bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Careful Choices in Low Temperature Ceramic Processing and Slow Hydration Kinetics Can Affect Proton Conduction in Ceria
Authors: Simons Philipp , Torres Kierstin P. , Rupp Jennifer L. M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLow‐temperature ceramic proton conductors such as ceria are important for applications ranging from sensors and resistive switches to new devices like implantable solid‐oxide glucose fuel cells. Spray pyrolysis offers a promising fabrication route for proton‐conducting ceria, with direct liquid‐to‐solid synthesis and control over crystallinity and grain size. To date, there are conflicting reports on ceria's proton conduction mechanism, particularly whether the interior contributes to proton conduction or transport occurs exclusively along a surface water layer. In this work, proton conductivity is observed in sprayed ceria thin films at 125 °C and below. Post‐annealed films exhibit higher conductivity than as‐deposited films of 3.3 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 25 °C, which is comparable to previous reports and ascribed to the increase in crystallinity and grain size by post‐annealing. This indicates that the interior of ceria in fact contributes to proton conduction. Remarkably slow hydration kinetics of ceria are observed, with time‐dependent conductivity equilibrating to 9.53 × 10−6 S cm−1 after up to 76 h. This implies kinetics may have suppressed proton conduction in previous studies, explaining the strong fluctuations in reports to date. Slow protonation kinetics must be considered when designing functional ceria ceramics, for example, in electrochemical bio‐energy conversion, sensing or neuromorphic computing.
Infrared Proximity Sensors Based on Photo‐Induced Tunneling in van der Waals Integration
Authors: Kim Young Rae , Phan Thanh Luan , Cho Kye Whan , Kang Won Tae , Kim Kunnyun , Lee Young Hee , Yu Woo Jong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInfrared (IR) detectors based on photo‐induced tunneling in van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) of graphene/h‐BN/graphene or MoS2/h‐BN/graphene exhibit extremely low dark currents owing to a large electron barrier. However, a lack of tunneling barrier materials except for h‐BN for 2D vdWHs limits their further enhancement. In this study, a broadband detection is reported with high sensitivity and fast photoresponse of IR proximity sensor by a vdW integration (2D‐3D) of graphene or MoS2, with NiO/Ni as the IR absorber and hole selective transport layer/counter electrode. The low Schottky barrier height of the reported junctions suppresses dark current with a high detectivity ≈1014 Jones and generates a photocurrent by transporting photo‐excited carriers through a low hole barrier at a wide wavelength. Two types of integrated IR proximity sensor applications are developed: a passive sensor (MoS2/NiO/Ni) for the near‐IR (NIR) range and an active sensor (Gr/NiO/Ni) for the mid‐IR (MIR) range. The former shows a broadband photoresponse to reflect the NIR, while the latter absorbs human body irradiation (2–16 µm wavelength) with a fast photoresponse of 3.5 s (rise time) and 1.8 s (fall time). The fabricated sensors utilize low power, broadband detection, high sensitivity, fast photoresponse, and large‐scale area at room temperature.
Multifunctional Modification of SIS Membrane with Chimeric Peptides to Promote Its Antibacterial, Osteogenic, and Healing‐Promoting Abilities for Applying to GBR
Authors: Mu Yuzhu , Ma Shiqing , Wei Pengfei , Wang Yonglan , Jing Wei , Zhao Yifan , Zhang Lei , Wu Jinzhe , Zhao Bo , Deng Jiayin , Liu Zihao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGuided bone regeneration (GBR) technology is the most widely used and stable method for bone defect repair. However, infectious bone defect limits the application of this technique. Herein, a small intestinal submucosa (SIS) membrane modified by chimeric peptides as a new type of GBR membrane is developed for efficacious tissue regeneration. Based on the main components of SIS membrane are I and III collagen, collagen binding peptides TKKTLRT and KELNLVY sequences are used to construct chimeric peptides with healing‐promoting peptide Hst1 or antibacterial osteogenic peptide JH8194, so as to realize the specifically target of SIS. This method achieves the fast and efficient multifunctional modification of SIS membrane. The chimeric peptides modified SIS (pSIS) membrane has satisfactory biocompatibility and a certain degree of antibacterial activity. Moreover, pSIS promotes the osteogenic related factors expression of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells and demonstrates great bone regeneration in rat skull defect model. Furthermore, pSIS accelerates the migration of oral epithelial cells in vitro and activate integrin α3β1 signal pathway contribute to wound healing. This study presents a novel biomaterial design of GBR membrane, specifically for the treatment of infectious bone defects.
