Spiropyran has three steady-state colors that are difficult to replicate, which show excellent application prospects in anticounterfeiting. To achieve dynamic anticounterfeiting with time-dependent characteristics, the key is to control the solid-state color-changing rate. In this study, three spiropyrans with varying N-bromoalkyl chain lengths were synthesized and mixed with poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA) or poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) to prepare composite coatings. Kinetic studies revealed that spiropyran/PnBMA composites had faster discoloration rates than spiropyran/PEMA, and longer N-substituted chains accelerated the discoloration of spiropyran in the PnBMA matrix. This is probably because longer N-substituted chains lower the T g content and increase the free volume. Two composite coatings with different discoloration rates were patterned on paper to demonstrate the anticounterfeiting applications.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy, primarily attributable to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and limited responsiveness to conventional therapies. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), a non-thermal ablation technique, holds significant promise as it preserves critical peritumoral structures and can induce immunogenic cell death. However, the immunostimulatory effects elicited by IRE are typically transient, which constrains durable therapeutic benefit. To address this limitation, we developed an electro-responsive nanoadjuvant system (PSFC) composed of peptide-modified, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-encapsulated nanoparticles engineered to synergize with IRE. Upon IRE application, the PSFC nanoparticles undergo electro-triggered disassembly, releasing CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) to amplify both innate and adaptive immune responses. This approach promotes antigen-presenting cells' activation and macrophage polarization toward an M1 phenotype, while enhancing intratumoral T cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. By enabling spatiotemporal control of immune activation, this combined electro-immunotherapeutic strategy effectively overcomes the inherent immuno-resistance of PDAC and yields significantly improved treatment outcomes.

Resin-based carbon fiber composites exhibit outstanding comprehensive mechanical properties, including high specific strength, high modulus, corrosion resistance, low weight, stable dimensional performance and low thermal expansion coefficient, and they have been widely deployed in aerospace, wind power generation, automotive manufacturing, national defense equipment and sports equipment sectors. In aerospace engineering, these composites are employed to manufacture aircraft wings, fuselages and other key components, effectively reducing overall aircraft weight and enhancing fuel efficiency. For wind power facilities, large-scale turbine blades manufactured from such materials gain superior fatigue resistance and an extended service life. In automobile production, structural body parts made of these composites cut vehicle weight and improve energy utilization efficiency; in national defense equipment, they serve as lightweight protective components to boost shielding capacity, while high-performance rackets, bicycles and other sporting goods manufactured from the composites deliver better athletic performance and user comfort. Nevertheless, two critical drawbacks restrict their large-scale application in high-end manufacturing fields: insufficient interfacial bonding between carbon fibers and the resin matrix, and the inherent low ductility of cross-linked epoxy matrices. Therefore, strategies to regulate the mechanical performance of resin matrices and fiber–matrix interfaces have become a prominent research hotspot in recent years. This paper systematically reviews recent research advances regarding resin-based carbon fiber composite optimization, focusing on two mainstream technical routes: carbon fiber surface modification and resin matrix regulation. Meanwhile, prospective research directions are proposed, aiming to provide reliable theoretical references for the further development of this field.

Macrocycle-based metal-organic materials (MMOMs) represent an emerging class of functional supramolecular architectures that uniquely bridge coordination chemistry and host-guest assembly. They are constructed via facile self-assembly strategies between metal ions or multinuclear metal cluster nodes and macrocyclic organic ligands, including crown ethers, calixarenes, pillararenes, cucurbiturils, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and Salen-type macrocycles, all of which feature well-defined cavities and unique molecular recognition capabilities. By synergistically integrating the structural tunability of coordination networks with the adaptive binding behavior of macrocyclic hosts, MMOMs effectively address the functional limitations of conventional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), discrete metallacycles, and metallacages. Among these macrocyclic ligands, pillararenes and Salen-type macrocycles are notable for their exceptional structural programmability and versatile post-synthetic modifiability, making them especially promising scaffolds for next-generation MMOMs. Given the scope of this editorial, we focus on these two families to highlight the most recent conceptual breakthroughs and outline prospective design strategies.

