Heavy-fermion compounds frequently host emergent phases - most notably non-BCS superconductivity and unconventional quantum criticality - whose microscopic origins can invariably be traced to the entanglement of itinerant and nearly localized electronic degrees of freedom. In this work, we carry out a systematic study on the electronic structure and quasiparticle features of the antiferromagnetic intermetallic compound GdRhIn5, utilizing high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements. Energy-dependent measurements reveal the coexistence of Fermi surface topologies with both quasi-two-dimensional and three-dimensional characteristics. Notably, the quasiparticle bands commonly observed in conventional cerium-based compounds are absent from the resonance data, likely due to the strong localization nature of the Gd 4f states within the compound. Temperature-dependent studies, combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, demonstrate that as temperature decreases, the electronic density of states (EDC) near the Fermi level increases, while the peak position of the MDC associated with the beta energy band shows a shrinking trend. This systematic exploration of GdRhIn5's electronic structure enhances our comprehension of the microscopic physical properties not only of GdRhIn5 but also of the broader family of rare-earth-based 115 systems.

Advanced temperature-responsive materials, particularly pyroelectric and thermoelectric materials, are revolutionizing biomedical innovation due to their ability to generate electric charge in response to temperature fluctuations. These materials demonstrate remarkable capabilities in converting thermal energy into both electrical and chemical energy, thereby exhibiting exceptional catalytic properties. Their unique energy conversion and catalytic capabilities make them highly versatile in biomedical fields, with demonstrated potential in applications such as generators for implantable devices, biosensors, tumor therapy, and teeth whitening. A fundamental understanding of the distinct mechanisms underlying pyroelectric and thermoelectric effects, particularly their intrinsic charge generation processes and catalytic reaction principles, is crucial for advancing emerging trends in thermal-electric biomedical applications. This comprehensive review systematically summarizes and discusses recent progresses in the fabrication strategies of pyroelectric and thermoelectric materials, highlighting their transformative applications in biomedicine. Furthermore, it critically analyzes the current challenges and prospects of these thermal-responsive biomaterials, providing insights into their clinical translation potential. By exploring the intrinsic mechanisms of these two thermal-electric conversion materials, coupled with recent breakthroughs in advanced material fabrication techniques and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven high-throughput screening methodologies for performance optimization, pyroelectric and thermoelectric therapies will be poised to significantly benefit the human health in clinical settings.

Quantum nanomedicine and quantum biomaterials, as an interdisciplinary field, deeply integrate quantum science, material science, nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. Here, we define quantum nanomedicine and quantum biomaterials as a paradigm that harnesses quantum effects in nanomedicine and biomaterials, including quantum superposition, quantum coherence, quantum tunneling, topological quantum effects, and spin polarization, to achieve either spatiotemporally precise modulation of physiological activity and therapeutic intervention or the enhancement of intrinsic physiochemical properties for amplified therapeutic outcomes. This article systematically elucidates how quantum effects govern fundamental life processes and prospectively explores their potential in enabling innovative therapeutic strategies. The typical mechanisms of quantum biological effects involve quantum coherence in photosynthetic energy transfer, spin polarization in modulating reactive oxygen species generation, and quantum biological electron tunneling as verified in cytochrome c (Cyt c). These principles provide a theoretical foundation for the rational design of quantum nanomedicine and biomaterials. By controlling quantum coherence, quantum tunneling, and spin properties, the precise spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular interactions and cellular signaling pathways can be achieved. The herein proposed quantum nanomedicine and quantum biomaterials establish a new paradigm for intervening in life processes at electronic and informational levels, thereby laying a scientific foundation for developing next‑generation diagnostic and therapeutic platforms.