Superprotonic Conductivity of MOFs and Other Crystalline Platforms Beyond 10−1 S cm−1
Authors: Pal Shyam Chand , Das Madhab C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe proton‐exchange membrane (PEM) is a fundamental module of proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), permitting proton passage and thus governing the overall performance of PEMFCs. Till now, Nafion has been the extensively used marketable PEM material due to its high protonic conductivity of 10−2–10−1 S cm−1 under high relative humidity and 80–85 °C. On the other hand, crystalline materials such as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), coordination polymers (CPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOFs), metalo hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (MHOFs), and polyoxometalates (POMs) are emerging as potential PEM materials, where crystallinity has paved the way to study the conduction pathway and associated mechanisms to understand structure‐function relationships. However, to date, ultrahigh superprotonic conductivity to the level of 10−1 S cm−1, close to Nafion, is relatively scarce for the crystalline proton conductors. In this review, the discussion is focused on materials that demonstrate a conductivity order of 10−1 S cm−1 and higher for those individual crystalline platforms (to be on the equal footing and superior to nafion, respectively) based on their synthesis approach while highlighting the design norms and key features for attaining such ultrahigh conductivity. While a critical analysis is made, the key issues and future prospects are also addressed.
Magnetic Tilting in Nematic Liquid Crystals Driven by Self‐Assembly
Authors: Hähsler Martin , Nádasi Hajnalka , Feneberg Martin , Marino Sebastian , Giesselmann Frank , Behrens Silke , Eremin Alexey 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSelf‐assembly is one of the crucial mechanisms allowing the design multifunctional materials. Soft hybrid materials contain components of different natures and exhibit competitive interactions which drive self‐organization into structures of a particular function. Here a novel type of a magnetic hybrid material where the molecular tilt can be manipulated through a delicate balance between the topologically‐assisted colloidal self‐assembly of magnetic nanoparticles and the anisotropic molecular interactions in a liquid crystal matrix is demonstrated.
GSH‐Depleted Nanozymes with Dual‐Radicals Enzyme Activities for Tumor Synergic Therapy
Authors: Wu Shengming , Wang Peng , Qin Jingwen , Pei Yanbai , Wang Yilong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough inspiring progress has been achieved in tumor nanocatalytic therapies based on tailor‐made nanozymes for converting hydrogen peroxide into reactive oxygen species (ROS) efficiently, most cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals do not spread far enough within a cell to damage the primary organelles for effective tumor therapy due to their short half‐life time (≈1 µs). Developing a novel nanocatalyst platform involving longer half‐life time ROS is desired. To this end, Fe3O4‐Schwertmannite nanocomposites (Fe3O4‐Sch) with triple‐effect tumor therapy are constructed through a facile method. The Schwertmannite shell converts the •OH produced by Fe3O4 via the Fenton reaction into sulfate radicals with a longer half‐life time (30 µs). Combination of dual radicals exhibits overwhelming tumor inhibition efficacy. The nanocomposites also show the multifunctionality of good photothermal efficiency (33.2%) and synergistic oxidative stress amplification upon glutathione biosynthesis (GSH) depletion by the l‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) molecules loaded in the hollow Fe3O4 cores. The comprehensive properties of the nanoplatform including the dual‐radical production, Fe3O4 nanocrystal mediated PTT, and the BSO mediated GSH depletion result in remarkable tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo, which may pave a way to constructing a synergic catalytic nanoplatform for efficient tumor therapy.
