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The concept of spatially-controlled planar guided crystallization is a novel method for programming the growth of optically homogeneous low-loss Sb2S3 phase-change material (PCM), leveraging the directional crystallization within confined channels. This guided crystallization method is experimentally shown to circumvent the current limitations of conventional PCM-based nanophotonic devices, including a multilevel non-volatile optical phase-shifter and a programmable metasurface with reconfigurable bound state in the continuum.

Abstract

Photonic integrated devices are progressively evolving beyond passive components into fully programmable systems, notably driven by the progress in chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) for non-volatile reconfigurable nanophotonics. However, the stochastic nature of their crystal grain formation results in strong spatial and temporal crystalline inhomogeneities. Here, the concept of spatially-controlled planar guided crystallization is proposed, a novel method for programming the growth of optically homogeneous low-loss Sb2S3 PCM, leveraging the seeded directional and progressive crystallization within confined channels. This guided crystallization method is experimentally shown to circumvent the current limitations of conventional PCM-based nanophotonic devices, including a multilevel non-volatile optical phase-shifter exploiting a silicon nitride-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and a programmable metasurface with spectrally reconfigurable bound state in the continuum. Precisely controlling the growth of PCMs to ensure optically uniform crystalline properties across devices is the cornerstone for the industrial development of non-volatile reconfigurable photonic integrated circuits.

A novel True Random Number Generator (TRNG) exploiting unpredictable conductive domain walls in single-crystal LiNbO3-on-insulator (LNOI) as a physical high-entropy source is demonstrated. The device achieves high-amplitude stochastic currents arising from the random nucleation and reconfiguration of conductive domain walls, enabling ultrafast output and flexible device scaling at comparable operating voltages.

Abstract

Random ferroelectric domain nucleation and growth lead to the generation of numerous unpredictable microscopic states that collectively form a natural high-entropy system. Conventional electrical methods can directly measure reversible domain switching currents, offering a viable platform for true random number generation (TRNG). However, TRNG based on random ferroelectric switching events is limited by the noise amplitudes in electrical signals. In this study, TRNG is realized via the stochastic formation of conductive domain walls in single-crystal LiNbO3 thin films bonded to SiO2/Si wafers. This approach achieves a noise amplitude and cycling endurance >500 nA and >1010, respectively. The interfacial-layer-based device exhibits self-reinitialized stochastic sub-10-ns domain switching operations, enabling ultrafast generation of bit outputs and flexible device scaling. The generated random bitstreams, validated via National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)tests, exhibit robust resistance against machine-learning-based predictive attacks. This pioneering study establishes ferroelectric conductive domain walls as groundbreaking platforms for CMOS-compatible entropy source extraction, effectively addressing the long-standing challenges in amplifying entropy signals with operational robustness.

Utilizing the thermodynamic theory of optical properties, a colossal cryogenic electro-optic response in BaTiO3 thin films is designed and demonstrated by stabilizing a low symmetry metastable monoclinic phase via epitaxial strain tuning with an electro-optic response reaching ≈2516 pm V−1 at 5 K. This approach represents a new paradigm for engineering large property enhancements in materials applied toward cryogenic photonics.

Abstract

The search for thin film electro-optic materials that can retain superior performance under cryogenic conditions has become critical for quantum computing. Barium titanate thin films show large linear electro-optic coefficients in the tetragonal phase at room temperature, which is severely degraded down to ≈200 pm V−1 in the rhombohedral phase at cryogenic temperatures. There is immense interest in manipulating these phase transformations and retaining superior electro-optic properties down to liquid helium temperature. Utilizing the thermodynamic theory of optical properties, a large low-temperature electro-optic response is designed by engineering the energetic competition between different ferroelectric phases, leading to a low-symmetry monoclinic phase with a massive electro-optic response. The existence of this phase is demonstrated in a strain-tuned BaTiO3 thin film that exhibits a linear electro-optic coefficient of 2516 ± 100 pm V−1 at 5 K, which is an order of magnitude higher than the best reported performance thus far. Importantly, the electro-optic coefficient increases by 100 × during cooling, unlike the conventional films, where it degrades. Further, at the lowest temperature, significant higher order electro-optic responses also emerge. These results represent a new framework for designing materials with property enhancements by stabilizing highly tunable metastable phases with strain.