The inner ear is a highly specialized sensory organ whose therapeutic inaccessibility arises from its structural sequestration, compartmentalized fluid environment, and the restrictive blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB). These features severely limit drug penetration, spatial precision, and therapeutic durability, thereby constraining the treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Emerging biomaterial platforms have provided promising strategies to overcome these barriers through rationally engineered biomaterials. This review presents a materials-centered framework for emerging biomaterial platforms in auditory disorders, spanning the anatomical and transport foundations of otologic delivery, the major material classes used in ear disorders, and the physicochemical design determinants that govern transport, retention, targeting, biodegradability, and biosafety. We discuss polymer-based, lipid-based, hydrogel-based, exosome-derived, inorganic, composite, and piezoelectric biomaterials, highlighting how structure and property relationships shape therapeutic performance. Beyond serving as delivery carriers, these biomaterial platforms can provide intrinsic or engineered therapeutic and regenerative functions, as well as bioelectronic interfacing capable of redox regulation, anti-inflammatory modulation, synaptic repair, and self-powered auditory sensing or stimulation. We further summarize disease-specific applications and outline major translational barriers, including delivery heterogeneity, incomplete long-term safety evaluation, limited standardization, and manufacturing scalability, together with future directions for precision-guided otologic therapy.

ABSTRACT Conjugated polymer‐based phototheranostics have attracted considerable attention for cancer treatment owing to their excellent photothermal properties and biocompatibility. However, integrating efficient photodynamic activity into conjugated polymer systems without compromising their intrinsic photothermal performance remains a major challenge. Here, we report structurally engineered selenophene‐doped polypyrrole nanoplatforms (Ppy‐PSe NPs) for imaging‐guided synergistic phototherapy. Incorporation of selenium‐containing heterocycles into the conjugated polypyrrole framework introduces a pronounced heavy‐atom effect, which promotes intersystem crossing and substantially enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation while preserving broadband near‐infrared (NIR) absorption and efficient photothermal conversion. Upon NIR laser irradiation, Ppy‐PSe induces severe oxidative stress, lysosomal disruption, cytoskeletal collapse, and apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, ROS‐mediated suppression of HSP90 disrupts the oncogenic JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis, thereby reprogramming tumor thermotolerance and sensitizing malignant cells to photothermal injury. In vivo, Ppy‐PSe exhibits favorable biosafety, efficient tumor accumulation, and robust photoacoustic imaging capability for real‐time therapeutic guidance. Notably, NIR‐triggered treatment achieves complete tumor eradication in a lymphoma xenograft model, particularly under NIR‐II irradiation. This work establishes a multifunctional conjugated polymer nanoplatform that integrates ROS amplification, thermo‐sensitization reprogramming, and imaging‐guided synergistic phototherapy for precision cancer treatment.

Sensorineural hearing loss is driven by disruption of cochlear homeostasis, where dysregulated redox, ionic, and metabolic factors lead to hair cell degeneration and synaptic injury. Current strategies lack the capacity to restore the enzymatic clearance of reactive oxygen species or penetrate the blood-labyrinth barrier. Here, we report a cell-inspired dual-tandem catalytic nanoreactor (HSC@Se) integrating GPx-mimetic diselenide with superoxide dismutase and catalase to reconstruct the detoxification cascade. We show that the albumin scaffold stabilizes the nanoarchitecture and enables active blood-labyrinth barrier penetration of neutrophil-adhesive transport and megalin-mediated uptake, facilitating cochlear delivery to hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. In noise-induced mouse models, we demonstrate that HSC@Se restores redox equilibrium, suppresses ferroptosis, normalizes iron handling, preserves hair-cell integrity, maintains ribbon synapses, and reduces auditory threshold shifts. We perform transcriptomics to reveal activation of antioxidative and metabolic repair pathways. This work presents cell-inspired nanoreactors that emulate natural antioxidant networks to rebalance cochlear redox homeostasis and drive hearing protection. Here, the authors present a biomimetic nanoreactor that mimics natural antioxidant enzymes, rebuilds cochlear redox homeostasis and protects against noise‑induced hearing loss by preserving hair cells and synaptic function.