Chronic inflammation and adhesion formation severely impede the healing process of diabetic tendons, while current surgical sutures and pharmacological interventions often fail to restore microenvironmental homeostasis. Here, we report a coenzyme-based self-stabilized Janus adhesive patch for spatiotemporal regulation of sutureless diabetic tendon healing. Unlike strategies relying on exogenous agents, we utilized the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between endogenous coenzyme α-lipoic acid (LA) and its potassium salt (LAK) to engineer a stable binary supramolecular adhesive layer (P (Lx-Ky)) without exogenous additives, enabling sustained release of bioactive LAK molecules. Temporally, the P (Lx-Ky) adhesive layer tightly adhered to injured diabetic tendons. The sustainably released LAK could directly scavenge ROS and provide antibacterial protection, thereby driving the polarization of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the reparative M2 phenotype. Spatially, the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) barrier layer (PLGA) provides mechanical support and prevents fibroblast infiltration and the formation of peritendinous adhesions. The Janus adhesive patch achieves a paradigm shift from exogenous drug delivery to endogenous spatiotemporal metabolic regulation in diabetic tendon healing. It offers a promising sutureless solution for diabetic tissue regeneration.

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is commonly used as an oxidizer in composite solid propellant (CSP) and its decomposition temperature directly affects the combustion performance of CSP. Adding burning rate catalysts (BRCs) is the most effective way to catalyze the thermal decomposition of AP and increase the burning rate (BR) of CSP. Ferrocene (Fc) and its derivatives are the hot choice of scientists to use as BRCs but controlling its migration in CSP on prolonged storage still remains a challenge, which can lead to a catastrophic situation. Here, we synthesized six Fc-based morpholine (Fc-MPNs) compounds to catalyze the thermal decomposition of AP and address the migration problem. Several spectroscopic techniques, including 1H-NMR, FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to confirm the structures of the prepared Fc-MPNs. The results revealed that amongst all the prepared catalysts, Fc-MPN-6 showed the best anti-migration performance and Fc-MPN-3 showed the superior catalytic performance. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies showed efficient electron transfer. Combustion test exhibited improved flame morphology and BR. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the combusted products provided insights into the morphology of the combusted products. Notably, the synthesized Fc-MPNs showed better performance in comparison with Fc and Cat, highlighting their potential applications in spacecraft propulsion and missile systems.

Diabetic wounds present a major clinical challenge to health care professionals in recent years due to their complications, such as amputation, infection, chronic wound formation, and even death in many cases. Stimuli responsive hydrogels have emerged in recent years as promising candidates to solve this problem because of their novel properties, such as responsive behaviour towards specific stimuli, biocompatibility, moisture retention, promotion of angiogenesis, hemostatic behaviour, antibacterial effect and high drug loading capacity etc. These hydrogels can encapsulate therapeutic agents, including growth factors, organogelators, antibiotics and antioxidants to mitigate infection, reduce inflammation, scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), and facilitate healing. This work provides a comprehensive overview focusing on development in previous five years. It covers the materials, fabrication strategies, and therapeutic applications of stimuli responsive hydrogels in diabetic wound healing. This review also discusses the existing challenges and future directions for using these materials on a large scale.

To reveal the regulatory mechanism of the variable-density flow field induced by seawater intrusion on the multiphase migration pathways and interphase mass exchange of dense non-aqueous phase liquids(DNAPL),this study developed a coupled variable-density flow,multiphase flow,and solute transport numerical model using chlorobenzene as an example,systematically simulating its infiltration,redistribution,and dissolved plume evolution.The results indicate follows:(1)The NAPL-phase chlorobenzene vertically infiltrates under gravity-dominated conditions,forming an asymmetric contaminant pool above the aquitard.(2)The saltwater wedge significantly alters the migration pathway of dissolved-phase chlorobenzene,with density gradients driving its upward movement along the freshwater-saltwater interface and accumulation in the mixing zone,while the peak discharge flux to the sea decreased by 62%compared to the scenario without seawater intrusion.(3)An increase in hydraulic conductivity(K)accelerates the migration of both NAPL-phase and dissolved-phase chlorobenzene toward the marine boundary,while enhancing the accumulation of the dissolved phase within the mixing zone.This study elucidates the retention mechanism of the mixing zone for DNAPL migration and confirms that this zone represents a non-negligible long-term secondary pollution source in coastal groundwater environmental risk assessments.

