Defects and Defect Engineering of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenide (2D TMDC) Materials.

As layered materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are promising two-dimensional (2D) materials. Interestingly, the characteristics of these materials are transformed from bulk to monolayer. The atomically thin TMDC materials can be a good alternative to group III-V and graphene because of their emerging tunable electrical, optical, and magnetic properties.

Closed-Loop Wearable Device Network of Intrinsically-Controlled, Bilateral Coordinated Functional Electrical Stimulation for Stroke.

Innovative functional electrical stimulation has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing daily walking and rehabilitating stroke patients with foot drop. However, its lack of precision in stimulating timing, individual adaptivity, and bilateral symmetry, resulted in diminished clinical efficacy. Therefore, a closed-loop wearable device network of intrinsically controlled functional electrical stimulation (CI-FES) system is proposed, which utilizes the personal surface myoelectricity, derived from the intrinsic neuro signal, as the switch to activate/deactivate the stimulation on the affected side.

Large-Area Conductive MOF Ultrathin Film Controllably Integrating Dinuclear-Metal Sites and Photosensitizers to Boost Photocatalytic CO Reduction with HO as an Electron Donor.

Owing to the electrical conductivity and periodic porosity, conductive metal-organic framework (cMOF) ultrathin films open new perspectives to photocatalysis. The space-selective assembly of catalytic sites and photosensitizers in/on cMOF is favorable for promoting the separation of photogenerated carriers and mass transfer. However, the controllable integration of functional units into the cMOF film is rarely reported.

Boosting exciton mobility approaching Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites by anchoring the organic cation.

Exciton transport in two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite plays a pivotal role for their optoelectronic performance. However, a clear photophysical picture of exciton transport is still lacking due to strong confinement effects and intricate exciton-phonon interactions in an organic-inorganic hybrid lattice. Herein, we present a systematical study on exciton transport in (BA)(MA)PbI Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites using time-resolved photoluminescence microscopy.

Conformational Preference of Lithium Polysulfide Clusters LiS ( = 4-8) in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Structures are of fundamental importance for diverse studies of lithium polysulfide clusters, which govern the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The ring-like geometries were regarded as the most stable structures, but their physical origin remains elusive. In this work, we systematically explored the minimal structures of LiS ( = 4-8) clusters to uncover the driving force for their conformational preferences.

Graphene oxide activates canonical TGFβ signalling in a human chondrocyte cell line increased plasma membrane tension.

Graphene Oxide (GO) has been shown to increase the expression of key cartilage genes and matrix components within 3D scaffolds. Understanding the mechanisms behind the chondroinductive ability of GO is critical for developing articular cartilage regeneration therapies but remains poorly understood. The objectives of this work were to elucidate the effects of GO on the key chondrogenic signalling pathway - TGFβ and identify the mechanism through which signal activation is achieved in human chondrocytes.

Bioactive Polyurethane-Poly(ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogels for Applications in Tissue Engineering.

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a highly adaptable class of biomaterials that are among some of the most researched materials for various biomedical applications. However, engineered tissue scaffolds composed of PU have not found their way into clinical application, mainly due to the difficulty of balancing the control of material properties with the desired cellular response. A simple method for the synthesis of tunable bioactive poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels containing photocurable PU is described.

Enhancing the Versatility and Performance of Soft Robotic Grippers, Hands, and Crawling Robots Through Three-Dimensional-Printed Multifunctional Buckling Joints.

Soft robotic grippers and hands offer adaptability, lightweight construction, and enhanced safety in human-robot interactions. In this study, we introduce vacuum-actuated soft robotic finger joints to overcome their limitations in stiffness, response, and load-carrying capability. Our design-optimized through parametric design and three-dimensional (3D) printing-achieves high stiffness using vacuum pressure and a buckling mechanism for large bending angles (>90°) and rapid response times (0.