The rational design of catalytic nanomaterials, particularly high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanomaterials with their unique structures, is crucial for advancing pancatalytic therapy and holds promise for catalytic biomedical applications. Nevertheless, conventional trial-and-error approaches to HEA development persist in being inefficient and resource-demanding, underscoring the critical need for data-driven strategies to accelerate the design of next-generation catalytic platforms. Herein, we report a machine learning (ML)-assisted framework for the rational design of subnanometer HEAs with enhanced multicatalytic activities for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Using an extensively curated dataset of nanozyme compositions and activities, ML algorithms identified key metal elements with the highest contribution to catalytic performance. Guided by these insights, a distinct PtFeMoCoNiRu HEA subnanowire (HESNW) was synthesized, in which the subnanostructure confers maximized active-site exposure and superior atomic utilization, enabling exceptional reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Ultrasound (US), characterized by its noninvasive and deep penetration, is employed to activate catalytic reactions. Excessive ROS production with HESNW under US irradiation induces extensive DNA damage, activating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and leading to PANoptosis. This ML-guided design strategy enables the precise tailoring of multicatalytic HEA nanomaterials and provides a generalizable blueprint for accelerating the discovery of multifunctional nanocatalysts through data-driven methodologies.

Rare earth nanomaterials, leveraging their unique optical and magnetic properties along with their rich isotopic composition, have emerged as essential tools for precision disease diagnosis and therapy, representing one of the key probes underpinning cutting-edge researches in biomedicine. This review summarizes the recent advancements in the bioimaging and biosensing applications of rare earth luminescent nanocrystals in 2025. The frontier directions such as subcellular microscopic imaging, in vivo high-resolution imaging, multiplexed detection, and imaging-guided synergistic therapy are discussed, together with the design principles for rare earth nanomaterials across various imaging modalities. A perspective on this direction is finally outlined.

Despite substantial breakthroughs in acute care, ischemic stroke remains a pressing, unresolved crisis in clinical practice and public health. Current therapies, which primarily depend on early revascularization, provide limited protection against the complex secondary injury mechanisms following ischemia, underscoring an urgent need for transformative solutions. In this study, we propose a chirality-dependent manganese carbon nanodot species (chiral MnCs) platform with paramagnetic MnCs cores functionalized with chiral penicillamine. These nanostructures perform dual roles, serving as T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and reactive oxygen species scavengers. Especially, the chiral surface of MnCs enables stereoselective biological interactions, facilitating targeted accumulation in inflamed post-stroke brain regions. Notably, D-MnCs exhibit enhanced cellular uptake and superior therapeutic efficacy after crossing the blood-brain barrier. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that chiral MnCs significantly mitigate oxidative stress and aberrant microglial activation. More importantly, they effectively attenuate apoptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, the key components of PANoptosis, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and improving sensorimotor and cognitive recovery in mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. This work develops a stereoselective, MRI-trackable nanoplatform that enables multi-mechanistic intervention in ischemic stroke, presenting an efficient strategy for precise neuroprotection and functional restoration.

Afterglow materials have drawn considerable attention for a long time due to their unique luminescence properties, among which lanthanide-doped persistent phosphors have been extensively investigated and even commercialized. However, afterglow luminescence from lanthanides has been sporadically achieved in non-crystalline materials. Herein, ultrabright red afterglow in organic solution is observed to share an identical emission profile of an f-f transition Eu-complex. In this well-designed afterglow system, a sensitizer with singlet fission ability and zero-overlapped wavefunction between the lanthanide emitter was introduced, to implement effective photochemical reactions and energy transfer processes. The photochemical afterglow solution is applicable to wet-chemical procedure for the ondemand fabrication of functional nanoparticles with uniform size. Homogeneous immunoassay conformed to photochemical afterglow regime was performed with a detection limit of 0.5 pg/mL for interleukin-6. These results not only advance photochemical afterglow for optimal performance, but also pave the way for rational design of lanthanide luminescence materials with ultralong lifetime. (c) 2025 Chinese Society of Rare Earths. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

