptomic analysis further reveals that the MMP‐9‐responsive hydrogel with M2‐Exos delivery exerts anti‐inflammatory and regenerative effects by downregulating inflammation‐related pathways. This study introduces an innovative, microenvironment‐responsive exosome delivery system that enables precise control of therapeutic agent release, offering a personalized approach for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.
Highly Extensible Physically Crosslinked Hydrogels for High‐Speed 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Song Ye Eun , Eckman Noah , Sen Samya , Jons Carolyn K. , Saouaf Olivia M. , Appel Eric A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHydrogels have emerged as promising materials for bioprinting and many other biomedical applications due to their high degree of biocompatibility and ability to support and/or modulate cell viability and function. Yet, many hydrogel bioinks have suffered from low efficiency due to limitations on accessible printing speeds, often limiting cell viability and/or the constructs which can be generated. In this study, a highly extensible bioink system created by modulating the rheology of physically crosslinked hydrogels comprising hydrophobically‐modified cellulosics and either surfactants or cyclodextrins is reported. It is demonstrated that these hydrogels are highly shear‐thinning with broadly tunable viscoelasticity and stress‐relaxation through simple modulation of the composition. Rheological experiments demonstrate that increasing concentration of rheology‐modifying additives yields hydrogel materials exhibiting extensional strain‐to‐break values up to 2000%, which is amongst the most extensible examples of physically crosslinked hydrogels of this type. The potential of these hydrogels for use as bioinks is demonstrated by evaluating the relationship between extensibility and printability, demonstrating that greater hydrogel extensibility enables faster print speeds and smaller print features. The findings suggest that optimizing hydrogel extensibility can enhance high‐speed 3D bioprinting capabilities, reporting over 5000 fold enhancement in speed index compared to existing works reported for hydrogel‐based bioinks in extrusion‐based printing.
NIR‐II Cyazulene Fluorophores with Adjustable Cycloalkenes and Spectroscopic Properties for Imaging Applications
Authors: Gao Wenjie , Liu Diankai , Li He , He Zixu , Liu Ya , Li Xiaohua , Ma Huimin , Shi Wen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractNIR‐II fluorescence imaging has shown broad application prospects in life science because of its deeper tissue penetration and higher spatiotemporal resolution. Developing NIR‐II fluorophores with special spectroscopic properties and analytical functions has become a cutting‐edge but challenging topic in this field. Herein, a series of azulene‐based NIR‐II fluorophores (called cyazulenes) with adjustable cycloalkenes and spectroscopic properties for imaging applications is reported. Cyazulenes (CA965, CA985, and CA1025) are constructed via the convenient coupling of cycloalkenes with azulene derivatives. They exhibit different H‐aggregation and J‐aggregation. Particularly noteworthy is that CA985 can form significant J‐aggregates with strong and sharp NIR‐II emission in biological media, and can be used for in vivo imaging of blood vessels and fine structures of collecting lymphatics in mice. Moreover, CA985 displays passive bone‐targeted capacity, thereby enabling bone imaging. This study demonstrates the chemical impact of varying cycloalkenes on the aggregate formation and spectral properties of cyazulenes, which will advance azulene‐based NIR‐II fluorophores.
Ultra‐Fast Gallium Oxide Solar‐Blind Photodetector with Novel Thermal Pulse Treatment
Authors: Luo Lili , Huang Hong , Yang Lu , Hao Rui , Hu Xiaoliang , Li Yingtao , Zhao Xiaolong , Zhang Zemin , Long Shibing 
Published: February 2025

AbstractGallium oxide (Ga2O3) emerges as a promising solar‐blind photodetector (SBPD) material if the “Response Speed (RS) dilemma” can be resolved. Devices with spatially segregated carrier generation and transport channels offer a potential solution but remain less available. This work introduces a novel thermal pulse treatment (TPT) method to achieve a vertically stratified crystalline structure and oxygen vacancies (VO) throughout the Ga2O3 film, validated through extensive characterizations. Technology Computer‐Aided Design (TCAD) simulations corroborated the critical role of VO stratification in enhancing the responsivity (Rλ) and response speed simultaneously. Consequently, the TPT‐processed SBPD exhibited exceptional performance, boasting a maximum Rλ of 312.6 A W−1 and a faster decay time of 40 µs, respectively. Moreover, the corresponding SBPD chips show significant potential for applications in solar‐blind imaging, light trajectory tracking, and solar‐blind power meters. This work thus provides a viable strategy to address the “RS dilemma” common in most wide‐bandgap materials, showcasing excellent application value.
