Browse Articles

Melt Densification Enables Fracture‐Resistant Blend Hydrogels

ABSTRACT Hydrogels and elastomers are integral components in biomedical and electronics devices, but their toughness and crack resistance are often unsatisfactory for load‐bearing applications. Synthetic polymer networks predominantly rely on solution fabrication, which compromises the ultimate mechanical properties. This work presents a universal melt crosslinking strategy, which densifies entanglements well beyond solvated conditions. When deformed, mutually entangled dissimilar chains stiffen the gels, while sparse crosslinks amplify fracture resistance. At water contents up to 83%, the resultant hydrogels demonstrate over 2 orders increase in mechanical properties, including moduli (1.3–35 MPa), toughness (0.7–24.5 kJ/m 2 ), and fatigue thresholds (1.2–3.3 kJ/m 2 ), tunable in a wide range beyond existing hydrogels. Furthermore, the hydrogels show high optical clarity (>96%), oxygen permeability (Dk/t > 40), and anti‐fouling properties (<0.6 µg cm −2 ). This generalizable strategy could guide the design of tough functional soft materials in fields such as healthcare and smart electronics.

The Space Within: How Architected Voids Promote Tissue Formation

Abstract Physiological void spaces exist at every scale of the human body, from organs to molecules, facilitating transport, signal propagation, and localized biochemical activity. Constriction of these spaces (e.g., arterial occlusion, fibrosis) highlights their importance, making their mimicry essential in tissue engineering (TE). This review examines four key strategies for introducing porosity into hydrogels across multiple length scales: templating, microgels, phase separation, and 3D printing. The first three methods enable the engineering of physiological environments at the nano‐ to micro‐scale, mimicking tissue‐ and extracellular matrix (ECM)‐level spaces. Templating involves embedding and removal of gas, liquid, or solid phases, leaving behind pores. Microgel annealing generates inherent interstitial voids. Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) creates biphasic networks reminiscent of native ECM. The fourth approach, extrusion‐ and light‐based 3D printing techniques, enables the fabrication of larger‐scale spaces, such as luminal structures (e.g., vasculature, airways, and ducts). Combining these methods enables the creation of hierarchical architectures from the nano‐ to centimeter scale. The review also highlights Filamented Light (FLight) technology, which creates internal microstructural voids relevant to anisotropic tissues. This review offers insights into current methods and their convergence for generating biomimetic void spaces to meet the physiological demands of cells, tissues, and organs.

Noncanonical lipooligosaccharide assembly in Acinetobacter baumannii is mediated by the glycosyltransferases KdoT and GnaT

Chiral Exciton‐Polariton Continuous‐Wave Perovskite Laser

ABSTRACT Chiral optical materials offer a route to generate circularly polarized laser emission for spin‐selective photonics, but realizing continuous‐wave (CW) circularly polarized lasing at room temperature has remained challenging. Here, a chiral exciton‐polariton CW laser is demonstrated using a microcavity strongly coupled with chiral 2D perovskite, (MBA) 2 PbI 4 . The resulting hybrid exciton‐polaritons undergo lasing with ultralow threshold at an onset CW pump intensity of 0.5 W·cm −2 at room temperature, orders of magnitude lower than all chiral halide perovskite lasers. The laser emission is intrinsically circularly polarized, with a luminescence dissymmetry factor (g lum ) about 0.30. Spectral tunability of the lasing wavelength is further demonstrated by adjusting the cavity thickness. The chiral polariton laser exhibits excellent stability under continuous operation, maintaining >95% of its output intensity over hours of CW pumping. The device represents a versatile platform with potential for spin‐optoelectronic applications and for exploring spin‐polarized quantum fluids of light at room temperature.

