http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/rss/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1521-4095

Synopsis: Utilizing a 2D framework matrix, a strategy is presented to balance Cr3⁺-pair emissions at high doping concentrations while effectively suppressing undesirable quenching, thereby ensuring sustained luminescent efficiency.

Developing efficient and stable near-infrared emitters related to Cr3+-pairs for advanced optoelectronic devices remains a challenge due to concentration quenching effects and unclear luminescence mechanisms. In this study, Cr3+ ions are incorporated into a matrix structure consisting of ZnAl₂O₄ spinel units separated by 11.312 Å, effectively restricting energy transfer between luminescent centers and alleviating quenching effects. Computational analysis identifies the lattice positions of isolated Cr3+ ions and Cr3+-pairs at different doping levels, providing insights into their spatial distribution and local structural environments. Photoluminescence measurements reveals a Cr3+-concentration-dependent emission broadening, with a Cr3+-pair emission band peak at 750 nm, while detailed spectral analysis further clarified the energy level structure of Cr3+-pairs for the first time. Enhanced material performance is achieved through flux-assisted synthesis, reaching a high external quantum efficiency of 58.3%. Consequently, the assembled pc-LEDs exhibit minimal efficiency roll-off and achieve a high output of 183 mW at 650 mA, demonstrating their potential in near-infrared light sources and night vision technology application.

Angstrom-confined cobalt (Co) manganese (Mn) CoMn dual single atoms within the carbon nitride interlayer are constructed to efficiently activate peroxymonosulfate for water purification. The angstrom-confined strategy leads to the adaptive change of atomic spin state, and reduces the energy barrier for *SO5 formation and *O2 desorption during singlet oxygen generation, enabling a 38.6-fold increase in singlet oxygen production compared to the surface unconfined one.

To achieve high selectivity in the transformation from peroxymonosulfate to singlet oxygen, adaptive tuning of atomic spin state as the peroxymonosulfate structure varied is crucial. The angstrom confinement can effectively tune spin state, but developing an adaptive angstrom-confined atomic system is challenging. Angstrom-confined cobalt (Co) manganese (Mn) dual single atoms within flexible 2D carbon nitride interlayer are constructed to drive adaptive tuning of spin state by changing atomic coordination under angstrom confinement. The in situ characterizations and density functional theory calculations showed that medium-spin Co in Co─N4 absorbed electrons after the adsorption of peroxymonosulfate on CoMn dual single-atom sites and then cleaved O─H of peroxymonosulfate to facilitate *SO5 generation, while the introduction of *SO5 increased interlayer distance and then cleaved Co─N and Mn─N, resulting in the spin state transition from medium to high. Subsequently, the high-spin Co and Mn in Co─N2 and Mn─N2 desorbed the *O2 from *SO5, restoring the initial medium spin state. The adaptive spin state transition enhanced 38.6-fold singlet oxygen yield compared to the unconfined control. The proposed angstrom-confined diatomic strategy is applicable to serial diatomic catalysts, providing an efficient and universal design scheme for singlet oxygen-mediated selective wastewater treatment technology at the atomic level.

This article presents an innovative approach to developing pH-responsive thiopyrylium-based NIR-II fluorophores with enhanced photoacoustic and photodynamic properties. By precisely modulating molecular aggregation, the study demonstrates significant advances in tumor-targeted dual-modal imaging and therapy, providing a promising pathway for future cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Aggregation profoundly influences the photophysical properties of molecules. Here, a new series of thiopyrylium-based hemicyanine near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorophores is developed by meticulously adjusting their aggregation states. Notably, the star molecule HTPA exhibits a remarkable pH-responsive behavior and a significant increase in photoacoustic (PA) intensity when aggregated. Additionally, their behavior and pH reversibility during aggregation formation are systematically investigated, including computational optimization, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, NMR analysis, and single crystal analysis. Finally, an innovative “off ” nanoparticle specifically is designed for effective tumor-targeted PA/NIR-II dual-modal imaging and photodynamic therapy by utilizing a pH-responsive polymer. The signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of PA signals significantly increased to 169 in the region of interest (ROI) in the mouse model when irradiated at 1064 nm. These findings not only provide a promising avenue for future studies of NIR-II small molecules but also pave the way for significant advances in the field of integrated cancer diagnosis and therapy.

An innovative ultralight electrospun nanofiber composite filter, mass-produced via an one-step free surface electrospinning technology, is engineered with a vertical ternary spatial network (TSN) structure, featuring elongated internal aperture channels. This advanced TSN filter excels in high-performance filtration of ultrafine PM0.3 aerosols, while significantly minimizing material usage. It is designed for recyclability and operates with low energy requirements, ensuring both wearer comfort and environmental sustainability.

