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YAP Promotes Microtubule Growth to Facilitate Sarcomere Disassembly in Adult Cardiomyocytes

Circulation Feng Zhang, Jenna K. Cusick, Jie Liang et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.126.080761

BACKGROUND: Mature mammalian cardiomyocytes (CMs) develop compact sarcomeric structures that inhibit proliferation. Consequently, CMs must dedifferentiate to a fetus-like state, which is accompanied by sarcomere disassembly, to enable successful cytokinesis. However, the regulation and coordination of CM dedifferentiation, cell cycle progression, and sarcomere reorganization remain unclear. METHODS: We generated adenovirus and adeno-associated virus (MyoAAV) vectors expressing YAP5SA and YAP5SA-S94A under X on control for LMI070-inducible protein expression. We also developed MyoAAV-cTnT- Tuba1b -shRNA- miR30 for cardiomyocyte-specific knockdown of Tuba1b . These tools were used to investigate CM dedifferentiation and proliferation and sarcomere disassembly. We also performed Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease to map the genome-wide binding sites of YAP5SA and YAP5SA-S94A in combination with RNA sequencing to identify YAP target genes. In addition, time-course live-imaging analysis was used to evaluate microtubule and sarcomere dynamics in adult CMs. RESULTS: We show that microtubule expression and network density decline with cardiac maturation. Overexpression of YAP5SA, a constitutively active YAP mutant, promotes microtubule growth by stabilizing microtubule dynamics, leading to CM dedifferentiation, cell cycle re-entry, and sarcomere disassembly. In contrast, colchicine blocks these processes and significantly attenuates YAP-induced cardiac regeneration. Live imaging reveals a distinct mode of sarcomere disassembly driven by enhanced microtubule polymerization, wherein microtubule plus-ends directly interact with α-actinin and displace α-actinin fragments, thereby facilitating sarcomere breakdown. Furthermore, the YAP5SA-S94A mutation, which disrupts the YAP and TEA domain interaction, significantly reduces YAP5SA-induced microtubule growth, sarcomere disassembly, and cell cycle activity. Mechanistically, cleavage under targets and release using nuclease combined with RNA sequencing identified direct YAP targets, including Ajuba and Tuba1b , which are critical for microtubule growth. CM-specific knockdown of Tuba1b attenuates YAP-driven sarcomere disassembly. CONCLUSIONS: These findings identify microtubule networks as an essential regulator modulating CM dedifferentiation and sarcomere reorganization, which is critical for CM cytokinesis and cardiac regenerative repair.

Tailoring Symmetry Breaking in Engineered van der Waals Superlattices

Advanced Materials Keda Jin, Lennart Klebl, Zachary A. H. Goodwin et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.74569

ABSTRACT Superlattice engineering in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures (e.g., by moiré engineering) provides a powerful platform for designing electronic bands and realizing correlated and topological quantum phenomena. Here, we pioneer a scheme to tailor superpotentials based on intrinsic substrate electronic orders. We show that this establishes a robust, self‐aligned, and highly versatile route to band‐structure control, as we demonstrate in graphene by engineering two distinct, nearly commensurate superlattices using the charge density waves (CDWs) of 1T‐NbSe 2 . In these superlattices, the graphene's Dirac cones are folded either to the ‐point or to the K‐points of the mini‐Brillouin zone (mBZ). Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe that the ‐folded system preserves symmetry, while the K‐folded system exhibits symmetry breaking. Combining density functional theory with an interlayer interaction model, we reveal that this difference is not electronically driven but originates from a structural instability. Our work establishes superlattice engineering for designer quantum states and unveils a structural mechanism for controlled emergent symmetry breaking.

Advanced Lithium‐Organic Batteries: Challenges and Strategies

Advanced Materials Zhenfei Li, Mengjie Li, Xuewu Gao et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.74581

ABSTRACT Lithium‐organic batteries have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to the sustainability and highly tunable molecular structures of organic electrode materials. Despite promising results reported in the literature, transitioning these systems to practical applications remains a significant challenge due to the dissolution and low intrinsic electronic conductivity of organic electrode materials. This Review seeks to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications by outlining comprehensive strategies for developing viable lithium‐organic battery systems. Accelerating practical application will require improvements in electronic conductivity and redox‐site accessibility at the material level, while advancing electrode manufacturing and cell assembly to enable scalable production. Critical performance metrics, such as energy density, cycling stability, and safety, are discussed to assess the feasibility of organic batteries across different application conditions. This review aims to provide guidance toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy future.