Photonic control of ligand nanospacing in self-assembly regulates stem cell fate.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes dynamic inflation that dynamically changes ligand nanospacing but has not been explored. Here we utilize ECM-mimicking photocontrolled supramolecular ligand-tunable Azo self-assembly composed of azobenzene derivatives (Azo) stacked via cation-π interactions and stabilized with RGD ligand-bearing poly(acrylic acid). Near-infrared-upconverted-ultraviolet light induces -Azo-mediated inflation that suppresses cation-π interactions, thereby inflating liganded self-assembly.

An approach for state differentiation in nucleic acid circuits: Application to diagnostic DNA computing.

Background: Differentiating between different states in nucleic acid circuits is crucial for various biological applications. One approach, there is a requirement for complicated sequential summation, which can be excessive for practical purposes. By selectively labeling biologically significant states, this study tackles the issue and presents a more cost-effective and streamlined solution.

Tuning oxidant and antioxidant activities of ceria by anchoring copper single-site for antibacterial application.

The reaction system of hydrogen peroxide (HO) catalyzed by nanozyme has a broad prospect in antibacterial treatment. However, the complex catalytic activities of nanozymes lead to multiple pathways reacting in parallel, causing uncertain antibacterial results. New approach to effectively regulate the multiple catalytic activities of nanozyme is in urgent need.

Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (chrysene and fluoranthene) on the growth and physiological characteristics of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

While the toxicity of nano-microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to aquatic organisms is well-studied, their joint impact on microalgae is less explored. This study focused on single and combined effects of PS-NPs (30 nm; concentrations: 2, 5, 10, and 25 mg/L) and two PAHs (chrysene and fluoranthene at 10, 100 µg/L) for 96 h on the accumulation, growth, photosynthetic parameters, and oxidative stress in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The findings revealed that exposure to increasing concentrations of PS-NPs significantly reduced the growth inhibition ratio and chlorophyll-a content after 96 h.

Light-Induced Variation of Lithium Coordination Environment in g-CN Nanosheet for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reactions.

The structure and electronic state of the active center in a single-atom catalyst undergo noticeable changes during a dynamic catalytic process. The metal atom active center is not well demonstrated in a dynamic manner. This study demonstrated that Li metal atoms, serving as active centers, can migrate on a CN monolayer or between CN monolayers when exposed to light irradiation.

Tailoring Na Solvation Environment and Electrode-Electrolyte Interphases with Sn(OTf) Additive in Non-flammable Phosphate Electrolytes towards Safe and Efficient Na-S Batteries.

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries are promising for low-cost and large-scale energy storage applications. However, these batteries are plagued by safety concerns due to the highly flammable nature of conventional electrolytes. Although non-flammable electrolytes eliminate the risk of fire, they often result in compromised battery performance due to poor compatibility with sodium metal anode and sulfur cathode.

Meso-Microporous Carbon Nanofibrous Aerogel Electrode Material with Fluorine-Treated Wood Biochar for High-Performance Supercapacitor.

A supercapacitor is an electrical energy storage system with high power output. With worldwide awareness of sustainable development, developing cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and high-performance supercapacitors is an important research direction. The use of sustainable components like wood biochar in the electrode materials for supercapacitor uses holds great promise for sustainable supercapacitor development.

Cellular and Exosomal MicroRNAs: Emerging Clinical Relevance as Targets for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis.

Breast cancer accounts for the highest cancer cases globally, with 12% of occurrences progressing to metastatic breast cancer with a low survival rate and limited effective early intervention strategies augmented by late diagnosis. Moreover, a low concentration of prognostic and predictive markers hinders disease monitoring. Circulating and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently shown a considerable interplay in breast cancer, standing out as effective diagnostic and prognostic markers.

A novel digitonin/graphene oxide/iron oxide nanocomposite: synthesis, physiochemical characterization and antioxidant activity.