The development of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based imaging with minimal autofluorescence and improved penetration depth is important in medical applications. Exogenous nanocarriers readily adsorb plasma proteins following intravenous administration (<0.5 min), resulting in the formation of a protein corona on the fixed surface. The protein corona facilitates UCNP interception by the immune system, preventing targeted delivery to disease sites. In this study, we report a novel surface-camouflaging strategy using lanthanide hydroxyl carbonate that is slowly dissolved by physiological phosphate in serum. The "self-consuming" inorganic-shell-modified UCNPs (denoted as UCSP-PEG) effectively reduce protein corona adhesion by more than 90% through a dissociation effect associated with the amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified UCNPs as determined in an ex vivo assay. The UCSP-PEG exhibits a prolonged blood circulation time (t1/2 = 73.9 ± 9.5 min), 185 times that of camouflage materials without the "stealth" feature, and can employ upconverted luminescence (UCL) imaging to monitor tumor-related blood vessels for at least 120 min. Based on the superior optical properties of UCSP-PEG, the application of a UCL dual-channel stereoscope magnification imaging system has enabled the observation of capillaries with high resolution, offering a powerful tool for monitoring biological activities at the fine tissue level. This work provides a novel "stealth" nanovehicle, resisting blood protein adhesion based on a "self-consuming" effect that can significantly advance tissue imaging and target-specific cancer diagnosis.

Europium complexes are widely used as immunomarkers for lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) because of their long luminescent lifetime, large Stokes shift, and high luminous color purity. However, most europium complexes exhibit inadequate stability in complex environments, and their fluorescence is readily quenched in an aqueous phase, thereby compromising the detection sensitivity and accuracy of LFIA. Herein, to overcome this challenge, we synthesized a polydentate europium complex, Eu(TTA)3[Phen(PO-8)2], characterized by robust stability. Finally, Eu(TTA)3[Phen(PO-8)2] was employed to fabricate polystyrene (PS) fluorescent microspheres for LFIA, demonstrating remarkable sensitivity and selectivity detecting serum amyloid A (SAA) at concentration as high as 220 μg/mL, with a detection limit of 0.5 μg/mL. More importantly, the SAA testing strips exhibit excellent long-term storage stability. Such stable polydentate europium complexes are anticipated to supplant existing commercial europium complexes, becoming a staple in LFIA applications.

The catalytic strategies selectively eradicate tumors, but their efficacy is hindered by antioxidant defense mechanisms of tumor microenvironment (TME) and insufficient catalytic efficiency. Herein, we present a multifunctional manganese oxide nanosphere (MnOx NSs)-based antitumor platform that synergizes ultrasound (US)-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with oxygen-independent sulfate radical (SO4•-) production to amplify oxidative damage. Under US irradiation, MnOx NSs generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) via sonodynamic effects, and Mn2+/Mn3+ species activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to produce SO4•- and •OH without oxygen reliance. Notably, US-induced electron-hole separation enables redox cycling between Mn3+/Mn4+ and Mn2+/Mn3+, creating a self-sustaining catalytic loop for continuous reactive species generation. Concurrently, enzyme-mimicking activities of MnOx NSs alleviating hypoxia and depleting glutathione in TME, thereby disrupting redox homeostasis. The TME remodeling, combined with oxidative storm induction, triggers ferroptosis which is driven by lipid peroxidation. In vitro and in vivo studies validate the efficacy and biosafety of this approach, demonstrating significant tumor suppression through synergistic oxidative storm and ferroptosis induction. This work highlights a paradigm-shifting strategy that integrates multi-catalytic reactivity, TME modulation, and regulated cell death pathways, offering a robust solution to overcome therapeutic barriers in antioxidant-rich tumors. The findings underscore the potential of manganese-based nanoplatforms in advancing next-generation catalytic oncology therapies.