A arch-like FBI-PyAI molecule (4-(5,6-difluoro-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)butan-1-ammonium iodide) is designed and synthesized, which forms an ordered interlayer that relieves buried interfacial stress and mismatch, thereby enhancing structural integrity of perovskite films and the stability of devices.

Abstract

Thermal instability remains a key barrier to the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), largely due to severe thermomechanical mismatch at the buried interface between the perovskite and transport layers. This mismatch induces interfacial strain, triggering deep-level defects, ion migration, and phase segregation that severely impair device stability. Here, a thermomechanical stress engineering strategy is introduced via rational molecular interface design. Specifically, a novel molecule, 4-(5,6-difluoro-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)butan-1-ammonium iodide (FBI-PyAI) is synthesized, that anchors at the TiO2/perovskite interface likely in a unique “molecular bridge” configuration. This soft interface yields an extremely low modulus and significantly reduces the interfacial stress energy from 0.554 to 0.178 eV, thereby suppressing defect formation and minimizing phase segregation. Meanwhile, the functional groups in FBI-PyAI passivate defects and induce vertically oriented perovskite crystallization, forming compact films with fewer voids and improved structural uniformity. As a result, the modified devices achieve exceptional thermal stability, which maintains 88% of initial efficiency after 50 thermal cycles (−15 to 65 °C). Moreover, the modified PSC delivers a competitive efficiency of 25.01% and outstanding photostability (95% retention after 800 h illumination under ISOS-L-1 protocol). This work offers mechanistic insight into interfacial stress modulation and underscores its importance for thermally stable PSCs.

This study develops a regional assembly crosslinking (RAC) hydrogel fabricated via electric-field-enhanced phase separation. The process generates a unique polypyrrole:polystyrene sulfonate junction matrix that inherently translates topological randomness into unpredictable, unclonable electrochemical responses. RAC hydrogels demonstrate electrochemical encryption that shows exceptional resistance to machine learning attacks, establishing a novel paradigm for secure hydrogel-based devices.

Abstract

The sustainable development of an informatized and intelligent society relies on information security. Physical unclonable cryptographic primitives effectively secure information through random physical structures. However, the limited size of challenge–response pairs renders them vulnerable to machine learning attacks. This study proposes a regional assembly crosslinking (RAC) strategy to impart hydrogels with macroscopic, unclonable electrochemical behaviors derived from topological polymeric networks. An electric-field-enhanced phase separation approach is employed to create ion–electron transduction junctions based on polypyrrole:polystyrene sulfonate (PPy:PSS), forming a transduction junction matrix within the RAC hydrogel. The distinct transduction times of individual junctions enable pulsed electrical signals to convert the unique polymeric network topology into unpredictable and unclonable electrochemical responses. The RAC hydrogel-based encryption device generates over 1019 challenge–response pairs, significantly surpassing the standard requirement of 1010 for a strong physical unclonable cryptographic primitive. Additionally, the inherent nonlinear electrochemical characteristics of the ion–electron junction matrix significantly enhance the resistance of RAC hydrogels against machine learning attacks, including linear regression, multi-layer perceptrons, and Transformers. This study demonstrates that the electrochemical behavior of polymer networks in conductive hydrogels can emulate 3D electronic component matrices, establishing a novel paradigm for hydrogel phase engineering in information technology applications.

A high-performance stacked triboelectric nanogenerator is designed by the self-layered method, achieving efficient fabrication, high durability, and high output, which is a huge breakthrough for traditional designs. A device with 100 layers achieves a record-high volume charge density of 49.39 ± 1.73 mC m−3, enabling sustainable high-power applications in smart agricultural monitoring.

Abstract

Capturing low-density ambient mechanical energy to power devices is a sustainable development pathway. In which, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a stacked design has garnered wide attention for its remarkable enhancement in output. However, the traditional layer-by-layer method generally results in complex fabrication and low output density. Herein, a novel self-layered method is proposed for efficiently constructing high output stacked TENG based on sliding mode. With the stacked thin steel sheets serving as the stator, an insertable rotor consisting of long fibers in the radial direction can be easily inserted into the stator during the rotating process. This achieves a self-layered effect, greatly simplifying the fabrication and improving the output. Finally, a highly integrated TENG comprising 200 units is fabricated within a height of 16.05 cm, and the volume charge density reaches 49.39 ± 1.73 mC m−3, which is 4 times of the previous record. The high power enables 10 commercial LEDs in 90 W power or 46 wireless agricultural sensors to work continuously. Besides, the TENG of 40 units can continuously power 8 wireless agricultural sensors at 6 m s−1 wind speed. Overall, this work overcomes the limitations of traditional designs, and provides a novel approach toward large-scale energy applications in sustainable agriculture.