Bioinspired Hierarchical Cellulose/MXene Fibers for Integrated Capture and Ultrasensitive Detection of Microplastics in Complex Biological Matrices

Advanced Materials Haoyu Cheng, Xiaotong Fu, Zewan Lin et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.74598

ABSTRACT The long‐standing disconnection between enrichment and identification processes fundamentally limits the reliable tracing of microplastics (MPs) in complex aqueous and biological environments. Inspired by the synergistic structure–function design of bee leg villi, we report a bioinspired hierarchical fiber composed of tunicate nanocellulose (TNC) and PDDA‐modified positively charged MXene (P‐MXene) that seamlessly integrates active capture with molecular identification. Through microfluidic spinning combined with interfacial electrostatic engineering, the hierarchical fiber is endowed with a biomimetic wrinkled topology and a rationally designed positively charged architecture, enabling spontaneous sequestration of negatively charged MPs with an ultrahigh adsorption capacity of 978.9 mg/g, a 9‐fold enhancement over pristine fibers. Concurrently, the MXene‐functionalized surface serves as an efficient surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate, delivering an enhancement factor of 1.2 × 10 5 and enabling a 128‐fold improvement in detection sensitivity. Benefiting from this integrated trap‐and‐sense mechanism, the platform effectively suppresses interference from complex biological matrices and enables trace‐level detection of MPs accumulation in plant tissues, such as bean sprouts, revealing preferential retention in the root systems. This work establishes a versatile biomimetic hierarchical fiber‐based material platform for detecting trace‐level contaminants in realistic biological systems and beyond.

Synergistic Interface Stabilization and Dynamic Defect Passivation for High‐Performance Ultraviolet‐Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Advanced Materials Yuning Zhang, Bo Yu, Tong Tang et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.74582

ABSTRACT Despite major efficiency breakthroughs in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their stability under ultraviolet (UV)‐induced degradation remains challenging because photoinduced defect accumulation in the perovskite and deterioration of the buried ITO/SAM/perovskite interface occur simultaneously under illumination. We develop a bulk/interface synergistic stabilization strategy by combining dynamic perovskite defect regulation with buried‐interface reinforcement. The photoisomerizable molecule 1,3,3‐trimethylindolino‐6'‐bromobenzopyrylospiran (TIBBP) serves as a dynamic passivator. It responds to light and reversibly transitions from a closed form to an open form, enabling a continuous functional pathway from film formation to device operation. The closed form regulates crystallization and initial defects, while the UV‐induced open form generates multiple active sites for passivating newly formed defects. To strengthen the buried hole‐transport interface, [4‐(3,6‐difluoro‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl]phosphonic acid (F‐PhPACZ) is designed as a UV‐durable SAM. The conjugated backbone improves SAM chemical stability and ITO anchoring under UV stress, while fluorine‐related interactions contribute to buried‐interface passivation and improved perovskite growth. By simultaneously suppressing perovskite defect evolution and buried‐interface degradation, the inverted PSC achieves a power conversion efficiency of 27.18% (certified 26.65%) and markedly improved stability under UV irradiation, air exposure, and thermal aging. This work provides a device‐failure‐pathway‐oriented strategy for efficient and stable inverted perovskite photovoltaics.

Above Room Temperature Ferroelectricity in Epitaxially Strained KTaO <sub>3</sub>

Advanced Materials Tobias Schwaigert, Salva Salmani‐Rezaie, Sankalpa Hazra et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.74366

ABSTRACT Epitaxial strain is a powerful means to engineer emergent phenomena in thin films and heterostructures. Here, we demonstrate that , a cubic perovskite in bulk form, can be epitaxially strained into a highly tunable ferroelectric. films grown commensurate to (001) substrates experience an in‐plane strain of −2.1 % that transforms the cubic structure into a tetragonal polar phase with a transition temperature of , consistent with our thermodynamic calculations. We show that the Curie temperature and the spontaneous electric polarization can be systematically controlled with epitaxial strain. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals cooperative polar displacements of the potassium columns with respect to the neighboring tantalum columns at room temperature. Optical second‐harmonic generation results are described by a tetragonal polar point group (), indicating the emergence of a global polar ground state. We observe a ferroelectric hysteresis response using metal–insulator–metal capacitor test structures. The results demonstrate a robust intrinsic ferroelectric state in epitaxially strained thin films.