Air pollutants, particularly highly permeable particulate matter (PM), threaten public health and environmental sustainability due to extensive filter media consumption. Existing melt-blown nonwoven filters struggle with PM0.3 removal, energy consumption, and disposal burdens. Here, an ultralight composite filter with a vertical ternary spatial network (TSN) structure that saves ≈98% of raw material usage and reduces fabrication time by 99.4%, while simultaneously achieving high-efficiency PM0.3 removal (≥99.92%), eco-friendly regeneration (near-zero energy consumption), and enhanced wearing comfort (breathability >80 mm s⁻¹, infrared transmittance >85%), is reported. The TSN filter consists of a hybrid layer of microspheres (average diameter ≈1 µm)/superfine nanofibers (≈20 nm) sandwiched between two nanofiber scaffolds (diameter ≈400 nm and ≈100 nm). This arrangement offers high porosity (≈85%), ultralow areal density (<1 g m−2), alow airflow resistance (<90 Pa), guaranteeing superb thermal comfort. Notably, utilizing scalable one-step free surface electrospinning technology, TSN mats can be mass-produced at a rate of 60 meters per hour (width of 1.6 meters), which is critical and verified for various applications including window screens, individual respiratory protectors, and dust collectors. This work provides a viable strategy for designing high-performance nanofiber filter media through structural regulation in a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable way.

PEA2PbBr4 is a promising scintillator for γ-rays and nf detection. However, its energy resolution in γ-rays detection is poor and the ability to discriminate nf/γ-rays has not been accurately reported. It is demonstrated that Zn2+ and Sb3+ doping enhances light yield and optimizes luminescence. Improved scintillator achieves 4.84% and 5.65% energy resolution at 662 keV and effective discrimination in γ-rays/nf detection.

Organic-inorganic halide 2D perovskite single crystals have recently emerged as promising scintillators for gamma (γ) rays and fast neutrons (nf) detection. However, their energy resolution in γ-rays detection still significantly lags behind that of perovskite semiconductor detectors. Improving crystal defects and enhancing light yield to optimize light output detected by the photomultiplier tube are crucial strategies for addressing this issue. Herein, it is demonstrated that Zn2+ and Sb3+ cation interstitial doping strategy can effectively reduce internal defects within the phenylethylammonium lead bromide (PEA2PbBr4) crystal by regulating lattice expansion. This approach also suppresses light loss caused by exciton-exciton annihilation and accelerates electron-hole recombination processes, optimizing both the luminescence intensity and decay lifetime of the scintillator. The Zn2+ and Sb3+ doping PEA2PbBr4 scintillator achieve an optimal energy resolution of 4.84% and 5.65% at 662 keV for the photopeak, respectively. Additionally, in the 241Am-Be field, effective identification of nf and γ-rays around 1100 keVee is achieved using a pulse shape discrimination (PSD) method, with the figure of merit (FOM) being 0.85 and 1.03, respectively. This work provides a reliable new approach for optimizing the scintillation performance of 2D perovskite and promotes the application of 2D perovskite scintillator in γ-rays and nf detection.

The challenges of constructing heterogeneous catalysts with high metal loading, precise structures, and stability are overcome by proposing a stepwise targeted coordination engineering strategy. This approach allows for the co-anchoring of Pt single atoms and Au25(SG)18 nanoclusters on g-C3N4 and the resulting dual-site catalysts demonstrate remarkable electrochemical reduction capabilities and enhanced stability throughout the catalytic process.

Dual-site catalysts hold significant promise for accelerating complex electrochemical reactions, but a major challenge remains in balancing high loading with precise dual-site architecture to achieve optimal activity, stability, and specificity simultaneously. Herein, a strategy of stepwise targeted coordination engineering is introduced to co-anchor Pt single atoms (Pt1, 1.41 wt.%) and Au25(SG)18 nanoclusters (Au25, 18.92 wt.%) with high loadings on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). This approach ensures that Pt1 and Au25 occupy distinct surface sites on the g-C3N4 substrate, providing excellent stability and unprecedented electrochemical activity. In the catalysis of As(III), a sensitivity of 8.32 µA ppb−1 is achieved, more than double the previously reported values under neutral conditions. The enhanced detection limit (0.2 ppb) is crucial for monitoring water quality and protecting public health from arsenic contamination, a significant environmental and health risk. Furthermore, the formation of Pt─As and As─S bonds facilitates the easier breakage of As─O bonds, thereby lowering the reaction barrier energy of the rate-determining step and significantly enhancing arsenious acid catalysis efficiency. These results not only offer an intriguing strategy for constructing highly efficient heterogeneous dual-site catalysts but also reveal the atomic-scale catalytic mechanisms that drive enhanced catalytic efficiency.