Crosslinked polymers with decoupled non-conjugated backbones and polar moieties are designed through a modular molecular engineering to simultaneously optimize molecular polarity, topological crosslinking, and free volume in alicyclic polymers. The fully crosslinked P0-B300 delivers a record-high discharge energy density of 4.65 J cm−3 and superb insulation performance (breakdown strength greater than 700 MV m−1) at 250 °C, outperforming conventional dielectrics.

Abstract

Polymer dielectric capacitors are critical for high-temperature energy storage, yet current materials face a trade-off between thermal stability and capacitive performance due to conduction loss or insufficient polarization. Here, a modular molecular engineering to simultaneously optimize molecular polarity, topological crosslinking, and free volume in alicyclic polymers is designed. By incorporating thermally crosslinkable benzocyclobutene (BCB) and sulfone-methyl (─SO2CH3) groups into norbornene-based monomers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), crosslinked networks with decoupled non-conjugated backbones and polar moieties are constructed. The polymers exhibit a wide optical bandgap (E g > 3.7 eV), high thermal stability (T g > 350 °C), and suppressed dissipation (D f ≈ 0.0006). Optimized P50-B250 delivers an exceptional discharged energy density (U d) of 8.00 J cm−3 at 150 °C (≥90% efficiency), while fully crosslinked P0-B300 retained U d of 7.34 J cm−3 at 200 °C and 4.65 J cm−3 at 250 °C, outperforming conventional dielectrics. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that crosslinking increases free volume fraction by ≈40%, inhibiting interchain charge transfer complexes (CTCs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that sulfonyl-enhanced polarization and crosslinking collectively restrict charge migration. This work establishes a general framework for designing polymer dielectrics by integrating structural modularity and topological control, offering pathways for next-generation energy storage applications under extreme conditions.

The aberrant overexpression of METTL1, a key m7G modulator, and HDAC1, are found to be associated with poor chemotherapeutic response in osteosarcoma. To target these epigenetic vulnerabilities, innovative carrier-free nano-epidrugs incorporating first-line doxorubicin with siMETTL1, FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor, and DSPE-PEG2000-cRGD are developed, synergistically regulating m7G-modified tRNA-mediated translation of DNA repair proteins, and HDAC-mediated histone deacetylation, amplifying DNA damage, thereby evoking osteosarcoma chemosensitization.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma has witnessed stagnant clinical outcomes over the past four decades, owing to the inevitable reduction in chemosensitivity during treatment. Although epigenetics offers promising strategies to augment chemosensitivity, its role in osteosarcoma remains elusive. Here, by analyzing clinical cohorts, it is found that the aberrant overexpression of methyltransferase 1 (METTL1), a key N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modulator, and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), associated with poor chemotherapeutic response in osteosarcoma. To target these epigenetic vulnerabilities, innovative carrier-free nano-epidrugs (siMBD-R NPs) are developed, incorporating first-line doxorubicin (DOX) with siRNA against METTL1 (siMETTL1), FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor belinostat (BEL), and DSPE-PEG2000-cRGD. With ultrahigh active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) loading content (≈92.7 wt.%), tumor-specific targeting capability, and unique pH-responsive release characteristics, the siMBD-R NPs indicate remarkable tumor accumulation (15.2-fold enhancement) compared to free siMETTL1. Importantly, through dual-epigenetic regulation, the nano-epidrugs markedly amplify DOX-triggered DNA damage. Specifically, siMETTL1 selectively disrupts m7G-modified tRNA-mediated translation of DNA repair proteins, and BEL-induced HDAC inhibition remodels chromatin into a more accessible state, promoting DNA damage accumulation. In vivo studies demonstrate that siMBD-R NPs can significantly potentiate chemosensitivity, achieving an 81.5% relative increase in tumor inhibition, and can activate an immune response. This work highlights the potential benefits of leveraging dual-targeted epigenetic intervention to evoke osteosarcoma chemosensitization.