Composite solid propellants (CSPs) are essential for rocket propulsion, consisting of ammonium perchlorate (AP) as the oxidizer, a polymeric binder like hydroxyl‑terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and functional additives, including burning rate catalysts. Ferrocene (Fc)-based burning rate catalysts are particularly effective in enhancing CSP performance by lowering thermal decomposition temperature of AP. However, issues such as the volatility and migration of Fc-based burning rate catalyst can limit their efficiency in CSPs. Recent advancements have focused on developing Fc-based polymers, nitrogen-rich derivatives and dendrimers to improve anti-migration, catalytic efficiency and thermal stability. In addition, synthesis of Fc-based bimetallic composites and their functionalization with carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have shown potential in stabilizing Fc-based burning rate catalyst and enhancing their anti-migration and catalytic properties. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that modifications like alkylation, polar functionalization, and cyclic structures improve stability, mechanical properties, and performance of Fc derivatives. This review consolidates latest advancements in Fc-based burning rate catalysts, offering insights into their role in optimizing CSP performance for advanced propulsion systems.

Effective skin moisturization is essential for combating age-related skin deterioration and maintaining overall skin health. This study investigates the development and characterization of DL-α-tocopherol-loaded sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogel microneedles (MNs) using a polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) crosslinking strategy for sustained, non-invasive antioxidant delivery and enhanced skin hydration. Three hydrogel formulations, SAP1, SAP2 and SAP3, were prepared with varying PEGDE to SA molar ratios, resulting in distinct swelling behaviors and crosslinking densities. SAP1 exhibited the highest swelling ratio, while SAP3 showed the lowest, which influenced the drug release profiles. SAP1α provided the fastest drug release, while SAP3α demonstrated a slowest release. SAP2α was selected for in vivo evaluation based on their balanced DL-α-tocopherol release along with favorable mechanical strength and swelling properties. SAP2α MNs significantly increased skin moisture from 13

ABSTRACT Currently, hydrogen energy, as a clean energy carrier, plays a crucial role in future energy development. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the essential half reactions in electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production. However, HER under alkaline condition suffers from sluggish kinetics due to its complex reaction mechanism. Consequently, developing highly active, stable, and cost‐effective HER catalysts in alkaline media and understanding its underlying reaction mechanisms are indispensable for advancing the hydrogen energy economy. Metal‐organic framework (MOF) and their derivatives have emerged as a prominent class of alkaline HER catalysts, owing to their structural tunability, compositional diversity and coordination environment adjustability. Herein, we systematically review the recent research progress of MOF‐based materials for alkaline HER. First, the fundamental mechanisms of alkaline HER are summarized, including the classical hydrogen binding energy theory, bifunctional theory, and emerging insights related to the interfacial water structure and hydrogen‐bond networks at the catalyst‐electrolyte interface. Furthermore, the latest research on MOF‐based alkaline HER catalysts is categorized by heterostructure engineering, alloys, and doping strategies, with focus on illustrating the intrinsic relationship among the electrocatalytic performance, intermediate behaviors and interfacial microenvironment. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives, particularly, artificial intelligence‐assisted catalyst design are outlined.

