Fiber ring laser biosensor based on no-core fibers for label-free DNA biomolecule measurements.

An erbium-doped fiber ring laser based on a single-mode fiber-no-core fiber-single-mode fiber (SMF-NCF-SMF) structure was constructed and experimentally demonstrated for label-free DNA hybridization measurement. The SMF-NCF-SMF structure acts as a sensing element and a filter to select the laser wavelength. The proposed fiber ring laser sensor exhibits a high optical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, >50 dB) and narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM, <0.

Performance enhancement of InSnZnO thin-film transistors by modifying the dielectric-semiconductor interface with colloidal quantum dots.

Thin film transistors (TFTs) with InSnZnO (ITZO) and AlO as the semiconductor and dielectric layers, respectively, were investigated, aiming to elevate the device performance. Chemically synthesized CuInS/ZnS core/shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) were used to passivate the semiconductor/dielectric interface. Compared with the pristine device, the device with the integrated QDs demonstrates remarkably improved electrical performance, including a higher electron mobility and a lower leakage current.

Ag(i) emitters with ultrafast spin-flip dynamics for high-efficiency electroluminescence.

Carbene-metal-amide (CMA) complexes are appealing emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, little is known about silver(i)-CMA complexes, particularly electroluminescent ones. Here we report a series of Ag(i)-CMA complexes prepared using benzothiophene-fused carbazole derivatives as amide ligands.

Dual back interface engineering optimized charge carrier dynamics in Sb(S,Se) photocathodes for efficient solar hydrogen production.

Antimony sulfoselenide (Sb(S,Se)) is a promising sunlight absorber material for solar energy conversion in photovoltaic (PV) cells and photoelectrochemical (PEC) photoelectrodes due to its excellent photoelectric properties. However, the obtained thin-film and back contact properties significantly influence the PEC performance of photocathodes, causing severe bulk recombination, carrier transport loss, and deteriorating half-cell solar-to-hydrogen (HC-STH) efficiency. This study introduces an intriguing dual back interface engineering strategy for Sb(S,Se) photocathodes by incorporating an intermediate MoO layer and a secondary carrier transport channel of Au to strengthen charge carrier dynamics.

A switchable magnetic resonance imaging nanoplatform for microRNA imaging.

Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with various types of carcinogenesis, making miRNA a promising candidate for diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. However, miRNA diagnostics remains a significant challenge owing to the various biological barriers. Herein, we report a novel miRNA imaging probe consisting of PEG-polylysine-PNIPAM polymer matrix-modified small FeO (PAA-FeO-DNA@PPP) nanoparticles with an improved circulatory half-life, efficient tissue permeability, and enhanced tumor accumulation, for miRNA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Facile assembly of flexible humidity sensors based on nanostructured graphite/zinc oxide-coated cellulose fibrous frameworks for human healthcare.

The development of flexible, cost-effective, highly efficient, and reliable humidity monitoring sensors is in high demand owing to their wide-range of applications in industrial domains. In this study, a humidity sensor was fabricated based on graphite/zinc oxide nanoparticle (G/ZnO-NP)-coated cellulose paper. A bar device was designed using computer software, and its sketch was printed on cellulose paper, with graphite bars then added using the pencil-drawing method, and then ZnO-NP paste was coated on the graphite patterns.

Second-shell modulation on porphyrin-like Pt single atom catalysts for boosting oxygen reduction reaction.

The first coordination shell is considered crucial in determining the performance of single atom catalysts (SACs), but the significance of the second coordination shell has been overlooked. In this study, we developed a post-doping strategy to realize predictable and controlled modulation on the second coordination shell. By incorporating a P atom into the second coordination shell of a porphyrin-like Pt SAC, the charge density at the Fermi level of Pt single atom increases, enhancing its intrinsic activity.

Biomimetic engineering of a neuroinflammation-targeted MOF nanozyme scaffolded with photo-trigger released CO for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most fatal and irreversible neurodegenerative diseases, which causes a huge emotional and financial burden on families and society. Despite the progress made with recent clinical use of inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and amyloid-β (Aβ) antibodies, the curative effects of AD treatment remain unsatisfactory, which is probably due to the complexity of pathogenesis and the multiplicity of therapeutic targets. Thus, modulating complex pathological networks could be an alternative approach to treat AD.

Structural modulation of aggregation-induced emission luminogens for NIR-II fluorescence imaging/photoacoustic imaging of tumors.

Concurrent near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging (FLI) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) holds tremendous potential for effective disease diagnosis owing to their combined benefits and complementary features, in particular on the basis of a single molecule. However, the simultaneous guarantee of high-quality NIR-II FLI and PAI is recognized to be challenging impeded by the competitive photophysical processes at the molecular level. Herein, a simple organic fluorophore, namely T-NSD, is finely engineered with facile synthetic procedures through delicately modulating the rigidity and electron-withdrawing ability of the molecular acceptor.

Acoustofluidic Diversity Achieved by Multiple Modes of Acoustic Waves Generated on Piezoelectric-Film-Coated Aluminum Sheets.