Dual‐Path Exciton Harvesting Guided by Molecular Packing and Orientation Achieves Highly Efficient Deep‐Blue Emission

ABSTRACT Efficient and color‐pure deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are of critical significance for next‐generation display technologies, yet the realization remains challenging owing to the stringent requirements of wide bandgap emitters, inefficient exciton utilization, and pronounced efficiency roll‐off. In this study, we proposed a dual‐path exciton harvesting strategy that combines high‐energy reverse intersystem crossing with triplet–triplet annihilation to improve exciton utilization. The new deep‐blue emitter PChCz, based on the chrysene moiety, exhibits favorable high‐energy reverse intersystem crossing from high‐lying triplet states, enabling non‐doped OLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency of 21.3%. To alleviate triplet‐polaron annihilation at elevated current densities, a co‐deposited sensitizer is employed to reutilize low‐energy triplet via the triplet–triplet annihilation mechanism, thereby further improving the external quantum efficiency to 25.5% with suppressed roll‐off. Morphological analysis reveals that co‐deposition enhances compositional homogeneity and optimizes molecular orientation, which are conducive to efficient energy transfer and light outcoupling. Supported by rational molecular design and morphological control, the proposed dual‐path exciton harvesting mechanism presents an effective approach for the development of high‐performance deep‐blue OLEDs.

Sieving Hydrogen Isotopes via Machine Learning Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) of High‐Quality Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h‐BN) on Iron Foils

Abstract Atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) ceramics, such as monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), present potential for disruptive advances in separations. However, sub‐atomic scale separation of hydrogen isotopes (H + /D + ) require near pristine 2D material membranes, and scalable synthesis of such high‐quality h‐BN comparable to mechanically exfoliated crystals remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a scalable Fe‐catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for bottom‐up synthesis of large‐area, high‐quality monolayer h‐BN films, overcoming key limitations of conventional ammonia‐based routes. By leveraging mechanistic insights and higher CVD temperatures, we suppress multilayer formation and achieve uniform monolayer h‐BN coverage on commercially available Fe foils. Machine learning enables systematic exploration of the complex, multi‐dimensional CVD parameter space (growth time, temperature, precursor temperature, multilayer faction, coverage), providing data‐driven approaches to visualize and identify process regimes facilitating predominantly monolayer h‐BN growth with minimal secondary nuclei/ad‐layers. The optimized Fe‐catalyzed CVD h ‐BN membranes show high‐quality as observed by proton/deuteron (H + /D + ) selectivity ≈8.45, approaching the highest quality benchmark of mechanically exfoliated h‐BN (H + /D + selectivity ≈10) as well as significantly outperforming Cu‐catalyzed CVD h ‐BN membranes (H + /D + selectivity ≈3.62, control selectivity ≈1.7). Our work provides a scalable cost‐effective route for high‐quality monolayer h‐BN synthesis for sub‐atomic scale separations (H + /D + ) and demonstrates the broader potential of machine learning‐guided optimization of CVD for advancing synthesis of 2D materials.

MRPL47 deficiency drives mitochondrial dysfunction via ROS-p38-p21 signaling in non-small cell lung cancer

Biopharma dealmaking in 2025

Tailoring Nano‐Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives: From Morphology Engineering to Structural and Functional Optimization

ABSTRACT Rational synthesis of nano‐metal–organic frameworks (nano‐MOFs) and their derivatives is crucial for tailoring structural and functional properties toward meet the demands of advanced energy applications. This review systematically categorizes synthesis strategies into precursor structure engineering and conversion engineering. The former, including solvothermal, modulation, templating methods and etc., enables precise control over morphology, porosity, and surface functionality of primary MOFs. The latter employs transformation pathways like pyrolysis and chemical conversion to produce derivatives with enhanced conductivity, robustness, and hierarchical porosity. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms, this study clarifies the relationship between synthetic control over size, configuration, and composition and key performance metrics (transport efficiency and stability) across key applications including electrocatalysis, batteries, and gas separation. Finally, current challenges and prospective research directions are discussed to guide the development of next‐generation nano‐MOF‐based materials.