Laser‐Induced Annealing of Metal–Organic Frameworks on Conductive Substrates for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Tang Yu‐Jia , Zheng Han , Wang Yu , Zhang Wang , Zhou Kun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe conventional thermal transformation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for electrocatalysis requires high temperature, an inert atmosphere, and long duration that result in severe aggregation of metal particles and non‐uniform porous structures. Herein, a precise and inexpensive laser‐induced annealing (LIA) strategy, which eliminates particle aggregation and rapidly generates uniform structures with a high exposure of active sites, is introduced to carbonize MOFs on conductive substrates under ambient conditions within a few minutes. By systematically considering 8 substrates and 12 MOFs, a series of LIA‐MOF/substrate devices with controllable sizes and good flexibility are successfully obtained. These LIA‐MOF/substrate devices can directly serve as working electrodes. Remarkably, LIA‐MIL‐101(Fe) on nickel foam exhibits an ultralow overpotential of 225 mV at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 and excellent stability over 50 h for facilitating the oxygen evolution reaction, outperforming most recently reported transition‐metal‐based electrocatalysts and commercial RuO2. Physical characterizations and theoretical calculations evidence that the high activity of LIA‐MIL‐101(Fe) arises from the favorable adsorption of intermediates at its Ni‐doped Fe3O4 overlayer that is formed during the laser treatment. Moreover, the LIA‐MOF/substrate devices are assembled for overall water splitting. The proposed LIA strategy demonstrates a cost‐effective route for manufacturing scalable energy storage and conversion devices.
Sutureless Transplantation of Amniotic Membrane Using a Visible Light‐Curable Protein Bioadhesive for Ocular Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Maeng Seong‐Woo , Park Tae Yoon , Min Ji Sang , Jin Longyu , Joo Kye Il , Park Woo Chan , Cha Hyung Joon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane of the eye. Pterygium, a commonly appearing disease on the ocular surface, requires surgery to excise the conjunctiva to prevent visual deterioration. Recently, transplantation of the amniotic membrane (AM), which is the innermost membrane of the placenta, has been highlighted as an efficient method to cure conjunctiva defects because of its advantages of no side effects compared to mitomycin C treatment and not leaving additional scars on donor site compared to conjunctival autografting. However, to minimize additional damage to the ocular surface by suturing, AM transplantation (AMT) needs to be simplified by using a less invasive, time‐saving method. In this work, a visible light‐curable protein bioadhesive (named FixLight) for efficient sutureless AMT is applied. FixLight, which is based on bioengineered mussel adhesive protein (MAP), is easily applied between damaged ocular surfaces and transplanted AM, and rapidly cured by harmless blue light activation. Through in vivo evaluation using a rabbit model, the authors demonstrated that FixLight enabled facile, fast, and strong attachment of AM on sclera and promoted ocular surface reconstruction with good biocompatibility. Thus, FixLight can be successfully used as a promising clinical bioadhesive in opthalmological surgeries that require sutureless and rapid operation.
Catalytic‐Enhanced Lactoferrin‐Functionalized Au‐Bi2Se3 Nanodots for Parkinson's Disease Therapy via Reactive Oxygen Attenuation and Mitochondrial Protection
Authors: Li Lihua , Lu Yao , Xu Xingyi , Yang Xianfeng , Chen Lingling , Jiang Chengming , Wang Yu , Hu Wenyan , Wei Xiaoming , Yang Zhongmin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOverexpression of reactive oxygen species in the substantia nigra pars compacta destroys dopaminergic neurons and accelerates the pathological process of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, a new hydrophilic nano‐bioconjugate, lactoferrin (Lf)‐modified Au‐Bi2Se3 nanodot (ND) for efficient PD therapy is developed. In particular, the Lf‐Au‐Bi2Se3 NDs exhibit strong blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeation. The Lf‐Au‐Bi2Se3 NDs can also serve as multiple enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxide. These NDs are located close to the mitochondria and thus maintain the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as control the cellular ROS level. In vivo results further demonstrate that the NDs can improve the memory and mobility of PD mice; permeation of the BBB, protection of mitochondria, and suppression of dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta are also observed. It is anticipated that these new Lf‐Au‐Bi2Se3 NDs with excellent biocompatibility, multienzyme functionality, and BBB permeability will open new opportunities for PD therapy.