All‐Climate Energy‐Dense Cascade Aqueous Zn‐I2 Batteries Enabled by a Polycationic Hydrogel Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Zhang Longhai , Liu Ling , Ma Quanwei , Wang Rui , Xiong Peng , Li Hongbao , Zhang Shilin , Hao Junnan , Zhang Chaofeng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe practical development of aqueous zinc‐iodine (Zn‐I2) batteries is greatly hindered by the low energy density resulting from conventional I0/I− conversion and the limited temperature tolerance. Here, a temperature‐insensitive polycationic hydrogel electrolyte borax‐bacterial cellulose / p(AM‐co‐VBIMBr) (denoted as BAVBr) for achieving an energy‐dense cascade aqueous Zn‐I2 battery over a wide temperature range from −50 to 50 °C is designed. A comprehensive investigation, combining advanced spectroscopic investigation and DFT calculations, has revealed that the presence of Br species in the gel electrolyte facilitates the conversion reaction of Br0/Br−. Simultaneously, it activates the high voltage I+/I0 redox reaction through interhalogen formation. Consequently, sequential and highly reversible redox reactions involving I0/I−, I+/I0, and Br0/Br− are achieved with the assistance of −NR3+ units in BAVBr, effectively suppressing interhalogen hydrolysis in aqueous electrolyte. The cascade reactions lead to a high area capacity of 0.76 mAh cm−2 at a low I2 loading of 1 mg cm−2 or 760 mAh g−1 based on the mass of iodine, demonstrating exceptional long‐term cycling stability over a wide temperature range from −50 to 50 °C. This study offers valuable insights into the rational design of electrolytes for high‐energy aqueous batteries, specifically tailored for wide‐temperature operation.
Perturbing Organelle‐Level K+/Ca2+ Homeostasis by Nanotherapeutics for Enhancing Ion‐Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Jun‐Long , Huang Qian‐Xiao , Chen Qi‐Wen , Jin Xiao‐Kang , Han Zi‐Yi , Ji Ping , Cheng Si‐Xue , Chen Wei‐Hai , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntracellular ions are involved in numerous pivotal immune processes, but the precise regulation of these signaling ions to achieve innovative immune therapeutic strategies is still a huge challenge. Here, an ion‐mediated immunotherapy agent (IMIA) is engineered to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of perturbing K+/Ca2+ homeostasis at the organelle‐level, thereby amplifying antitumor immune responses to achieve high‐performance cancer therapy. By taking in intracellular K+ and supplying exogenous Ca2+ within tumor cells, K+/Ca2+ homeostasis is perturbed by IMIA. In parallel, perturbing K+ homeostasis induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers the release of Ca2+ from ER and causes a decreased concentration of Ca2+ in ER, which further accelerates ER‐mitochondria Ca2+ flux and the influx of extracellular Ca2+ (store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)) via opening Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, thus creating a self‐amplifying ion interference loop to perturb K+/Ca2+ homeostasis. In this process, the elevated immunogenicity of tumor cells would evoke robust antitumor immune responses by driving the excretion of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Importantly, this ion‐immunotherapy strategy reshapes the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and awakens the systemic immune response and long‐term immune memory effect, thus effectively inhibiting the growth of primary/distant tumors, orthotopic tumors as well as metastatic tumors in different mice models.
Leaf Vein‐Inspired Programmable Superstructure Liquid Metal Photothermal Actuator for Soft Robots
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Du Yiming , Pan Xiaoshuan , Xiao Chao , Ding Xin , Zheng Kang , Liu Xianglan , Chen Lin , Gong Yi , Xue Meng , Tian Xingyou , Zhang Xian 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAsymmetric‐expansion photothermal actuators have attracted the attention of researchers owing to their simple structure, superior stability, rapid response, and precise controllability. However, their response speed, deformation capacity, and load‐carrying capacity are mutually constrained by their thickness. Inspired by the veins and pulp in plant leaves, this study uses laser etching to apply a superstructure of ordered grooves to liquid metal (LM) photothermal actuators. The resulting LM@low‐expansion polyimide (4.52 ppm K−1)/polydimethylsiloxane (LM@PI/PDMS) programmable photothermal actuators demonstrate exceptional performance, including a load‐carrying capacity of 190 times their weight, a rapid oscillation frequency of 19 Hz, a response speed of 60.96 ± 3.08°/ s, and a bending angle of 159.05 ± 2.52°. Hence, the proposed design resolves the inherent conflict between the load‐carrying capacity and response speed. Furthermore, incorporating LM microspheres into actuators increases their stability and allows them to endure more than 20 800 cycles without damage. The actuators are used to create versatile smart devices and robots, such as photothermally actuated robotic dogs that can function across various terrains. This study provides a novel strategy for the design and fabrication of programmable photothermal actuators and highlights their potential for applications in advanced robotics, which paves the way for their integration into complex environments.