Magnetically Controlled Transport of Nanoparticles in Solid Tumor Tissues and Porous Media Using a Tumor-on-a-Chip Format.

This study addresses issues in developing spatially controlled magnetic fields for particle guidance, synthesizing biocompatible and chemically stable MNPs and enhancing their specificity to pathological cells through chemical modifications, developing personalized adjustments, and highlighting the potential of tumor-on-a-chip systems, which can simulate tissue environments and assess drug efficacy and dosage in a controlled setting. The research focused on two MNP types, uncoated magnetite nanoparticles (mMNPs) and carboxymethyl dextran coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (CD-SPIONs), and evaluated their transport properties in microfluidic systems and porous media. The original uncoated mMNPs of bimodal size distribution and the narrow size distribution of the fractions (23 nm and 106 nm by radii) were demonstrated to agglomerate in magnetically driven microfluidic flow, forming a stable stationary web consisting of magnetic fibers within 30 min.

Surface-Functionalizing Strategies for Multiplexed Molecular Biosensing: Developments Powered by Advancements in Nanotechnologies.

Multiplexed biosensing methods for simultaneously detecting multiple biomolecules are important for investigating biological mechanisms associated with physiological processes, developing applications in life sciences, and conducting medical tests. The development of biosensors, especially those advanced biosensors with multiplexing potentials, strongly depends on advancements in nanotechnologies, including the nano-coating of thin films, micro-nano 3D structures, and nanotags for signal generation. Surface functionalization is a critical process for biosensing applications, one which enables the immobilization of biological probes or other structures that assist in the capturing of biomolecules.

A Highly Stable Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Metal-Organic Framework/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for Monitoring the Ammonium in Sweat.

The demand for non-invasive, real-time health monitoring has driven advancements in wearable sensors for tracking biomarkers in sweat. Ammonium ions (NH) in sweat serve as indicators of metabolic function, muscle fatigue, and kidney health. Although current ion-selective all-solid-state printed sensors based on nanocomposites typically exhibit good sensitivity (~50 mV/log [NH]), low detection limits (LOD ranging from 10 to 10 M), and wide linearity ranges (from 10 to 10 M), few have reported the stability test results necessary for their integration into commercial products for future practical applications.

Sustainable High-Performance Structural Materials from Micro/nanostructured Corn Stover.

Corn stover, as an abundant agricultural residue, has not been well reutilized due to the lack of efficient utilization methods. Based on micro/nanoscale structure design of corn stover, we report an environmentally friendly strategy to prepare micro/nanostructured corn stover-based building blocks. Then, through the directed deformation assembly approach, a high value-added corn stover structural material (CSSM) that with higher strength and more excellent thermal stability than most widely used plastics and wood-plastic composites can be prepared.

Tip-Induced 3D Printing on the Nanoscale with Field Emission Scanning Probes.

3D printing down to the nanoscale remains a significant challenge. In this paper, the study explores the use of scanning probes that emit low-energy electrons (<100 eV) coupled with the localized injection and electron-induced decomposition of precursor molecules, for the precise localized deposition of 3D nanostructures. The experiments are performed inside the chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), enabling the use of the in-built gas injector system (GIS) with gaseous naphthalene precursor for carbon deposition, as well as immediate inspection of the deposits by SEM.

Vortex-Mixing Microfluidic Fabrication of Micafungin-Loaded Magnetite-Salicylic Acid-Silica Nanocomposite with Sustained-Release Capacity.

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a vortex microfluidic system and subsequently functionalized with a primary shell of salicylic acid, recognized for its ability to increase the stability and biocompatibility of coated materials. In the second stage, the vortex platform was placed in a magnetic field to facilitate the growth and development of a porous silica shell. The selected drug for this study was micafungin, an antifungal agent well regarded for its effectiveness in combating fungal infections and identified as a priority compound by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dynamics of Blister Actuation in Laser-Induced Forward Transfer for Contactless Microchip Transfer.

The rapid evolution of microelectronics and display technologies has driven the demand for advanced manufacturing techniques capable of precise, high-speed microchip transfer. As devices shrink in size and increase in complexity, scalable and contactless methods for microscale placement are essential. Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) has emerged as a transformative solution, offering the precision and adaptability required for next-generation applications such as micro-light-emitting diodes (μ-LEDs).

Efficient and Stable Deep-Blue 0D Copper-Based Halide TEACuI with Near-Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield for Light-Emitting Diodes.

Achieving deep-blue light with high color saturation remains a critical challenge in the development of white light-emitting diode (LED) technology, necessitating luminescent materials that excel in efficiency, low toxicity, and stability. Here, we report the synthesis of [N(CH)]CuI (TEACuI) single crystals (SCs), which exhibit deep-blue photoluminescence (PL) at 450 nm. These crystals are characterized by a significant Stokes shift of 180 nm, a long lifetime of 1.

A colorimetric and electrochemical dual-mode system for identifying and detecting varied Cr species based on fungus-like porous CoS nanosensor.