Effects of Protein Source on Liposome Uptake by Cells: Corona Composition and Impact of the Excess Free Proteins
Authors: Yang Keni , Reker‐Smit Catharina , Stuart Marc C. A. , Salvati Anna 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCorona formation in biological fluids strongly affects nanomedicine interactions with cells. However, relatively less is known on additional effects from the free proteins in solution. Within this context, this study aims to gain a better understanding of nanomaterial–cell interactions in different biological fluids and, more specifically, to disentangle effects due to corona composition and those from the free proteins in solution. To this aim, the uptake of liposomes in medium with bovine and human serum are compared. Uptake efficiency in the two media differs strongly, as also corona composition. However, in contrast with similar studies on other nanomaterials, despite the very different corona, when the two corona‐coated liposomes are exposed to cells in serum free medium, their uptake is comparable. Thus, in this case, the observed differences in uptake depend primarily on the presence and source of the free proteins. Similar results are obtained when testing the liposomes on different human cells, as well as in murine cells and in the presence of murine serum. Overall, these results show that the protein source affects nanomedicine uptake not only due to effects on corona composition, but also due to the presence and composition of the free proteins in solution.
In Situ Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles‐Decorated Bacterial Cellulose/Gelatin Hydrogel with Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti‐Inflammatory Capabilities for Facilitating Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Mao Lin , Wang Li , Zhang Mingyue , Ullah Muhammad Wajid , Liu Li , Zhao Weiwei , Li Ying , Ahmed Abeer Ahmed Qaed , Cheng Haoyan , Shi Zhijun , Yang Guang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBacterial‐associated wound infection and antibiotic resistance have posed a major burden on patients and health care systems. Thus, developing a novel multifunctional antibiotic‐free wound dressing that cannot only effectively prevent wound infection, but also facilitate wound healing is urgently desired. Herein, a series of multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogels with remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory capabilities, based on bacterial cellulose (BC), gelatin (Gel), and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), are constructed for wound healing application. The BC/Gel/SeNPs nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, good swelling ability, flexibility and biodegradability, and favorable biocompatibility, as well as slow and sustainable release profiles of SeNPs. The decoration of SeNPs endows the hydrogels with superior antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory capability, and outstanding antibacterial activity against both common bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) and their multidrug‐resistant counterparts. Furthermore, the BC/Gel/SeNPs hydrogels show an excellent skin wound healing performance in a rat full‐thickness defect model, as evidenced by the significantly reduced inflammation, and the notably enhanced wound closure, granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activation and differentiation. This study suggests that the developed multifunctional BC/Gel/SeNPs nanocomposite hydrogel holds a great promise as a wound dressing for preventing wound infection and accelerating skin regeneration in clinic.
Recent Progress in Development of Wearable Pressure Sensors Derived from Biological Materials
Authors: Pan Hong , Lee Tae‐Woo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis review summarizes recent progress in the use of biological materials (biomaterials) in wearable pressure sensors. Biomaterials are abundant, sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable. Especially, many have sophisticated hierarchical structure and biological characteristics, which are attractive candidates for facile and ecologically‐benign fabrication of wearable pressure sensors that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly sensitivity. The biomaterials and structures that use them in wearable pressure sensors that exploit sensing mechanisms such as piezoelectric, triboelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive effects are present. Finally, remaining impediments are discussed to use of biomaterials in wearable pressure sensors.
