Illegal use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) to feed livestock can lead to food residues and endanger public health. Thus, the development of rapid, sensitive detection methods for AASs is urgently needed for AASs to safeguard food safety. In this study, four novel haptens were designed for six AASs (androstenedione, 1,4-androstadienedione, boldenone, methandienone, testosterone, and methyltestosterone). By integrating computer simulation with animal immunization, we identified an optimal hapten combination and generated a hybridoma cell line capable of broadly recognizing all six AASs. Based on cell sequencing, a recombinant antibody (rAb-4E2) was prepared, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 3.37-22.24 ng/mL for the six AASs. Molecular docking revealed TRP106 and VAL99 as key residues for broad-spectrum recognition. A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay strip using rAb-4E2 was developed for AASs detection in milk, beef, and fish, achieving visual detection limits of 2-10 ng/mL, 5-20 µg/kg, and 10-100 µg/kg, respectively. Validation with LC-MS/MS confirmed its reliability for real samples, offering an effective approach for rapid qualitative hormone screening.
Peripheral nerve transection requires surgical treatment, although functional recovery remains incomplete. Here, we developed a biofunctional nanocomposite nerve interface combining an ion-covalent gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/Laponite hydrogel with engineered thermostable fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to recreate a regenerative microenvironment. Laponite incorporation (2%-2.5% w/v) precisely modulated the hydrogel network, providing shear-thinning behavior, enhanced viscoelasticity, microporosity, a twofold increase in compressive modulus, controlled degradation, injectability, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprintability. Functionalization with thermostable FGF-2 enabled sustained release while preserving bioactivity, promoting Schwann cell viability, metabolic activity, cytoskeletal organization, and upregulation of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), early growth response protein 2 (EGR2), octamer-binding transcription factor 6 (OCT6), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). Nerve interfaces consisting of a basal polycaprolactone (PCL) layer and a biofunctional GelMA (10%)/Laponite (2%) hydrogel containing FGF-2 (1 µg mL- 1) were fabricated by 3D bioprinting followed by visible-light crosslinking. In a rat neurotmesis model, FGF-2-functionalized wraps significantly improved motor function, electrophysiological recovery, Schwann cell activity (S100 calcium-binding protein), neurofilament organization and myelination (FluoroMyelin), and muscle preservation. Collectively, this work introduces a 3D-bioprinted, cell-instructive nerve interface integrating mechanical neuroprotection with sustained neurotrophic signaling to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.
Although extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate selective molecular exchange between cells, their low yields and inherent heterogeneity limit translational applications. Cell-derived nanovesicles (CDNs), produced by mechanical extrusion of donor cells, offer a scalable alternative while retaining key membrane features of EVs. Yet how fabrication reshapes vesicle-cell communication remains poorly understood. Here, vesicle-side proteomics is integrated with TurboID proximity labeling of recipient-cell proteins to construct quantitative, dual-sided maps of CDN and small extracellular vesicle (sEV) interactions. Despite similar size and surface charge, CDNs displayed a substantially more diverse proteome and a broader repertoire of predicted uptake-associated signatures. Recipient-cell proximity proteomics further resolved distinct molecular cohorts. The CDN-associated cohort contained recipient-derived CALR and NCL, which are literature-linked to LRP1/CD91-associated efferocytic recognition and NCL-associated macropinocytic processes, respectively, whereas the sEV-associated cohort contained signatures consistent with HSPG-assisted docking and clathrin-mediated or CLIC/GEEC-related uptake. Together, these complementary datasets reveal molecular interfaces for extrusion-generated CDNs that are distinct from those of naturally secreted sEVs. Receptor dependence and the contributions of surface association and internalization require direct testing; however, the identified associations define specific mechanistic targets for further investigation. This dual-sided proteomic strategy establishes a quantitative framework for dissecting vesicle-cell communication and engineering membrane-based nanocarriers.