In this work, iron oxide (FeO) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were prepared via the co-precipitation technique and the Modified Hummer method. FeO MNPs and GO nanosheets were combined to prepare FeO/GO nanocomposite and subsequently conjugated with Digitonin (DIG) in order to obtain a dual-targeted delivery system based on DIG/FeO/GO nanocomposite. SEM images reveal the presence of FeO MNPs at a scale of 100 nm, exhibiting dispersion between the GO nanosheets.

Controlled Sequential Doping of Metal Nanocluster.

Atomically precise doping of metal nanoclusters provides excellent opportunities not only for subtly tailoring their properties but also for in-depth understanding of composition (structure)-property correlation of metal nanoclusters and has attracted increasing interest partly due to its significance for fundamental research and practical applications. Although single and multiple metal atom doping of metal nanoclusters (NCs) has been achieved, sequential single-to-multiple metal atom doping is still a big challenge and has not yet been reported. Herein, by introducing a second ligand, a novel multistep synthesis method was developed, controlled sequential single-to-multiple metal atom doping was successfully achieved for the first time, and three doped NCs AuCd(p-MBT)(PPh), AuCd(p-MBT)(PPh), and [AuCd(p-MBT)] (p-MBTH: -methylbenzenethiol) were obtained, including two novel NCs that were precisely characterized via mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and so forth.

Improving DNA nanostructure stability: A review of the biomedical applications and approaches.

DNA's programmable, predictable, and precise self-assembly properties enable structural DNA nanotechnology. DNA nanostructures have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics. However, physiological conditions, including low cationic ions and the presence of nucleases in biological systems, can limit the efficacy of DNA nanostructures.

Bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers' behavior towards rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb meat: A comparative review.

In bodybuilders' diets, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth and repairing damaged muscle tissue. These individuals meet their protein needs by combining dietary sources with supplements. Animal-based proteins are often preferred over plant-based proteins because they are believed to better support muscle protein synthesis.

Polydentate Ligand Reinforced Chelating to Stabilize Buried Interface toward High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The instability of the buried interface poses a serious challenge for commercializing perovskite photovoltaic technology. Herein, we report a polydentate ligand reinforced chelating strategy to strengthen the stability of buried interface by managing interfacial defects and stress. The bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (methoxycarbonylmethyl)phosphonate (BTP) is employed to manipulate the buried interface.

A multifunctional cellulose- and starch-based composite hydrogel with iron-modified biochar particles for enhancing microalgae growth.

A multifunctional polysaccharide-based hydrogel was studied as an additive for enhancing microalgae growth. The hydrogel was fabricated by physically and chemically crosslinking renewable ingredients of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), arrowroot starch, and activated biochar modified with iron using a bio-crosslinker of oxidized sucrose and a plasticizer of glycerol. The optimum formula for the hydrogel with a high swelling ratio, BET surface area, and electrical conductivity was found to include 1 g starch, 3 g CMC, 1.

Adhesion and Biofilm Formation on Polymeric Nanostructured Surfaces.

Biofilm formation is a multistep process that requires initial contact between a bacterial cell and a surface substrate. Recent work has shown that nanoscale topologies impact bacterial cell viability; however, less is understood about how nanoscale surface properties impact other aspects of bacterial behavior. In this study, we examine the adhesive, viability, morphology, and colonization behavior of the bacterium on 21 plasma-etched polymeric surfaces.

Insight into the Isoreticularity of Li-MOFs for the Design of Low-Density Solid and Quasi-Solid Electrolytes.

Isoreticularity in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) allows the design of the framework structure and tailoring the pore aperture at the molecular level. The optimal pore volume, long-range order of framework expansion, and crystallite size (grain size) could enable improving Li-ion conduction, thereby providing a unique opportunity to design high-performance solid and quasi-solid electrolytes. However, definitive understanding of the pore aperture, framework expansion, and crystallite size on the Li-ion conduction and its mechanism in MOFs remains at the exploratory stage.