Photochemical reaction-based afterglow has been widely applied in information storage, biodetection, and bioimaging. It is achieved through a cascade of photophysical processes and chemical reactions. However, comprehensive kinetic study of its complex processes remains limited. In this work, we conducted numerical simulations of the entire afterglow process based on chemical reaction kinetic equations, focusing on key kinetic processes and identifying the rate-determining step. By varying the rate constants of the key steps, we provided theoretical insights into effectively regulating the afterglow intensity and lifetime. Furthermore, we designed and synthesized several derivative molecules for experimental validation, achieving optimization of both intensity and lifetime. Through the integration of chemical kinetic analysis with experimental validation, this study develops an in-depth comprehension of complex kinetic processes and establishes a robust framework for molecular design in photochemical afterglow and related systems.

Rare earth nanoparticles have garnered widespread attention due to their unique luminescent properties. Core-shell structures are extensively utilized to enhance their luminescence by mitigating surface-related quenching. However, cation diffusion can lead to cation intermixing within the core-shell nanoparticles, profoundly altering both their structural integrity and luminescence performance. In this work, we employed lanthanide dopants Yb3+/Er3+ in NaYbF4:Er@NaYF4 core-shell nanoparticles as luminescence probes to investigate thermally induced cation diffusion. Silica coating was applied to prevent particle aggregation and fusion during heat treatment. Heat treatment at 450 °C for 2 h effectively removes the surface ligands while preserving the core-shell structures. Our results reveal that heat treatment promotes the diffusion of optically active ions from the core into the shell, establishing an energy transfer network that channels the energy to surface quenchers, ultimately resulting in luminescence quenching, which is consistent with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis. To generalize this phenomenon, Er3+/Nd3+ dopants in NaYF4:Er@NaYF4@NaYF4:Nd nanoparticles were employed, confirming similar diffusion behaviors. This study offers a straightforward spectroscopic strategy to investigate cation diffusion in core-shell structured rare-earth nanoparticles and provides a practical method to determine the upper temperature limit for their operation in actual applications.

Utilizing small molecules as markers for specific cells or organs within biosystems is a crucial approach for studying and regulating physiological processes. However, current tagging strategies, due to the presence of exposed highly reactive groups, suffer from drawbacks such as low tagging efficiency or insufficient spatial specificity, thereby diminishing their expected effectiveness. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop a strategy capable of in situ labeling of active groups in response to cellular or in vivo stimuli, ensuring both high tagging efficiency and spatial specificity. In this work, we devised a strategy for releasing aldehyde groups activated by hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Compounds synthesized through this strategy can release the fluorophore methylene blue (MB) and aldehyde-based compounds upon HOCl activation. Given high reactivity of the released aldehyde group, it can effectively interact with macromolecules in biological systems, facilitating tagging and enabling prolonged imaging. To validate this concept, we further incorporated a naphthalimide structure with stable light emission to create SW-110. SW-110 can specifically respond to in vitro and endogenous HOCl, when release MB, it also releases naphthalimide fluorophore with highly reactive aldehyde group for tagging within cells. This strategy provides a simple but efficient strategy for proximity tagging in situ.