Flexible Electrodes for In Vivo and In Vitro Electrophysiological Signal Recording
Authors: Zhu Mengjia , Wang Huimin , Li Shuo , Liang Xiaoping , Zhang Mingchao , Dai Xiaochuan , Zhang Yingying 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA variety of electrophysiological signals (electrocardiography, electromyography, electroencephalography, etc.) are generated during the physiological activities of human bodies, which can be collected by electrodes and thus provide critical insights into health status or facilitate fundamental scientific research. The long‐term stable and high‐quality recording of electrophysiological signals is the premise for their further applications, leading to demands for flexible electrodes with similar mechanical modulus and minimized irritation to human bodies. This review summarizes the latest advances in flexible electrodes for the acquisition of various electrophysiological signals. First, the concept of electrophysiological signals and the characteristics of different subcategory signals are introduced. Second, the invasive and noninvasive methods are reviewed for electrophysiological signal recording with a highlight on the design of flexible electrodes, followed by a discussion on their material selection. Subsequently, the applications of the electrophysiological signal acquisition in pathological diagnosis and restoration of body functions are discussed, showing the advantages of flexible electrodes. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities in this field are discussed. It is believed that the further exploration of materials for flexible electrodes and the combination of multidisciplinary technologies will boost the applications of flexible electrodes for medical diagnosis and human–machine interface.
Biomimetic Scaffolds with a Mineral Gradient and Funnel‐Shaped Channels for Spatially Controllable Osteogenesis
Authors: Qiu Jichuan , Ahn Jaewan , Qin Dong , Thomopoulos Stavros , Xia Younan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA facile method is described herein for generating a mineral gradient in a biodegradable polymer scaffold. The gradient is achieved by swelling a composite film made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles with a PCL solution. During the swelling process, the solvent and PCL polymer chains diffuse into the composite film, generating a gradient in HAp density at their interface. The thickness of the mineral gradient can be tuned by varying the extent of swelling to match the length scale of the natural tendon‐to‐bone attachment (20−60 µm). When patterned with an array of funnel‐shaped channels, the mineral gradient presents stem cells with spatial gradations in both biochemical cues (e.g., osteoinductivity and conductivity associated with the HAp nanoparticles) and mechanical cues (e.g., substrate stiffness) to stimulate their differentiation into a graded distribution of cell phenotypes. This new class of biomimetic scaffolds holds great promise for facilitating the regeneration of the injured tendon‐to‐bone attachment by stimulating the formation of a functionally graded interface.
Electron Matters: Recent Advances in Passivation and Applications of Black Phosphorus
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Kai , Li Xingyun , Xu Qingchi , Weng Jian , Xu Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract2D materials have experienced rapid and explosive development in the past decades. Among them, black phosphorus (BP) is one of the most promising materials on account of its thickness‐dependent bandgap, high charge‐carrier mobility, in‐plane anisotropic structure, and excellent biocompatibility, as well as the broad applications brought by the properties. In view of the electron configuration, the most unique feature of BP is the lone‐pair electrons on each P atom. The lone‐pair electrons inevitably cause high reactivity of BP, particularly toward water/oxygen, which greatly limits the practical application of BP under ambient conditions. The other side of the coin is that BP can serve as an electron donor to promote the construction of BP‐based hybrid materials and/or to boost the performance of BP or BP‐based hybrid materials in applications. Here, recent advances in passivation and application of BP by addressing the interaction between the lone‐pair electrons of BP and the other materials are discussed, and prospects for future research on BP are also proposed.
Mapping the Design of Electrolyte Materials for Electrically Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiaorui , Fan Xiayue , Liu Bin , Ding Jia , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrically rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ERZABs) have attracted substantial research interest as one of the best candidate power sources for electric vehicles, grid‐scale energy storage, and portable electronics owing to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity. However, the realization of ERZABs with long cycle life and high energy and power densities is still a considerable challenge. The electrolyte, which serves as the ionic conductor, is one of the core components of ERZABs, as it plays a significant role during the discharge–charge process and greatly influences the rechargeability, operating voltage, lifespan, power density, and safety of ERZABs. Herein, the fundamental electrochemistry of electrolyte materials for ERZABs and the associated challenges are presented. Furthermore, recent advances in electrolyte materials for ERZABs, including alkaline aqueous electrolytes, nonalkaline electrolytes, ionic liquids, and semisolid‐state electrolytes are discussed. This work aims to provide insights into the future exploration of high‐performance electrolytes and thus promote the development of ERZABs.