Nanozyme-based catalytic therapy has emerged as a promising antitumor strategy by leveraging endogenous substrates to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce oxidative damage in tumors. However, its efficacy is often constrained by inadequate catalytic activity and inefficient in vivo delivery, largely due to the complex tumor microenvironment. To overcome these limitations, we developed a dual-atom nanozyme (DA nanozyme) with precisely paired Fe-Co bimetallic active sites, which exhibits significantly enhanced multienzyme mimetic activities─including oxidase-like (OXD), peroxidase-like (POD), and catalase-like (CAT) functions and glutathione (GSH) depletion. This synergistic catalytic action amplifies oxidative stress and promotes tumor cell death. Furthermore, a biodegradable composite microneedle (MN) patch was engineered for localized delivery of the FeCo DA nanozyme directly to subcutaneous tumor sites. By integrating multienzyme catalysis with near-infrared photothermal therapy, this platform effectively inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and achieves complete tumor eradication in vivo. Collectively, this work provides an innovative and translatable strategy for synergistic antihepatoma therapy through rational nanozyme design and precision tumor-localized delivery.

Long-acting in situ forming implants (ISFIs) represent an advanced drug delivery platform that enables minimally invasive administration, prolonged therapeutic efficacy, and improved patient compliance, while overcoming several limitations of conventional preformed implants, including surgical implantation and potential removal procedures. This review systematically summarizes the components, formation mechanisms, pharmaceutical applications, and predictive evaluation strategies of ISFIs. First, the major carrier materials, including synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and lipids, as well as commonly used solvents, are reviewed with emphasis on their structure–property–performance relationships and their effects on implant formation and drug release. Subsequently, the principal mechanisms of in situ formation of hydrogels and implants are discussed, including chemical crosslinking, physically driven gelation involving thermal, ionic, and pH-responsive transitions, and solvent exchange-induced phase separation. The pharmaceutical applications of ISFIs in anticancer therapy, localized infection treatment, contraception, neurological disorders, and other therapeutic areas are then summarized. Finally, recent progress in in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) and predictive evaluation of ISFIs is discussed, with particular attention to the influence of depot evolution, administration-site conditions, and biorelevant in vitro release testing on the prediction of in vivo performance. This review highlights key challenges in ISFI development, including burst release, solvent safety, biologic compatibility, and implant variability. Future efforts should focus on safer solvents, more stable stimuli-responsive systems, and predictive IVIVC models to accelerate formulation optimization and clinical translation.

Anti-counterfeiting materials have wide applications in key sectors of modern society, such as banking, finance, food, and pharmaceuticals. Structured according to Renesse's three-line anti-counterfeiting theory, the review discussed typical security features, such as photochromism, transparency transition, and mechanochromism. Each feature is analyzed in terms of its underlying mechanisms, advantages, and limitations. The review further discussed anti-counterfeiting inks and printing technologies for fabricating security patterns. Finally, the real-world applications of anti-counterfeiting materials and their performance criteria were discussed. The review aims to provide insights for next-generation anti-counterfeiting solutions.

Ferrocene-based compounds are widely used as burning rate catalysts (BRCs) in composite solid propellants (CSPs) due to their efficient performances in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). However, on prolong storage ferrocene-based BRCs favors migration in the propellant matrix. To address this issue, ferrocenyl (Fc) morpholine compounds (Fc-MORP-1, Fc-MORP-2 and Fc-MORP-3) were synthesized. The structure of Fc-MORPs was characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, while the catalytic activities were examined through thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) techniques. Results reveal that pure AP decomposed at 415.28 °C and after mixing with 1 wt.

Water shortages in distant and dry areas require sustainable measures. An alternative composite hydrogel, which is extremely effective in solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting, is proposed in this research. Its synthesis was performed using radial polymerization. Based on polyacrylamide (PAM), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was incorporated to increase hydrophilicity. Lithium chloride (LiCl) was used as a humectant, and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH) were used as photothermal nanofillers. The formulation of the optimized hydrogel (PAM-HPC0.3-CNT3.5-LiCl25) shows a high capacity of water absorption of 2.52 g g-1 at 90% RH and 25 degrees C and has the ability to achieve 90% saturation in 2 h at 40% RH. The hydrogel surface temperature under exposure to simulated sunlight (1.0 kW m-2) is 48.4 degrees C and allows desorbing approximately 96% of water in 10 h. It is also shown that the material has good cyclic stability after 10 adsorption-desorption cycles. Experimental testing outdoors proves its technical feasibility to collect atmospheric water on natural light. This paper offers a promising and energy-saving approach to materials to harvest water in areas with plentiful sunlight.