A Synthetic β‐Mannan Epitope Enables Immunization and Detection of <i>Candida auris</i>

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Emelie E. Reuber, Arnab Pradhan, Ian Leaves et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.9466991

ABSTRACT Candida auris is an emerging multidrug‐resistant fungal pathogen for which neither vaccines nor rapid diagnostics are available. Defined fungal glycan epitopes offer a chemically precise route toward both immunization and detection. Here, we show that a synthetic β‐mannan tetrasaccharide, β‐(1,2)Man‐α‐(1,2)Man‐α‐(1,2)Man‐α‐(1,2)Man, functions as a lead epitope against C. auris . Conjugation of this glycan to the carrier protein CRM 197 afforded a glycoconjugate that elicited epitope‐selective immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses and reduced fungal burden in kidneys and spleen in a murine disseminated infection model. Monoclonal IgG1 antibodies raised against the same synthetic glycan displayed structure‐dependent recognition of oligomannosides and Candida cells and enabled passive immunization, resulting in reduced fungal burden in the spleen. One antibody enabled the development of a prototype lateral flow assay for rapid detection of multiple Candida species. The defined synthetic β‐mannan epitope connects glycoconjugate immunization with antibody‐based recognition and establishes a chemically defined platform for antifungal intervention and detection.

Twisted Multi‐Boron Topological <i>π</i> ‐Extension Enables Narrowband Deep‐Blue Multi‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jian‐Rong Wu, Ming Song, Wei Gao et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.7131096

ABSTRACT Heteroatom‐fused ring systems featuring topological architectures represent a powerful platform for engineering molecular properties. Herein, we report two topology‐engineered heteroaromatic emitters, BO‐DPAB3 and BO‐DPAB4. Through precise modulation of the number, ratio, and spatial arrangement of B, N, and O heteroatoms, a twisted π‐conjugated framework with finely tuned electronic structure was constructed. The controllable multi‐boron π‐extension enables multidirectional electron delocalization while preserving localized excited‐state characteristics. The rigid twisted topology minimizes structural relaxation and weakens intermolecular interactions, thereby reducing aggregation‐caused quenching and enabling narrowband deep‐blue emission at 453 and 449 nm with a full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 24 and 20 nm, respectively. Notably, organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices based on the symmetric tetraboron emitter BO‐DPAB4 achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE max ) of 30.1% and a Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.138, 0.073). This work establishes twisted multi‐boron topological π‐extension as an effective molecular design paradigm for developing deep‐blue emitters with high efficiency and color purity.

Broad Optical Absorption and Photochromism in a Metal‐Tripyridinium Cage Glass via Acid Perturbation for Efficient Photothermo‐Electric Synergistic Conversion

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Kang‐Jing Li, Nan Zhang, Ruo‐Tong Li et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.3141713

ABSTRACT Solar‐thermoelectric generation (STEG) offers a promising route to meet growing energy demands, but its practical application is constrained by the narrow photoresponse and low efficiency of conventional photothermal materials. Here, we report an ultrastable metal‐tripyridinium cage photochromic glass ( 1g ) with outstanding photothermal performance, synthesized through an acid perturbation strategy. A π‐extended tripyridinium‐based tricarboxylic acid ligand was designed, integrating a rigid pyridine‐centered aromatic scaffold for cage assembly with flexible N‐CH 2 ‐aryl linkers to facilitate glass formation. Pair distribution function analyses reveal that the resulting coordination cage glass stabilizes radical states and optimizes charge transfer, enabling broad optical absorption beyond 2000 nm. Consequently, 1g achieves a photothermal conversion efficiency of 93.1 ± 1.2% under 1060 nm laser irradiation at 0.6 W cm − 2 , with a stable surface temperature of 97.8 °C. Excited‐state dynamics calculations and femtosecond transient absorption spectra show that disorder‐induced LLCT‐to‐MLCT transitions, reduced energy gaps, enhanced reorganization energy, and suppressed radiative decay underlie its exceptional performance. Integrated with thermoelectric modules, the system generates a 50.6°C temperature difference and 2.53 V under 8.0 kW m −2 irradiation, powering multicolor LEDs and dual fans. This work establishes an efficient, stable radical‐based photothermal material and an integrated photo‐thermo‐electric platform for practical STEG applications.