Bridging Acidic and Alkaline Hydrogen Electrocatalysis via Ru‐Modified Pt ₃ Co for Waste‐to‐Energy Electrochemical Neutralization Fuel Cells

ABSTRACT The hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and hydrogen evolution (HER) reactions define the core of hydrogen electrochemistry, yet demand distinct control over hydroxyl binding and interfacial water structuring. Here, we engineer a ruthenium single‐atom anchored Pt 3 Co intermetallic on nitrogen‐doped carbon (O‐Pt 3 Co‐RuNC) to bridge this divide. The catalyst delivers a mass activity 4.1 times higher than Pt/C for alkaline HOR with only 9.3% CO‐induced loss, while simultaneously exhibiting remarkable activity for acidic HER, thus establishing a rare cross‐environment bifunctional platform. Leveraging this property, we design an electrochemical neutralization energy fuel cell (ENFC) that converts acid—base neutralization energy directly into electricity. Using O‐Pt 3 Co‐RuNC as both anode and cathode catalyst, the ENFC achieves a peak power density of 75.0 mW cm − 2 and stable operation beyond 400 h while simultaneously neutralizing waste acid and alkali. Operando spectroscopy and theoretical analyses reveal that Ru atoms electronically reprogram adjacent Co sites, strengthening hydrogen bonding in interfacial water and accelerating proton‐coupled electron transfer. This study offers a blueprint for constructing hydrogen electrocatalysts and hybrid fuel cells that harmonize activity, durability, and sustainable resource utilization.

Disrupting Complement‐Inflammation Positive Feedback Circuit via Oligonucleotide Hydrogel Microspheres for Reversing Joint Inflammation

Abstract The positive feedback circuit between the complement system and inflammatory immune responses maps the malignant progression of chronic joint inflammation. Prolonged dysregulation of the immune microenvironment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) further exacerbates sustained complement activation, thereby establishing a vicious cycle. In this study, MMP‐9‐responsive, injectable micro‐nano geneplexes (C5ASO@HAP‐CL‐TIMP@HMs) are developed for on‐demand regulation of complement component C5, aiming to disrupt this pathological circuit. C5 antisense oligonucleotides (C5ASO) are loaded into cationic liposomes, which are subsequently encapsulated within hyaluronic acid microspheres via click chemistry. In vitro, these geneplexes effectively block abnormal C5 activation in RA synoviocytes, restore macrophage polarization balance, reduce pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and immune complex precursor molecules, and upregulate anti‐inflammatory mediators. In an adjuvant‐induced arthritis rat model, they significantly alleviate joint swelling and cartilage degradation and suppress inflammatory responses, further highlighting the therapeutic potential of geneplexes in dismantling the complement‐inflammation circuit. In summary, the development of micro‐nano geneplexes capable of precisely disrupting the complement‐inflammatory circuit in RA offers a promising new perspective for the targeted treatment of chronic joint inflammation.

A cell-specific computational framework reveals a pan-cancer hypoxia signature predicting overall survival and ICI response

2025 FDA approvals: volume maintained, but value remains below average

Magnetic Mesoporous Nanoparticles Loaded with <i>Lycium barbarum</i> Glycopeptide for Targeted Therapy of Noise‐Triggered Auditory Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Hearing loss, primarily caused by the irreversible loss of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, represents a major clinical challenge. Due to factors such as the blood‐labyrinth barrier and the unique structure of the cochlea, there is still a lack of an effective and sustainable targeted drug delivery system. The development of inner ear drug delivery systems capable of sustaining therapeutic concentrations with site‐specific localization remains a critical challenge in otopharmacology. In this paper, we engineered a magnetically navigable platform utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) for precision‐targeted cochlear drug administration. This system features a magnetic‐responsive core and a permeable porous shell, combining the advantages of both nanomaterial carriers and Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGP). The resultant MMSNs‐LbGP nanocomposite exhibited good biocompatibility, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. In a guinea pig model of noise‐induced hearing loss, MMSNs‐LbGP treatment not only effectively restored auditory function and preserved cochlear hair cell structure but also significantly attenuated cochlear neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. This advancement establishes a novel framework for translational implementation of nanoparticle‐mediated inner ear therapy, offering therapeutic solutions to rehabilitate or functionally augment auditory pathways in patients with sensorineural deficits.