This review summarizes the recent advances in sodium-ion battery electrolytes (including organic, aqueous, gel, ionic liquid, and solid-state types) and their influence on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). It discusses SEI formation, aging, and optimization, as well as cases where no SEI forms, providing insights into the critical relationship between electrolyte chemistry and interfacial stability.

Abstract

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the low cost and abundant availability of sodium. Electrolyte, as the medium for ion transport, plays a crucial role in determining the electrochemical performance. Currently, SIBs employ mainly organic electrolytes, aqueous electrolytes, ionic liquids, gel electrolytes, and solid electrolytes. These electrolytes have made significant progress according to the needs of various application scenarios. Notably, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed by decomposition of electrolytes on the electrode surface has a decisive influence on the performance of SIBs, and its composition and formation mechanism are closely related to the chemical nature of the electrolyte. Therefore, a deep understanding of the structure and interfacial chemistry of the SEI is essential for developing high-performance SIBs, preferably through the simple and effective modulation of electrolyte composition. However, the fragmented and insufficient mechanistic summary on this connection results in poor guidance on future research, especially for the co-design of electrolyte and solid electrolyte interphase. This review summarizes and compares the research progress of various electrolyte systems, discusses the formation and aging mechanisms of SEI, and presents the perspectives on the integrated design of electrolyte and SEI.

Interfacial modification with tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine at the Me-4PACz/perovskite interface simultaneously fills SAM defects, passivates undercoordinated Pb²⁺, and guides perovskite crystallization. This enables a 20.46%-efficient wide-bandgap (1.77 eV) cell and a two-terminal all-perovskite tandem solar cell achieving a 29.71% efficiency with high operational stability, retaining 91.96% initial PCE after 850 h.

Abstract

In wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells, light-induced phase segregation of the perovskite film and non-radiative recombination at the self-assembled monolayers/perovskite interface severely compromise device efficiency and stability. Herein, an interfacial engineering strategy utilizing controllable Lewis base small molecules is proposed to ameliorate the Me-4PACz/perovskite interface, enabling effective interfacial defect suppression and high-quality perovskite crystallization. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the optimized tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine (TPP) molecule can simultaneously fill defects in Me-4PACz self-assembly, passivate undercoordinated Pb2⁺ at the perovskite bottom surface, and anchor [PbX6]⁴− to provide nucleation sites for inducing bottom-up homogeneous crystallization. Consequently, the TPP-treated single-junction cell (1.77 eV) achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.46% with a high VOC of 1.34 eV, representing one of the highest reported efficiencies for this bandgap. The corresponding two-terminal all-perovskite tandem solar cells achieved a PCE of 29.71% (certified as 29.13%), with a VOC of 2.16 V and fill factor of 83.81%, meanwhile maintaining exceptional operational stability by retaining 91.96% of initial PCE after 850 h of maximum power point tracking under solar illumination.

This study elucidates the transient photophysical mechanisms in manganese-based metal halides and designs A-site cations PPh4NBr and PPh4N2Br. The dimethylamino group suppresses low-frequency phonons, thereby minimizing non-radiative decay. The (PPh4N)2MnBr4 device achieves a 12.0% EQE, the highest reported among solution-processed, lead-free green-light devices, and enables the preparation of large-area electroluminescent devices (4 × 4 cm2) in ambient conditions.

Abstract

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as promising materials in optoelectronics, yet concerns over lead toxicity drive the search for lead-free alternatives with efficient electroluminescence, especially in green-emitting applications. Here, the photophysical functions of A-site cations in manganese bromides are revealed, and design dimethylamino-functionalized A-site cations to modulate both phonon dynamics, film morphology, and energy level alignment, enabling unprecedented efficiency in solution-processed green-emitting lead-free metal halide devices. Appropriately attaching of dimethylamino groups to benzene rings not only builds p–π conjugation that increases the rigidity of PPh4 + A-site cations, but also weakens hazardous van der Waals interaction, which suppresses A-site related nonradiative recombination. Importantly, methyl groups in dimethylamino groups enhance the flexibility of the A-site cation, which suppresses the formation of grain boundaries. Moreover, dimethylamino groups regulate the energy levels of PPh4 +, reducing charge injection barriers. Notably, electroluminescent devices are achieved with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 12.0% and large-area emission of 4 × 4 cm2, underscoring their potential for next-generation display technologies.