Emergent Supermonomer Directs Spatially Separated Triplet Pair Generation in Dynamic Oligomers

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Wenjing Fan, Xiaoqing Zhang, Hongyang Wang et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.3905300

ABSTRACT The spatially separated triplet pair 1 (T···T) is critical for efficient singlet fission (SF) to overcome the recombination losses associated with the strongly coupled 1 (TT) intermediate. However, the microscopic mechanism governing its direct generation in flexible oligomers remains elusive. Here, using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations on tetracene (Tc) trimers, we discover that polar solvents act as “structural directors” that dynamically assemble adjacent chromophores into a transient “supermonomer”, a pre‐assembled partially delocalized electronic subunit that is inaccessible in static models. This supermonomer transforms the trimer into a functional supermonomer‐monomer quasi‐heterodimer. Coupling and energetic analyses reveal that the terminal long‐range charge transfer (LRCT) gateway in the monomer‐localized framework is electronically inefficient, whereas the supermonomer opens a strongly allowed pseudo‐short‐range CT gateway while maintaining favorable SF energetics. This topology enables formation of a singlet‐born hybrid triplet‐pair precursor 1 ( T T) state in which one triplet is delocalized across the supermonomer ( T 1 ). Driven by thermodynamic gradients, the supermonomer T subsequently localizes onto a terminal unit, yielding the 1 (T···T) state. Calculated Davydov splitting and experimental solvent‐dependent transient spectral broadening provide spectroscopic fingerprints of the supermonomer population. These findings establish dynamic solvent‐induced structural assembly as a key design principle for next‐generation SF materials.

Rational Design of Prussian Blue Analogs Cathodes With “Dual‐Channel” Structure for Wide‐Temperature‐Range Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Zhongxin Jing, Haoyu Zhao, Muhammad Mamoor et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.4456149

ABSTRACT The electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) cathodes over a wide temperature (WT) range is crucial, but is fundamentally limited by sluggish kinetics and transition metal dissolution under harsh conditions. Herein, a channel structured Prussian blue analog (MnANP‐channel, MAC) featuring unconventional carbon‐nitrogen vacancies (V CN ) was designed via a novel “one‐step” in situ etching strategy. Theoretical calculations and experimental results reveal that V CN enhances the intrinsic affinity for transition metals and accelerates the diffusion kinetics of sodium ions. The channel microstructure maximizes active site utilization and facilitates rapid mass and charge transport at the electrode‐electrolyte interface. This synergistic interplay between the molecular and microscopic scales, creating a unique “dual‐channel” architecture, endows MAC with excellent WT‐range adaptability (103.9, 151.4, and 162.1 mAh/g at −50°C, 25°C, and 50°C, respectively), exceptional rate capability (20 A/g), and remarkable long‐term cycling stability (≈ 6800 cycles). Critically, the MAC//HC full cell exhibits superior energy density (≈ 309 Wh/kg, based on the total mass of the cathode and anode active materials) and wide‐temperature electrochemical performance (−40°C~50°C). Moreover, this versatile synthetic strategy can be extended to diverse PBA compositions (Fe‐, FeCo‐, FeCoMn‐, and FeCoMnNi‐ANP), offering great opportunities for rational construction of advanced architectures with targeted functionalities.

Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Via a Multi‐Arm Donor–Acceptor Dipole Molecular Bridge

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jien Yang, Yehua Zhang, Meng Zhang et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.3716107

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) engineering has substantially improved the photovoltaic performance of p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, interfacial defects, inefficient charge transport, and residual lattice strain at the SAM/perovskite interface still limit device efficiency and operational stability. Herein, we propose a multi‐arm donor–acceptor (D–A) dipole molecular bridge strategy for buried‐interface regulation. Two D–A type dipole molecules, N4IA and T4IA, were designed and synthesized to clarify the role of molecular‐arm engineering. Compared with N4IA, T4IA features a multi‐arm D–A framework with a larger molecular dipole, abundant triphenylamine‐based hole‐transport units, and multiple C═N/methoxy coordination sites. These structural features enable T4IA to optimize energy‐level alignment, build efficient hole‐transport pathways, accelerate charge extraction, and suppress interfacial nonradiative recombination. Meanwhile, the C═N and methoxy groups strongly interact with undercoordinated Pb 2+ defects, reducing trap states, alleviating residual lattice strain, and improving interfacial stability. The optimized p‐i‐n PSCs based on T4IA interfacial regulation achieve a champion PCE of 26.79% with enhanced long‐term operational and thermal cycling stability. This work provides a feasible molecular interface strategy for developing efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaic devices.