ABSTRACT The concurrent optimization of electrochemical energy storage and third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) performance within a single material system remains a fundamental challenge. Here, V 2 CT x /WS 2 composites were fabricated via a solvothermal method on carbon cloth substrates, and (V 2 CT x /WS 2 ) x /PMMA were prepared for optical measurements. Interfacial interactions between V 2 CT x surface functional groups and WS 2 promote the formation of sulfur vacancies and interfacial charge redistribution during compositing. The enlarged interlayer spacing, three‐dimensional WS 2 nanoflower architecture, and defect‐rich structure collectively increase accessible active sites and facilitate charge transport. The V 2 CT x /WS 2 electrode delivers a specific capacity of 2251.95 F·g −1 at 1 A·g −1 , retaining 94.80% of its initial capacity after 10 000 cycles. The assembled supercapacitor achieves an energy density of 47.93 Wh·kg −1 at a power density of 983.45 W·kg −1 . For NLO performance, the (V 2 CT x /WS 2 ) 8 /PMMA sample exhibits a nonlinear absorption coefficient β of 232 cm·GW −1 , a nonlinear refraction coefficient γ of −9.29 × 10 −4 cm 2 ·GW −1 , and an optical limiting threshold of 1.09 J·cm −2 . The results demonstrate that V 2 CT x /WS 2 exhibits excellent electrochemical and NLO properties through composite structure design and defect engineering.
The concurrent optimization of electrochemical energy storage and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) performance within a single material system remains a fundamental challenge. Here, V2CTx/WS2 composites were fabricated via a solvothermal method on carbon cloth substrates, and (V2CTx/WS2)x/PMMA were prepared for optical measurements. Interfacial interactions between V2CTx surface functional groups and WS2 promote the formation of sulfur vacancies and interfacial charge redistribution during compositing. The enlarged interlayer spacing, three-dimensional WS2 nanoflower architecture, and defect-rich structure collectively increase accessible active sites and facilitate charge transport. The V2CTx/WS2 electrode delivers a specific capacity of 2251.95 F·g-1 at 1 A·g-1, retaining 94.80% of its initial capacity after 10 000 cycles. The assembled supercapacitor achieves an energy density of 47.93 Wh·kg-1 at a power density of 983.45 W·kg-1. For NLO performance, the (V2CTx/WS2)8/PMMA sample exhibits a nonlinear absorption coefficient β of 232 cm·GW-1, a nonlinear refraction coefficient γ of -9.29 × 10-4 cm2·GW-1, and an optical limiting threshold of 1.09 J·cm-2. The results demonstrate that V2CTx/WS2 exhibits excellent electrochemical and NLO properties through composite structure design and defect engineering.
Redox homeostasis is essential for cellular function and organismal health, and its dysregulation is linked to inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Precise, dynamic monitoring is critical yet challenging due to the reversible and fluctuating nature of redox processes. Fluorescent probes offer a promising solution through non-invasiveness, high sensitivity, and reversible responsiveness. This Perspective systematically reviews recent advances in reversible fluorescent probes for tracking redox homeostasis, focusing on four major sensing mechanisms: FRET, ICT, PET, and ESPT. For each, we evaluate applicability, reversibility, response kinetics, and signal stability across diverse redox contexts. We further highlight that integrating reversible probes with high-throughput or multiplexed imaging platforms will be essential to advance redox monitoring from static snapshots to dynamic network-level analysis.
Photolithography, a cornerstone of semiconductor manufacturing, faces persistent challenges in lift-off processes, particularly regarding solvent usage, sidewall adhesion, and limited pattern fidelity. While dry lift-off and bilayer resist schemes provide promising alternatives, conventional approaches often rely on multiple materials and exhibit uncontrollable undercut profiles. Here, we report a universal bilayer photoresist strategy that uses a single material and enables solvent-free, high-yield dry lift-off. By integrating surface modification and UV pre-exposure (222 nm), our method allows precise control of the undercut structure and maintains full compatibility with subsequent processes such as sputtering and dry lift-off. Experiments demonstrate robust multiscale patterning capability, achieving from wafer-scale down to 17 nm features, with a 100% yield, high density (line width: spacing = 5:4), and clean sidewalls without residue. This strategy also enables high-resolution quantum dot patterning and is compatible with the fabrication of pixelated perovskite micro-LEDs, highlighting its potential for optoelectronic applications including displays, optical encryption, and anti‑counterfeiting.