Skin wrinkles formation is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which induce degradation of collagens and fibroblasts. While antioxidants like ascorbic acid (AA) and retinoic acid (RA) aid skin rejuvenation, their delivery is hindered by skin barrier. Here AA and RA loaded cyanobacteria-inspired ROS-responsive core-shell hydrogel microneedles (AR-CSMNs) were developed from methacrolyl hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCMA) as base material and N,N bis(acryloyl)-cystamine (BAC) as ROS-responsive crosslinker. These microneedles had pyramidal shape and sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration. Equilibrium AA release from AR-CSMNs was 89 %, in neutral environment while RA release from these microneedles was 95 % in H2O2 solution and only 66 % without H2O2. Finally, the microneedles were utilized for wrinkles treatment in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. AR-CSMNs visually reduced wrinkles in rats within four days and nearly completely removed wrinkles in seven days. These microneedles demonstrated effective skin penetration and targeted drug release for therapeutic applications.

Microwave absorption materials (MAMs) gradually exhibit crucial applications in reducing electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, avoiding EMW information leakage, and solving radar stealth. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived materials are flourishing in the domain of EMW absorption attributed to their especial structures, heteroatom doping and controllable components. Herein, various strategies to enhance the EMW absorption ability of MOFs-derived materials are outlined, covering structural design and compositional regulation. Additionally, the applications of MOFs-derived composites in EMW absorption domains are introduced in detail, with emphasis on recent progress in MOFs-derived composites materials like foams, films and aerogels. Finally, existent opportunities, challenges and future orientations of MOFs-derived MAMs are proposed.

This study investigates the impact of a chaotic financial systems with external disturbances. Firstly, an improved financial system that exhibits enhanced chaotic behavior was constructed by adding a new quadratic term and adaptive parameters. Through the analysis of the Lyapunov exponents, phase diagrams, and equilibrium points, it is demonstrated that complex chaotic dynamics persist. Secondly, Recognizing the broader applicability of fractional order systems, the system is further extended to fractional dimensions, with corresponding dynamic analysis provided. Thirdly, to address chaotic behaviors, the dynamic feedback control and adaptive projective synchronization are proposed. The dynamic feedback gain controller can quickly stabilize the unstable equilibrium point of the system to the origin. When parameter uncertainties, the synchronization of the system is realized by adaptive projective control. Numerical simulations verified the above contents and proved their effectiveness in regulating chaotic dynamics under different initial conditions and disturbances.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a cornerstone of modern diagnostic imaging. In clinical MRI diagnosis, MRI contrast agents are routinely employed to enhance the image contrast of specific areas in the body. However, conventional metal-based contrast agents pose potential toxicity risks, driving the development of safer metal-free alternatives. Nowadays, nitroxide radical contrast agents have emerged as a promising substitute, offering comparable efficiency without metallic components. In this study, we report three different nitroxide radical (TEMPO)-containing amphiphilic polymers that can self-assemble into spherical nanoparticles in aqueous solution. These nanoparticles exhibit increased longitudinal relaxivities (ranging from 0.58 to 0.88 mM-1 s-1), improved stability, and excellent biocompatibility. Following intravenous injection into mice, the nanoparticles produce significant MRI contrast enhancement in the urinary system for at least 1 h. Additionally, the synthesized polymers can function as effective carriers for anticancer drugs. Under reductive conditions, the drug-loaded nanoparticles undergo rapid release, achieving a final cumulative drug release of 62 %. Furthermore, the drug-loaded nanoparticles also show inhibitory effect on Hela cells. Overall, these TEMPO-containing polymer nanoparticles hold significant promise for applications in MRI and stimuli-triggered drug release.