This review highlights synergies between reticular chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. The role of supramolecular interactions in determining framework…guest interactions and attempts to understand dynamic behavior in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly emphasizing the development of crystal sponges, studying reactions in frameworks and attempts to control pore behavior through the incorporation of mechanically-interlocked molecules, is explored.

Far from being simply rigid, benign architectures, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit diverse interactions with their interior environment. From developing crystal sponges to studying reactions in framework materials, the role of both supramolecular chemistry and framework structure is evident. We explore the role of supramolecular chemistry in determining framework…guest interactions and attempts to understand the dynamic behavior in MOFs, including attempts to control pore behavior through the incorporation of mechanically-interlocked molecules. Appreciating and understanding the role of supramolecular interactions and dynamic behavior in metal–organic frameworks emerge as important directions for the field.

A spherical core-shell nanomotor consisting of a polydopamine-indocyanine green composite shell and a rigid functional core is proposed in this work. This motor can be activated by the NIR-I irradiation to perform NIR-II imaging-directed thermoplastic propulsion in subcutaneous tissue, enabling an efficient peritumoral administration for low-risk superficial tumor photothermal therapy.

Peritumoral subcutaneous injection has been highly envisioned as an efficient yet low-risk administration of photothermal agents for superficial tumor photothermal therapy. However, obstructed by complex subcutaneous tissue, the delivery of injected photothermal agents to the specific tumor remains a critical issue. Herein, the study reports a polydopamine (PDA)-encapsulated spherical core/shell nanomotor with fluorescent indocyanine green (ICG) immobilized on its PDA shell. Upon the first near-infrared (NIR-I) irradiation, this motor can generate favorable photothermal heat, and meantime, emit a robust ICG fluorescence in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II). The heat turns the motor into an active photothermal agent able to perform thermophoretic propulsion along the irradiation direction in subcutaneous tissue, while the ICG fluorescence can direct the subcutaneous propulsion of motors toward specific tumor through real-time NIR-II imaging. These functions endow the motor with the ability of moving to tumor after being injected at peritumoral site, enabling an enhanced photothermal therapy (PTT). The results demonstrated herein suggest an integrated nanorobotic tool for the superficial PTT using peritumoral administration, highlighting an NIR-II imaging-directed subcutaneous propulsion.

This work explores the MOF landscape to select a single, optimal candidate for successfully delivering cancer drugs (gemcitabine, paclitaxel, SN-38) into tough pancreatic tumors. Machine learning and simulations guide this search, demonstrating colloidal stability, excellent biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and sustained release. With long-term stability, the paclitaxel-loaded hydrogel formulation achieves remarkable in vivo results, shrinking tumors and reducing metastasis.

Despite improvements in cancer survival rates, metastatic and surgery-resistant cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, remain challenging, with poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Enhancing drug bioavailability in tumors, while minimizing off-target effects, is crucial. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising drug delivery vehicles owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility, and functional tunability. However, the vast chemical diversity of MOFs complicates the rational design of biocompatible materials. This study employed machine learning and molecular simulations to identify MOFs suitable for encapsulating gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and SN-38, and identified PCN-222 as an optimal candidate. Following drug loading, MOF formulations are improved for colloidal stability and biocompatibility. In vitro studies on pancreatic cancer cell lines have shown high biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and delayed drug release. Long-term stability tests demonstrated a consistent performance over 12 months. In vivo studies in pancreatic tumor-bearing mice revealed that paclitaxel-loaded PCN-222, particularly with a hydrogel for local administration, significantly reduced metastatic spread and tumor growth compared to the free drug. These findings underscore the potential of PCN-222 as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of hard-to-treat cancers.

In view of the abnormal nutrient requirements of tumor cells and tumor tissues, this study focuses on the nutrient and metabolic characteristics of tumor cells and other cell members of the tumor microenvironment and summarizes relevant nutrient deprivation strategies based on targeted technologies, which is of great significance for the development of new nutrition-targeted anti-cancer therapies.