Manganese telluride (MnTe) has been proposed to be a favorable candidate for middle range temperature thermoelectric (TE) material; whereas, the low carrier concentration and higher thermal conductivity have restricted its applications. Herein, a crucial role of Cu-ion in synthesized MnTe with the addition of Cu2Se through mechanical alloying and hot press sintering facilitate the improvement of carrier density and thus enhanced power factor of MnTe with the incorporation of 8 at.% Cu2Se due to novel liquid-like behavior of Cu-ion in Cu2Se at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the excessive hole density of Cu2Se and the undissolved nano-scale Cu2Se results in a remarkable scattering of phonons and thus suppressed lattice thermal conductivity at higher temperatures. With this approach, the overall thermoelectric performance of MnTe + x at.% Cu2Se was investigated and we found enhancement in the thermoelectric performance with the inclusion of Cu2Se with a maximum ZT of ∼0.72 in 8 at.% Cu2Se added MnTe sample at 873 K.
Cysteine (Cys) is a crucial biomarker and a significant analyte in physiological and pathological processes; however, achieving its accurate detection with high spatiotemporal resolution in complex biological environments remains challenging. Herein, we address this by developing a dual-mode optoelectronic sensing platform. A self-designed Cys fluorescent probe was integrated into a plasmonic nanopore via a site-selective functionalization strategy. This platform synergistically combines plasmon-enhanced fluorescence with nanopore-based electrochemical detection, providing complementary optical and electrical signals that enable high spatio-temporal resolution for accurate analyte quantification. The confined geometry of the nanopore enhances sensitivity by concentrating electromagnetic fields into sub-diffraction volumes and restricting molecular motion within the nanospace. The developed Cys sensor achieves high sensitivity, along with excellent selectivity and strong anti-interference capability, as validated through an "AND" logic gate operation. Importantly, the practical utility of the sensor is demonstrated by successful quantification of exogenous Cys in living MDA-MB-231 cells, confirming its capability for in situ cellular analysis. Furthermore, this versatile plasmonic nanopore platform can be readily adapted for the detection of various small molecules by simply substituting the probe molecule, offering a simple, stable, and generalizable sensing approach in small molecules detection.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are plagued by dendrite growth and uncontrollable side reactions, which stem from an incompatible electrode-electrolyte interface. Herein, interfacial engineering by dextran sulfate sodium is developed to enhance the stability of the electrode-electrolyte interface. Experimental results and computational characterizations reveal that this polymer additive self-assembles into a protective layer on the anode surface, which isolates the anode from direct contact with water molecules, and can enter the Zn2+ solvation sheath to replace partial water molecules, thus synergistically mitigating the occurrence of side reactions. The enrichment of zincophilic and negatively charged sulfate groups in the polymer enhances Zn affinity and leads to homogeneous nucleation. Remarkably, with the assistance of this polymer additive, the Zn-Zn symmetric cells exceptionally survive for 10188 h at 2 mA cm-2, and more reversible Zn plating and stripping are realized in the Zn-Cu asymmetric cells. More importantly, the assembled Zn-I2 batteries deliver 50000 cycles at 10 A g-1. The pouch cell exhibits stable performance for over 288 cycles at 6 mA cm-2. This work highlights the vital role of molecular-level design of polymer additives in stabilizing the Zn metal anode.
Altermagnetism has recently emerged as a distinct class of collinear magnetic order that extends the conventional classification of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. Unlike ferromagnets with finite net magnetization and conventional antiferromagnets with symmetry-protected spin degeneracy, altermagnets exhibit symmetry-enforced, momentum-dependent spin splitting despite possessing zero net magnetization. This unique behavior originates from crystal and spin-group symmetries, including proper and improper rotations, mirror reflections, and roto-inversions, which relate opposite-spin sublattices and generate anisotropic spin polarization throughout the Brillouin zone. In this review, we present a comprehensive and concept-driven overview of the fundamental principles, materials, and emerging functionalities of altermagnetism. We discuss the theoretical framework based on spin-space-group symmetry, its relationship to conventional magnetic space groups, and the role of symmetry in determining electronic, magnetic, and transport properties. We further review key experimental techniques for identifying altermagnetic states, including spin-resolved and soft-x-ray ARPES, x-ray magnetic dichroism, neutron scattering, and transport measurements, together with current challenges such as the ongoing RuO2 debate. Representative three-dimensional, two-dimensional, Janus, topological, superconducting and strain-engineered altermagnetic materials are surveyed alongside first-principles and multiscale computational approaches for materials discovery. Finally, we highlight emerging transport phenomena and potential applications in spintronics, superconducting heterostructures, valleytronics, magnonics, orbitronics, and quantum technologies.