The differentiation of valence states plays a crucial role in determining the toxicity of chromium (Cr) in environmental samples. In this work, two modes of colorimetric and electrochemical analytical methods based on a fungus like porous CoS (FP CoS) nanosensor were developed for rapid, specific, and portable detection trace/ultra-trace chromium species (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)). The FP CoS exhibited peroxidase activity as a nanozyme for the colorimetric detection of Cr(VI), catalyzing the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to a blue oxidation product (oxTMB) in the presence of Cr(VI) instead of unstable HO as an oxidizer at room temperature over existing methods.

Flexible Sensors with Enhanced Sensitivity and Broadened Detection Range Through Conformal Printing and Space-Confined Design.

Enhancing the sensitivity and extending the linear sensing range of flexible pressure sensors are crucial for their development and incorporation in wearable electronics. Conventional sensors face a trade-off between sensitivity and linear sensing range, which is often limited by the monotonicity of materials and structural design. To address this challenge, a new piezoresistive flexible sensor is developed in this work, drawing inspiration from the intricate microstructure and pressure-sensing capabilities of human skin.

Nanocellulose-based functional materials towards water treatment.

Water resources are important ecological resources for human survival. To date, advanced water purification technology has become one of the focus of global attention due to the continuous deterioration of the environment and the serious shortage of freshwater resources. Recently, nanocellulose, as a kind of sustainable and carbon-neutral biopolymer, has not only the properties of cellulose, but also the important nature of nanomaterials, including large specific surface area, tailorable surface chemistry, excellent mechanical flexibility, biodegradability, and environmental compatibility.

Colloidal substrate-facilitated synthesis of gold nanohelices.

Helical nanostructures have unique optical and mechanical properties, yet their syntheses had always been quite challenging. Various symmetry-breaking mechanisms such as chiral templates, strain-restriction and asymmetric ligand-binding have been developed to induce the helical growth at nanoscale. In this work, with neither chiral ligands nor templates, gold (Au) nanohelices were synthesized via a facile wet-chemical method, through an asymmetric Active Surface Growth facilitated by colloidal silica nanoparticles (NPs).

Hierarchical Micro/Nanostructures with Anti-Reflection and Superhydrophobicity on the Silicon Surface Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser.

In this paper, hierarchical micro/nano structures composed of periodic microstructures, laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), and nanoparticles were fabricated by femtosecond laser processing (LP). A layer of hydrophobic species was formed on the micro/nano structures through perfluorosilane modification (PM). The reflectivity and hydrophobicity's influence mechanisms of structural height, duty cycle, and size are experimentally elucidated.

Minimizing food oxidation using aromatic polymer: From lignin into nano-lignin.

Food loss and waste caused by oxidation result in environmental and economic losses and health threats. Lignin is an abundant aromatic polymer with varied antioxidant capacity, which can reduce food oxidation caused by radical species exposure. The lignin antioxidant strength can be influenced by source, type, structure, processing, degradation products, chemical modifications, and particle size.

Hybrid Biosilica Nanoparticles for in-vivo Targeted Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Growth and Label-Free Imaging.

Background: Metastasis-initiating cells are key players in progression, resistance, and relapse of colorectal cancer (CRC), by leveraging the regulatory relationship between Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling and anti-L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM).

Methods: This study introduces a novel strategy for CRC targeted therapy and imaging based on the use of a hybrid nanosystem made of gold nanoparticles-covered porous biosilica further modified with the (L1CAM) antibody.

Results: The nanosystem intracellularly delivers galunisertib (LY), a TGF-β inhibitor, aiming to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process pivotal for metastasis.

Highly Efficient Chiral Separation Based on Alkali-proof Protein Immobilization by Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Chiral separation plays a pivotal role in both practical applications and industrial productions. However, traditional chiral stationary phases (CSPs) exhibit inherent instability in alkaline environments, presenting a significant challenge despite their importance. Herein, basophilic alcalase is creatively developed to fabricate ultrastable protein-based CSPs that can efficiently work under alkaline conditions.

Wedge-Like Microstructure of AlO/i-TiCT Electrode with "Nano-Pumping" Effect for Boosting Ion Diffusion and Electrochemical Defluoridation.

Controlled synthesis and regulation of 2D nanomaterials with sufficient active sites are promising in electrochemical fluorine capture, but simultaneously achieving rapid rates and efficient activity of intercalation materials remains challengs. Herein, an integrated strategy of micro-regulation interlayer space and in situ modification of MXenes is proposed to enhance ion storage kinetics. The wedge-like microstructure of aluminum oxide/incomplete-TiCT MXene (AlO/i-TiC T) is constructed by incomplete etching MAX and in situ derivation of A-layer element, in which the sub-nanoscale interlayer space is conducive to the small size ions intercalation, and the formation of "nanopump-like" effect boosted the ions diffusion.

Tailoring hierarchical MnO nanostructures on self-supporting cathodes for high-mass-loading zinc-ion batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) with MnO cathodes have promising application prospects; however, their performance is hindered by their low efficiency and insufficient life. By leveraging the nanomicellar properties of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a hierarchical δ-MnO with 2D/3D structure was directionally grown on a modified carbon cloth (CC) collector for realizing high-mass-loading AZIBs. Experimental results reveal the synergistic effects of micro/nano hierarchically structured MnO-CC heterointerfaces in accelerating the electron migration and transfer rate of Zn/H.