Dicyanodithioquinoline‐Based Donor Polymers With Large Dipole Moments for Efficient Organic Solar Cells Exceeding 20% Power Conversion Efficiency

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Jing Xu, Zhao Qin, Lei Wang et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.1560398

ABSTRACT Constructing efficient donor polymers is a crucial strategy to break through the bottleneck of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a new acceptor unit dicyanodithioquinoline (TQCN) with large dipole moment (12.90 Debye) was first used to construct high performance polymeric donor PCN7. Theoretical calculations and experimental results confirm that, compared to PM6, the TQCN block suppresses exciton‐vibration coupling through enhanced intermolecular interactions and reduced exciton reorganization energy. The PCN7/L8‐BO binary OSCs yielded a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.45%, representing one of the highest values among binary OSCs. It exhibits an open‐circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 0.910 V and a non‐radiative recombination energy loss (Δ E 3 ) of 0.216 eV, which are significantly superior to those of the PM6‐based device (0.883 V, 0.252 eV) and the D18‐based device (0.903 V, 0.221 eV). Multiple batches of PCN7 exhibited excellent PCE with good reproducibility. In addition, the D18:PCN7/L8‐BO ternary device exhibits an improved efficiency of 20.06%. These results confirm the potential of the TQCN acceptor block in suppressing exciton‐vibration coupling, providing a viable route toward designing donor materials with both low energy loss ( E loss ) and high PCE.

Heterocycle‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks With Indazole Units for Cooperative H <sub>2</sub> O <sub>2</sub> Photosynthesis and Biomass Valorization

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Shu‐Zhi Hu, Meng‐Na Yue, Yong Liu et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.8182546

ABSTRACT Developing artificial photosynthesis systems that couple hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production with organic valorization remains challenging due to rapid carrier recombination. Herein, indazole‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were constructed via Cadogan reductive cyclization of nitro‐functionalized imine‐linked precursors, which converts labile imine linkages into robust indazole linkages while preserving high crystallinity and enhancing visible‐light harvesting ability. Remarkably, in a synergistic system coupling H 2 O 2 production with furfuryl alcohol oxidation, indazole‐linked COFs exhibited a nearly 5.6‐fold enhancement in photocatalytic performance compared to its imine‐linked counterpart. Combined in situ DRIFTS and DFT calculations revealed that the indazole linkage optimizes interfacial reaction kinetics and facilitates substrate adsorption through polarized nitrogen sites. This work establishes heterocyclic linkage engineering as an effective strategy for designing advanced crystalline photocatalysts toward integrated solar energy conversion.

Templated Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Nd─Co Clusters

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Hong‐Lei Xu, Devesh Awasthi, Don Danilov et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.6511014

ABSTRACT Heterometallic clusters are typically realized through the design of metal site‐specific coordination environments. Their unusual metal‐metal interactions and potentially synergistic effects toward small‐molecule activation and catalysis are two of the many attributes of fundamental importance. Synthetic heterometallic clusters containing f‐ and d‐block metals are challenging to design and synthesize, and lag far behind those only containing transition metals. To this end, we used compound LH 5 Nd ( 1 ), where LH 8 = cyclen(1,4,7,10‐tetra‐ o ‐NH 2 C 6 H 4 ) 4 , and subjected it to metalation with Co 2 (HMDS) 4 (HMDS = hexamethyldisilazide) resulting in LH 3 NdCo 2 (HMDS) 2 ( 2 ). Cluster 2 displays a Nd─Co distance of 3.276(12) Å, which is under the shortest distance previously reported for a Nd─Co interaction (3.294(4) Å). Exposing 2 to dry dioxygen results in a dimeric species containing a single oxygen atom in a pseudo‐planar geometry across two Nd and two Co atoms, (LH 3 ) 2 Nd 2 Co 2 (µ 4 ‐O) ( 5 ). The Nd─Co distance in 5 shortens significantly to 2.993(6) Å. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies reveal 5 to be best described as [Nd III 2 Co III 2 ], where the Co(III) centers remain high spin based on local structural metrics ( d avg (Co─N) = 2.02(4) Å and d avg (Co─O) = 1.920(2) Å). Overall, we report the design and synthesis of well‐defined heterobimetallic Nd─Co clusters and their metal‐metal interaction synergy to activate dioxygen.