Development of exquisitely selective and sensitive HClO/ClO- sensor in living system is of the utmost importance. To achieve near-infrared (NIR)-responsive detection of HClO/ClO-, a new nanoprobe (csUCNP-Cy820) is composed of the ClO--sensitive Cy820 (energy acceptor), and NaLuF4:20%Yb,1% Tm@NaLuF4 core@shell upconversion nanoparticles (csUCNP, energy donor) capable of emitting NIR upconversion luminescence (UCL) of Tm3 & thorn; (800 nm). Through the mechanism of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), the UCL emission can be recovered in the presence of HClO/ClO-. The csUCNPCy820 nanoprobe is effectively adapted as a precise ClO- detection sensor with a low limit of detection (LoD) of 58 nmol/L in vitro. Moreover, owing to excitation and emission wavelengths both falling within the NIR region, the nanoprobe facilitates high quality imaging in mice models of peritonitis and arthritis, thereby enabling deeper penetration depth for imaging detection in vivo. (c) 2024 Chinese Society of Rare Earths. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Radiotherapy is crucial in local cancer management and needs advancements. Tumor cells elevate intracellular copper levels to promote growth and resist radiation; thus, targeted copper delivery to mitochondria could enhance radiotherapy by inducing cuproptosis in tumor cells. In this study, we engineered a multifunctional nanoliposome complex, termed Lipo-Ele@CuO2, which encapsulates both copper peroxide (CuO2) and the copper chelator elesclomol, which can delivery Cu ions to the mitochondria. The Lipo-Ele@CuO2 complex induces mitochondria-mediated cuproptosis in tumor cells and synergistically enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy. CuO2 acts as a copper donor and exhibits inherent sensitivity to acidic environments. Additionally, it depletes intracellular glutathione, thereby sensitizing cells to cuproptosis. Leveraging its pH-responsive properties in the acidic tumor microenvironment, the Lipo-Ele@CuO2 facilitate the controlled release of elesclomol, efficiently delivering copper ions to mitochondria at tumor sites. The combined in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that Lipo-Ele@CuO2-based therapy significantly improves antitumor efficacy and exhibits excellent safety profiles, effectively inducing cuproptosis in tumor cells and boosting the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Furthermore, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal that this combination therapy precipitates significant alterations in tumor energy metabolism, notably repressing genes related to iron-sulfur cluster assembly and glycolysis, thereby confirming the induction of cuproptosis. This therapeutic strategy provides a viable approach for addressing clinical radiotherapy resistance and demonstrates significant translational potential.

Ischemic stroke, an acute cerebral local blood circulation disorder caused by neurological deficit syndrome, has emerged as a prominent ailment that can affect the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. The difficulty in early assessment and narrow therapeutic time window can increase the risks of mortality and disability. Monitoring the temperature of brain microregions is a promising strategy for assessing the onset of an early stroke, which is positively correlated with the intricate immune response. In this study, an innovative hybrid nanothermometer combining lanthanides and quantum dots was established for contactless monitoring of cerebral lesion temperatures in mice with ischemic stroke. The output of ratio optical signals in the near-infrared-II window (1000-1700 nm) guaranteed deep penetration, high accuracy, and reduced tissue damage. An obvious temperature increase was detected in the minor middle cerebral artery occlusion model mice (4 h after reperfusion), indicating the occurrence of a minor stroke even in the absence of abnormal behaviors. Moreover, a further increase in the brain temperature of the ischemic region resulted in a more severe cerebral lesion, suggesting the potential advancement of the treatment window for early ischemic stroke. The proposed approach can enable precise assessment of ischemic stroke, with significant implications for the incidence and progression of the illness, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of affected patients.

Epitaxial growth of uranium films is essential for exploring the exotic properties of U 5f electrons. However, the growth mechanism during the initial stages of U film formation remains unclear. In this study, the adsorption behavior of uranium (U) atoms on a tungsten (W)(110) substrate was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and first-principles calculations. It was found that an isolated U atom is more stable on the hollow site of the W(110) surface compared to the top and bridge sites. Additionally, two U atoms tend to adsorb on neighboring edge-sharing rhomboid hollow sites of W(110). As the concentration of U atoms increases, a directional two-dimensional (2D) growth trend along two high-symmetry directions of 0 degrees and approximately 105 degrees is observed. When the film thickness reaches 4 monolayers (ML), the close-packed U atoms exhibit a pseudo-hexagonal arrangement, accompanied by an enhanced tunneling signal near the Fermi level. Furthermore, thickness-dependent dI/dV spectra were obtained, showing strong consistency with the calculated results. These findings provide a clearer understanding of the initial growth mechanism of ultra-thin U films on the W (110) surface and open new scientific avenues for exploring the remarkable properties of uranium.