Herein, by synthesizing centimetre-sized V2O5 bulk single crystal and inch-sized V2O5 single crystalline films as 2D dopants, it successfully achieves uniform and efficient hole doping of graphene and TMDs, while preserving high carrier mobility. This approach offers a reliable method for constructing high-quality 2D heterostructures, enabling scalable integration of 2D materials into high-speed electronic and photonic devices.

Abstract

The controllable growth of wafer-scale single-crystalline 2D materials is foundational for future electronic and photonic applications. Layer-by-layer integration enables the fabrication of 2D heterostructure with multiple functionalities, such as doping of 2D materials, which enhances the conductivity and tunes work function to improve electrical contacts. The synthesis of wafer-scale single-crystalline 2D dopants enables subsequent integration with other 2D materials, which can avoid lattice defects and interface scattering centers typically associated with heteroatom doping or amorphous dopant. However, the synthesis of single-crystalline 2D dopants remains unexplored. Here, this study reports an effective approach to synthesize centimetre-sized V2O5 bulk single-crystal and inch-sized V2O5 single-crystalline films, which can efficiently dope graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Interfacing graphene with single-crystalline V2O5 enables hole doping of graphene, achieving a carrier density of ≈1013 cm−2 and carrier mobility of ≈4400 cm2 V−1 s−1. The preservation of carrier mobility of graphene is enabled by a defect-free interface and large energies of surface optical phonon modes of V2O5. Combined with reliable wafer-scale synthesis and layer-by-layer stacking techniques for fabricating 2D materials/V2O5 heterostructure, the results provide a scalable method for uniform, stable and efficient doping, facilitating the integration of 2D heterostructure into high-speed logic circuits and photonics for optical communications.

This study is the first to report the preparation of biomass-based triboelectric nanogenerators by using the electrostatic attraction between positively charged CQAS and negatively charged oxygen-rich regions in metal oxides. Improve triboelectric electrical performance and environmental stability, and achieve unmanned aerial vehicle control.

Abstract

Biomass-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted attention in the fields of biomedical and wearable electronics. This study formed three stable frictional electric films, namely chitosan quaternary ammonium salt(CQAS)/Sc2O3, CQAS/MnO2, and CQAS/ZnO, through electrostatic attraction between positively charged CQAS and electron-rich oxygen atoms in metal oxides. Molecular dynamics simulations show negative interfacial binding energy, indicating structural stability. Density functional theory confirms the accumulation of electrons near oxygen atoms, especially in ZnO, where the average oxygen electron is −0.89, forming a strong negative potential. The electric hysteresis loop of CQAS/ZnO exhibits the best closure, and its potential shift response is stable. The leakage current of CQAS/ZnO is the lowest, at 37.2 µA, indicating that ZnO easily forms a more stable structure with CQAS through electrostatic attraction. CQAS/ZnO exhibits the best triboelectric electrical performance, with an open circuit voltage of 1260 V and a transferred charge density of 11.50 nC cm−2. This work proposes a theoretical model that supports the pairing of metal oxides and polymers, improving the triboelectric electrical performance and increasing the device quality factor of the TENGs from 0.26 for pure CQAS to 1.0, an increase of 3.85 times. Efficient energy conversion and human-machine interaction are achieved.

Choline-based ionic liquid integrated organic electrochemical transistors (Chol-OECTs) for improvement of performance and prolonged lifetime is demonstrated. Introduction of the ionic liquid into PEDOT:PSS and gelatin creates choline acetate ionic liquid-infused PEDOT:PSS (CLiPS) and choline acetate-gelatin (CAGel) electrolyte. These materials are utilized for 3D array of Chol-OECTs and biosensors of biological signals for longer than 3 months.