Metallic clusters in the 2-200 atom range exhibit exceptional functional properties arising from their large fraction of under-coordinated surface sites and quantum size effects. However, structural characterization of these clusters is challenging due to the absence of well-defined periodicity and long-range crystal structure. In this size regime, surface and finite-size effects dominate, leading to highly relaxed and/or multiply twinned configurations minimizing total energy. Experimental approaches using x-rays and electrons require particular care, as irradiation can distort the intrinsic structure of these clusters. To accurately resolve their structure, probing techniques must operate at sufficiently low dose to avoid atomic displacement from equilibrium sites. Here, we investigate the structure of Pt55/Pt200 clusters supported on amorphous Carbon from room temperature to catalytically relevant conditions using 4D-STEM-based pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, demonstrating its power to resolve intrinsic atomic arrangements. The atomic structures of Pt55/Pt200 clusters differ significantly from bulk Pt, exhibiting mixed characteristics of ideal isomeric configurations combined with contributions from chemical bonding to the substrate. The temperature dependence of the Pt-Pt bond length, measured from room temperature to 500°C, is used to extract the linear thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), which exhibits a pronounced enhancement of TEC with size confinement.
Three-dimensional, interconnected hydrogel networks are central to tissue engineering and disease modeling, where tailored pore architecture and mechanical robustness are essential for supporting cellular functions. However, the limited ability to engineer microstructural features in vat polymerization 3D-printed natural hydrogels often compromises scaffold performance, as oversized pores reduce cell attachment and cell-cell interactions while smooth pore walls lack essential topographical cues. Here, we report an emulsion-based ink for vat polymerization 3D printing that enables the fabrication of hydrogels with finely tunable and highly interconnected porous architectures. An oil-in-water resin formulated using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) contains stable solvent nanodroplets that act as sacrificial templates during photopolymerization. Removal of the dispersed phase yields additive-free porous hydrogels with pore sizes ranging from 0.66 to 46.15 µm and a 2.5-fold enhancement in compressive toughness. This strategy is compatible with digital light processing (DLP) and broadly applicable to multiple photocurable biopolymers, including alginate methacrylate (ALMA) and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA). The resulting porous scaffolds promote enhanced cell attachment, proliferation, and cell-cell interactions, highlighting the potential of this vat polymerization-compatible platform for advanced biofabrication.
Halide perovskite single crystals are promising active materials for direct x-ray detectors because of their strong x-ray absorption, efficient charge transport, and solution-processable crystal growth. However, in thick single-crystal detectors, lateral side surfaces can act as conductive leakage pathways, increasing dark current, inducing baseline drift, and generating transient overshoot and undershoot during x-ray irradiation. Previous passivation and heterojunction strategies have mainly focused on metal-semiconductor interfaces, leaving side-surface transport pathways insufficiently controlled. Here, a selective side-surface ion-exchange strategy is developed to construct halide-gradient sidewall heterojunctions in MAPbBr3 single crystals. Through methylammonium chloride-induced ion exchange, compositionally graded MAPbBr3 - xClx/MAPbBr3 multi-heterojunctions are formed along the crystal sidewalls, creating wide-bandgap lateral barriers that confine charge carriers within the Br-rich bulk region. Spatial conductivity mapping and current-distribution simulations reveal that the graded sidewalls suppress edge-dominated conductivity and homogenize vertical charge transport without requiring guard-ring electrodes. Consequently, side-surface leakage, baseline drift, and transient undershoot are strongly suppressed, yielding reproducible and distortion-free x-ray responses. The treated detectors exhibit a 4.7-fold enhancement in sensitivity, a 2.85-fold reduction in detection limit, and markedly improved low-dose x-ray imaging contrast. This work establishes sidewall-selective halide-gradient engineering as a scalable route for lateral charge confinement in perovskite single-crystal radiation detectors.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have demonstrated great promise in aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs), yet their applications as bulk electrolytes are severely hindered by high viscosity and excessive costs. Employing DESs as low-dosage additives offers a compelling strategy to preserve their unique regulatory functions cost-effectively. Herein, a bifunctional DES composed of formic acid (FA) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) is designed as a low-dosage additive for electrolyte. It is revealed that FA and [Bmim]Cl synergistically anchor free water via strong hydrogen bonds, suppressing hydrogen evolution. FA preferentially enters the Zn2+ solvation sheath and cooperates with Cl- to reconstruct the solvation structure, lowering the desolvation barrier. At the interface, desolvated FA and [Bmim]+ co-adsorb on the Zn anode, inducing uniform nucleation through electrostatic shielding and enabling compact, horizontal Zn deposition. With the optimized electrolyte, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell cycles over 4000 h at 0.5 mA cm-2, and the Zn||Cu half-cell achieves 99.53% average Coulombic efficiency (CE) after 4000 cycles. Furthermore, the Zn||AC@I2 f full cell maintains 84.2% capacity over 30000 cycles at 5 A g-1. This work highlights the potential of low-dosage DESs in synergistically regulating solvation and interfacial chemistry for durable AZMB.