A career in bioactive lipids

Redirecting mast cells for antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy

Key Materials for Potassium‐Ion Batteries: Overcoming Challenges and Opening Up Horizons for Commercialization

ABSTRACT Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), as a promising next‐generation energy storage technology, have garnered widespread attention within the energy field due to their distinct advantages over lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), particularly their superior low‐temperature performance, fast‐charging capabilities, and the abundance of potassium resources. However, the commercialization of PIBs still faces a series of critical technical challenges that need to be broken through, including the inadequate structural stability of electrode materials, insufficient energy density, poor rate performance, high flammability, and suboptimal matching between electrodes and electrolytes. This review systematically summarizes the current progress of PIB research, with a particular emphasis on key materials design and system optimization strategies that align with practical and commercial application demands. It highlights recent advances in the development of cathode and anode materials, innovative electrolyte formulations, separator technologies, and full battery configurations. Furthermore, the key technological bottlenecks hindering industrialization are critically analyzed, and potential pathways to overcome them are discussed. Finally, future research directions and industrialization strategies are proposed by bridging fundamental materials research with real‐world performance requirements, offering valuable insights and guidance for the commercialization of PIBs and supporting their transition from laboratory research to practical application.

Engineered Oligomeric Indolizine‐Fused BODIPY Fluorophores for Interventional NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging of Acute Cardio‐Cerebrovascular Events

ABSTRACT Vascular networks are essential for life maintenance, and their dysfunction can result in severe diseases. However, current biomedical imaging modalities possess constraints in diagnosing these diseases. NIR‐II fluorescence imaging has emerged as a powerful tool, offering rapid feedback, high spatial resolution, and superior biosafety. Among NIR‐II fluorophores, BODIPY oligomers stand out due to their excellent optical performance and versatile tunability. Yet, they confront challenges in design, synthesis, brightness, and blood circulation half‐life. Here, we introduce a novel approach that integrates vascular interventional techniques with NIR‐II fluorescence imaging, utilizing de‐novo designed and synthesized indolizine‐fused BODIPY oligomers for diagnosing cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases. The synthesized oligomers absorb and emit within the NIR‐II window. Notably, (ααSIFB) 4 , a representative singly indolizine‐fused tetramer, features highly planar indolizine‐fused BODIPY subunits with a twisted linkage, mitigating detrimental aggregation via suppressed intermolecular π–π interactions. Consequently, (ααSIFB) 4 demonstrates high brightness, a substantial Stokes shift, and robust chemical and photostability. ( (ααSIFB) 4 @PSMA) exhibits remarkable performance in imaging mouse cardio‐cerebral vasculature. Crucially, direct administration via a interventional catheter addresses the issue of short blood circulation half‐life, significantly enhancing target‐site contrast. Interventional NIR‐II imaging with (ααSIFB) 4 @PSMA enables real‐time, continuous monitoring of vascular dynamics and visualization of acute cardio‐cerebrovascular events.

High‐Speed Electro‐Optic Modulator Based on Chemical‐Vapor‐Deposited Graphene with van der Waals Hybrid Dielectric

Abstract Graphene‐based optoelectronic devices have shown high bandwidth and easy incorporation in silicon photonics. However, given that graphene is a single‐atom‐thick material with a large surface‐to‐volume ratio, the intriguing properties of the graphene optoelectronic devices are very susceptible to surrounding environments, including interfacial states and dangling bonds from dielectrics. This has degenerated the performance of graphene electro‐optic modulators that rely on uniform electrical gating. Herein, a facile integration of a Sb 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 hybrid dielectric on the chemical‐vapor‐deposited (CVD) graphene is reported for electro‐absorption modulators. The Sb 2 O 3 molecular crystal as interfacial layer enables a homogeneous Al 2 O 3 dielectric growth and a van der Waals (vdW) interface with graphene, which can significantly reduce the interfacial scattering centers (such as dangling bonds) and thus preserves the electronic properties of graphene, showing an averaged carrier mobility ( μ ) of 10880 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and residual carrier concentration ( n * ) of 1.35 × 10 11 cm −2 . In contrast to the device with a single dielectric, the electro‐absorption modulator with the vdW interface shows a 1.6 times higher modulation efficiency (0.0054 dB V −1 µm −1 ) and 5.8 times higher bandwidth (≈35 GHz). Moreover, modulation rate is up to 30 Gbit s −1 . Our work provides a promising dielectric option for graphene optoelectronic devices.

Age-dependent topoisomerase I depletion alters recruitment of rDNA silencing complexes