Excitation of multiple acoustic wave modes on a single chip is beneficial to implement diversified acoustofluidic functions. Conventional acoustic wave devices made of bulk LiNbO substrates generally generate few acoustic wave modes once the crystal-cut and electrode pattern are defined, limiting the realization of acoustofluidic diversity. In this paper, we demonstrated diversity of acoustofluidic behaviors using multiple modes of acoustic waves generated on piezoelectric-thin-film-coated aluminum sheets.

Carboxylic acid isomer-directed synthesis of CdS nanocluster isomers.

Selective synthesis of nanocluster (NC) isomers with tailored structures holds significant importance for enhancing their applications. Here, we develop an effective strategy for the selective synthesis of CdS NC isomers through the judicious choice of a pair of carboxylic acid isomer additives. Specifically, CdS NC-312 and NC-323 (denoted by their UV-vis absorption peak position) could be selectively produced by introducing a conventional mixture of Cd and S precursors, with the addition of 2-methylbutyric acid (2-MA) and 3-methylbutyric acid (3-MA), respectively.

Facile synthesis of a hydrazone-based zinc(ii) complex for ferroptosis-augmented sonodynamic therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a novel non-invasive cancer treatment modality derived from photodynamic therapy (PDT), has drawn much attention due to its unique advantages for the treatment of deep tumors. Zinc-based complexes have shown great clinical prospect in PDT due to their excellent photodynamic activity and biosafety. However, their application in SDT has lagged seriously behind.

A planar electronic acceptor motif contributing to NIR-II AIEgen with combined imaging and therapeutic applications.

Designing molecules with donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) architecture plays an important role in obtaining second near-infrared region (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) fluorescent dyes for biomedical applications; however, this always comes with a challenge due to very limited electronic acceptors. On the other hand, to endow NIR-II fluorescent dyes with combined therapeutic applications, trivial molecular design is indispensable. Herein, we propose a pyrazine-based planar electronic acceptor with a strong electron affinity, which can be used to develop NIR-II fluorescent dyes.

Correction: Facile fabrication of a graphene-based chemical sensor with ultrasensitivity for nitrobenzene.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3RA08794H.].

Two-dimensional radial-π-stacks in solution.

Highly organized π-aggregate architectures can strongly affect electronic couplings, leading to important photophysical behaviors. With the escalating interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials attributed to their exceptional electronic and optical characteristics, there is growing anticipation that 2D radial-π-stacks built upon radial π-conjugation nanorings, incorporating intra- and inter-ring electronic couplings within the confines of a 2D plane, will exhibit superior topological attributes and distinct properties. Despite their immense potential, the design and synthesis of 2D π-stacks have proven to be a formidable challenge due to the insufficient π-π interactions necessary for stable stacking.

Facile fabrication of a graphene-based chemical sensor with ultrasensitivity for nitrobenzene.

Chemical sensors have a wide range of applications in a variety of industries, particularly for sensing volatile organic compounds. This work demonstrates the fabrication of a chemical sensor based on graphene deposited on Cu foils using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition, following its transfer on oxidized silicon through a wet etching method. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy of the transferred graphene were performed.

Recent developments, advances and strategies in heterogeneous photocatalysts for water splitting.

Photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) is an up-and-coming technology for generating sustainable fuel using light energy. Significant progress has been made in the developing of PWS innovations over recent years. In addition to various water-splitting (WS) systems, the focus has primarily been on one- and two-steps-excitation WS systems.

Solute-particle separation in microfluidics enhanced by symmetrical convection.

The utilization of microfluidic technology for miniaturized and efficient particle sorting holds significant importance in fields such as biology, chemistry, and healthcare. Passive separation methods, achieved by modifying the geometric shapes of microchannels, enable gentle and straightforward enrichment and separation of particles. Building upon previous discussions regarding the effects of column arrays on fluid flow and particle separation within microchips, we introduced a column array structure into an H-shaped microfluidic chip.

Bioinformatic analysis reveals the clinical value of SASH3 in survival prognosis and immune infiltration of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML).

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignant clonal disease, is the most prevalent form of leukemia, and it is associated with a poor prognosis and unfavorable treatment outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations. Accordingly, enhancing anti-tumor responses using immunomodulators is a promising therapeutic strategy and a new avenue for treating AML. In this study, we used publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases to investigate the correlation between SAM and SH3 domain-containing 3 (SASH3) and AML, and we performed Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses to assess the clinical characteristics associated with overall survival among patients with AML.

Polarization enhanced photoresponse of InSe 2D ferroelectric CuCrPS.

Two-dimensional CuCrPS possesses significant potential for low-power non-volatile devices owing to its multiferroic properties. Nonetheless, comprehensive investigations regarding the modulation of CuCrPS polarization for enhancing semiconductor photodetection capabilities and its potential applications in ferroelectric non-volatile devices are still relatively scarce. In this study, we present a novel, non-volatile, tunable photodetector engineered through the integration of a ferroelectric heterostructure comprising CuCrPS and InSe.