Henning Hopf (1940–2026): A Role Model in Chemistry and Beyond

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Graham Bodwell, Norbert Krause Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.1424283

Mechanistic Diversity in Photoexcited Radical Redox Chemistry: A Critical Evaluation

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Samuel J. Horsewill, Ryan Phelps, Joshua P. Barham et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.3889857

ABSTRACT “Photoexcited Radical Redox”, a subset of photoredox reactions in which electron transfer occurs via excitation of an already oxidized or reduced radical form of the photocatalyst, has been a cause of both great excitement and confusion in recent years. While the ability of photoexcited radical redox to access extreme redox potentials has led to a string of exciting, high‐profile, challenging new transformations, serious doubts have been raised as to the feasibility of the mechanisms proposed, leading to an extensive debate over a diversity of different mechanistic rationales. While these discussions are supported by a steadily growing body of experimental evidence, overall understanding of photoexcited radical redox remains murky at best. Each mechanistic model struggles to account for at least some important observations, and many important general questions remain unanswered. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the various mechanistic models that have been proposed to account for observations of (apparent) photoexcited radical redox, provide a detailed, critical assessment of the evidence for and against each of them, and highlight continuing gaps in collective understanding and directions for future investigations.

Harnessing Synergistic Enthalpy‐Entropy Regulation: An I‐Motif‐Based Modulating Design for Programming Stimulus‐Responsive DNA Switches

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Kun Yuan, Pei Wang, Lingbo Qu et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.6637173

ABSTRACT DNA switches with target‐induced allostery show great potential in biomedical application, yet often remain unprogrammable responses and limited accuracy. Existing designs also lack adaptability beyond predefined response windows and offer limited sensitivity tuning. Herein, we present an i‐motif‐based modulating design that leverages enthalpy‐entropy synergy to engineer programmable, tunable pH‐responsive DNA switches applicable to diverse aptamers. The design couples target‐binding aptamers with split i‐motif structures through variable‐length linkers that act as dual thermodynamic regulators. Linker‐length modulation permits collective control over critical parameters of switches, including target responsiveness, functional pH window, and the magnitude of pH‐dependent affinity shifts. An auxiliary sequestration mechanism further allows independent fine‐tuning of individual parameters. This design successfully converts aptamers targeting ATP, cortisol, Zn 2+ , and PTK7 into programmable switches, demonstrating versatility across different binding characteristics. Practical validation in tumor microenvironment profiling confirms the design’ capability for multi‐analyte detection with enhanced sensitivity. By establishing fundamental thermodynamic perspective and achieving cross‐platform adaptability, this strategy represents a paradigm shift from trial‐and‐error methods to rational molecular switch engineering, opening new avenues for responsive biosensing and diagnostic applications.

Netanel Shpigel

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Netanel Shpigel Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.8798559

Easily Accessible and Highly Active Heterogeneous Nickel Catalyst Supported by Covalent Organic Framework for In Situ Ethylene Polymerization

Angewandte Chemie International Edition Junhui Liu, Long Chen, Junfen Sun et al. Aug 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/anie.4402122

ABSTRACT The heterogenization of homogeneous transition‐metal catalysts is a well‐established strategy for enabling oriented synthesis and precise morphological control of high‐molecular‐weight polyolefins. To date, however, the development of covalent organic framework (COF)‐supported late‐transition‐metal catalysts has remained unexplored. Herein, we report the facile construction of a heterogeneous Ni@PY‐COF catalyst via straightforward coordinated post‐synthetic modification of a dipyridyl‐functionalized COF. This system delivers highly active (10 6  g mol −1 h −1 ) and thermally stable (up to 100°C) Ni catalytic sites without requiring bulky steric substituents on the ligand. The catalyst produces semicrystalline, predominantly methyl‐branched polyethylene featuring high molecular weight (29–297 kg mol −1 ), high melting points (121°C–128°C), low branching density (≤ 25/1000 C), and well‐controlled particle morphology. Structural analysis reveals that the confined nanoscale environment of the highly porous COF framework suppresses β ‐H elimination, the dominant chain transfer and termination pathway in late‐transition‐metal‐catalyzed olefin polymerization. This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating late‐transition‐metal active sites into an atomically precise COF material to enable heterogeneous olefin polymerization rather than oligomerization, thereby establishing a transformative paradigm for advancing high‐performance and industrially relevant polyolefin catalysts.