Synthesis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery is now standardized and automated. In contrast, post-synthesis purification-ethanol removal, clearance of unencapsulated components, and buffer exchange-remains less controlled. Conventional bulk dialysis is time-consuming, whereas centrifugal ultrafiltration, although rapid, can result in reduced particle recovery and mRNA preservation; both of these laboratory-scale approaches present limitations for reproducible high-throughput processing. Here we report a 3D-printed microfluidic dialysis chip for continuous LNP purification. Mirrored serpentine sample and wash-buffer channels run counter-current across a clamped, interchangeable membrane in a three-layer printed chip. A mass-transfer model relating ethanol removal to the number of transfer units (NTU) identified channel height as the principal geometric design parameter under the fixed-flow-rate conditions tested. At a 100 kDa cut-off and 25 µL/min, the chip removed >99% ethanol and adjusted pH from 4.0 to 7.4, processing 1 mL in 40 min at steady state. Membrane choice set a trade-off: Polyethersulfone removed ethanol faster, whereas regenerated cellulose gave the highest particle recovery (83%). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) confirmed preserved LNP integrity, and on-chip purified mRNA-LNPs matched bulk dialysis in transfection efficiency. Serial or parallel configurations offer a gentle, scalable route to LNP purification.
Microscopic imaging remains the primary strategy for studying naturally-derived or biomimetic membrane systems. Long-term tracking requires both a stable three-dimensional focal plane and minimal target displacement. This poses a significant challenge for non-adherent cells or vesicles that tend to migrate due to gravity, temperature fluctuation, air flow, and environmental vibration. Herein, we present a non-destructive immobilization technique, using glutaraldehyde-modified UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles as anchors to prevent drifting of membrane systems. Demonstrated using a giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) model that features cell-like morphology and adjustable membrane lipid composition, the uniform anchoring modification retains membrane structural integrity and fluidity-related properties, including vesicle self-deformation and fusion between oppositely charged GUVs. The nano-anchor enables rapid immobilization of GUVs and semi-adherent cells on glass slides within 5 min under ambient conditions. Furthermore, this technology is well-suited for imaging applications that require high stability and precision, as evidenced by photobleaching recovery analysis and 3D reconstructions of lipid raft microdomains. Therefore, the anti-drift nano-anchor approach facilitates versatile studies across on-membrane and intermembrane processes.
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have greatly contributed to the recent rapid development of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the acid nature of -PO(OH)2 in SAM commonly induces severe device degradation. Here we propose a universal method to develop neutralized SAM-N molecule through typical acid-base reaction between commonly used SAM molecules and methylamine (MA). In comparison with acid SAM (pH of 3), SAM-N shows neutral nature with pH value of 7, avoiding acid-induced device degradation. Importantly, SAM-N molecules can still assemble on neighboring ITO to regulate the work function and promote holes extraction. Resulting Cs0.05FA0.9MA0.05PbI3 PSCs show high PCE of 26.53%. Besides, long-term stability is also obtained in MA-free device (Cs0.05FA0.95PbI3), with 97.3% of initial efficiency after MPP tracking for 1000 h at 85°C with ISOS-L-2 protocol.
