Manufacturing and post-engineering strategies of hydrogel actuators and sensors: From materials to interfaces.

Living bodies are made of numerous bio-sensors and actuators for perceiving external stimuli and making movement. Hydrogels have been considered as ideal candidates for manufacturing bio-sensors and actuators because of their excellent biocompatibility, similar mechanical and electrical properties to that of living organs. The key point of manufacturing hydrogel sensors/actuators is that the materials should not only possess excellent mechanical and electrical properties but also form effective interfacial connections with various substrates.

In situ analysis of oxytetracycline tablets based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging.

Rationale: A thorough understanding of the content and distribution of active ingredients in pharmaceuticals is essential for drug efficacy and safety. Technological advancements in mass spectrometry imaging present an opportunity for methodological innovation by providing qualification and quantification analysis, as well as spatial information, in the same assay, which has great potential for applications in the rapid analysis and quality control of drugs.

Methods: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was employed to directly analyze oxytetracycline tablets in order to map the distribution of the active constituent within the whole tablet.