Abstract

A choline-based ionic liquid is introduced into organic electrochemical transistors(OECTs) to achieve enhanced performance and long-term stability, and these OECTs can be used for sensing biological signals such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electromyograms (EMGs) for up to 3 months. Spectroscopic analysis and electrochemical characterization focused on the ionic interactions between the choline-based ionic liquid and PEDOT:PSS, particularly the impact on device operation. Their strong ionic interactions result in enhanced OECT electrical performance, including 80 ns of response time, faster than state-of-the-art devices. Furthermore, 3D arrays and ultrathin OECTs attached to skin with consistent performance are demonstrated for substantial applicability and potential in research for mapping biological signals of cells or tissues, and integration with wireless systems, enabling remote medical services.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE03490F, PaperXinmiao Wang, Simeng Zhang, Junyi Yue, Xingyu Wang, Yang Xu, Yue Gong, Liyu Zhou, Changtai Zhao, Jianwen Liang, Xiangzhen Zhu, Han Wu, Xiaolong Yan, Biwei Xiao, Meng Li, Chenxiang Li, Shuo Wang, Xueliang Sun, Xiaona Li
As a key component of sodium-ion all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with promising high safety and energy density, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) play a critical role in determining electrochemical performance. However, current synthesis...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE04165A, PaperWenqian Xing, Deyu Wang, Kai Feng, Shihao Ding, Xinle Zhang, Haolan Xu, Jiang Gong, Jinping Qu, Ran Niu
The rising demand for lithium, essential for energy storage, has heightened the need for efficient extraction methods from salt-lake brines, as current techniques are inefficient and energy-intensive. Here we present...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Has the Thermal Structure of Cratonic Lithosphere Changed Through Time?

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Zachary Sudholz
• Friday 05 December 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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Building a general-purpose finite-element solver to study convection in porous media

Abstract not available

• Speaker: George Poole
• Friday 28 November 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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Zero-shot design of drug-binding proteins using neural networks

The use of deep neural networks has improved almost every aspect of protein structure prediction and design. Yet, the design of proteins that bind to small molecules has remained an outstanding challenge. Here, I will discuss new models and algorithms that unlock the use of neural networks for design of drug-binding proteins from scratch with unprecedented success rates. This work enables the design of binders in a single shot, which we demonstrate with the design of an exatecan-binding protein for applications in targeted delivery. We further devised an approach to turn this binder into an exatecan sensor. The de novo design of biosensors is an outstanding challenge in the field. I will finish my presentation by discussing our latest results that could potentially generalize de novo biosensor design.

• Speaker: Nicholas Polizzi
• Monday 20 October 2025, 12:30-13:30
• Venue: CRUK CI Lecture Theatre.
• Series: Seminars on Quantitative Biology @ CRUK Cambridge Institute ; organiser: Simona Valeviciute.

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Synthesis and Sequencing of Sequenced-Defined Biotic and Abiotic Polymers

There is little argument that many of the grand achievements of biotechnology, biochemistry, and chemical biology stem from advances in synthetic organic chemistry embodied in the development of solid-phase synthetic approaches for proteins and nucleic acids. Of equal importance to the synthesis of the biopolymers, however, are methods for their sequencing.  Revolutions in nucleic acid sequencing have led to single molecule and Next-Gen parallel methods.  Similar advances in protein sequencing have lagged behind. In collaboration with the Marcotte group at UT Austin, we have created a single-molecule peptide sequencing routine referred to as fluorosequencing. Therein, peptides are N-terminal captured, the amino acids selectively labelled with fluorophores, C-terminal differentiated, and then placed on TIRF microscope for rounds of Edman degradation. The development and implementation of the organic chemistry necessary in the method will be discussed. On a related topic, the sequencing of sequence-defined polymers, other than nucleic acids and proteins, shows promise as a new paradigm for data storage.  We have devised the first use of oligourethanes for storing and reading encoded information.  As a proof of principle, an approach will be described using a text passage from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. It was encoded in oligourethanes and reconstructed via chain-end degradation sequencing. We developed Mol.E-coder, a software tool that utilizes a Huffman encoding scheme to convert the character table to hexadecimal. The passage was capable of being reproduced wholly intact by a third-party, without any purifications or the use of MS/MS, despite multiple rounds of compression, encoding, and synthesis. Further, we have used mass-tags on the oligourethanes to sort mixtures and keep track of simultaneous sequencing, and we have recently generated electrochemical methods for sequencing. Overall, this presentation will highlight the interplay between synthesis and sequencing of sequence-defined polymers.

• Speaker: Professor Eric Anslyn, The University of Texas at Austin
• Thursday 23 October 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Dept of Chemistry, Wolfson Lecture Theatre .
• Series: Materials Chemistry Research Interest Group; organiser: Sharon Connor.

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