Higher and richer nutrient requirements are typical features that distinguish tumor cells from AU: cells, ensuring adequate substrates and energy sources for tumor cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, nutrient deprivation strategies based on targeted technologies can induce impaired cell viability in tumor cells, which are more sensitive than normal cells. In this review, nutrients that are required by tumor cells and related metabolic pathways are introduced, and anti-tumor strategies developed to target nutrient deprivation are described. In addition to tumor cells, the nutritional and metabolic characteristics of other cells in the tumor microenvironment (including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, T cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts) and related new anti-tumor strategies are also summarized. In conclusion, recent advances in anti-tumor strategies targeting nutrient blockade are reviewed, and the challenges and prospects of these anti-tumor strategies are discussed, which are of theoretical significance for optimizing the clinical application of tumor nutrition deprivation strategies.

Promotion of C─C Coupling in electrochemical reduction of CO2 to valuable C2+ products is reviewed from microcosmic to macroscopic. The discussed advances and outstanding challenges in the strategies of efficient catalyst design, the influence of local environment in electrolyte, and the design of potential industrial flow cells provided the guidelines for future research in promoted C─C coupling from foundation to application.

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to valuable C2+ products emerges as a promising strategy for converting intermittent renewable energy into high-energy-density fuels and feedstock. Leveraging its substantial commercial potential and compatibility with existing energy infrastructure, the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into multicarbon hydrocarbons and oxygenates (C2+) holds great industrial promise. However, the process is hampered by complex multielectron-proton transfer reactions and difficulties in reactant activation, posing significant thermodynamic and kinetic barriers to the commercialization of C2+ production. Addressing these barriers necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing multiple facets, including the effective control of C─C coupling in industrial electrolyzers using efficient catalysts in optimized local environments. This review delves into the advancements and outstanding challenges spanning from the microcosmic to macroscopic scales, including the design of nanocatalysts, optimization of the microenvironment, and the development of macroscopic electrolyzers. By elucidating the influence of the local electrolyte environment, and exploring the design of potential industrial flow cells, guidelines are provided for future research aimed at promoting C─C coupling, thereby bridging microscopic insights and macroscopic applications in the field of CO2 electroreduction.

This study presents the first synthesis of 2D hexagonal Eu₂SO₂ and tetragonal Eu₂SO₆ with tunable dielectric properties. Eu₂SO₂ offers high dielectric performance, while Eu₂SO₆ provides a wider bandgap. Integrated into MoS₂ field-effect transistors, these materials demonstrate excellent performance, highlighting their potential as multifunctional dielectrics for next-generation low-power electronics.

Advancing next-generation electronics necessitates precise control of dielectric properties in 2D materials. Here, the first synthesis of novel 2D quasi-van der Waals (vdW) europium oxysulfur (Eu2SOx) compounds, comprising hexagonal Eu₂SO₂ and tetragonal Eu₂SO₆ phases, with composition-tunable dielectric properties, is presented. Using a homodiffusive-controlled epitaxial growth method, materials are achieved with complementary characteristics: the hexagonal Eu₂SO₂ phase exhibits a high dielectric constant (≈30) paired with a moderate bandgap (≈4.56 eV), while the tetragonal Eu₂SO₆ phase offers a wider bandgap (≈5.62 eV) but a lower dielectric constant (≈20). The potential of these materials is demonstrated by integrating ultrathin Eu₂SO₂ nanoplates with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) field-effect transistors (FETs) via vdW forces. The resulting devices achieve a near-ideal I on/I off ratio (≈10⁸), minimal hysteresis (≈5.3 mV), a low subthreshold slope (≈63.5 mV dec⁻¹), and ultralow leakage current (≈10⁻¹⁴ A). These results highlight the capacity of europium oxysulfur compounds to address the trade-off between dielectric constant and bandgap, offering tailored solutions for diverse 2D electronic applications. This work underscores the potential of composition engineering to expand the family of rare-earth oxysulfur compounds for nanoelectronics, paving the way for innovative gate dielectrics in next-generation devices.

The modification of SU5402 (SU) with aliphatic chains containing 20 carbon atoms (SU-C20 NPs) exhibits an exceptional ability to penetrate the ocular barrier and ensure prolonged drug retention within the eye. These optimized prodrug nanoparticles show a remarkable therapeutic effect in choroidal neovascularization (CNV), resulting in minimal hyperfluorescent leakage and the smallest CNV lesion thickness.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a prevalent cause of vision impairment. The primary treatment for CNV involves intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies. Nevertheless, this approach still faces numerous limitations like poor patient compliance, high therapy expenditure and lack of response in some individuals. Herein, a series of anti-neovascularization prodrugs, SU5402 (SU), modified with lipids of varying chain lengths (C12, C16, C20, C24, C28) is synthesized (SU-C12, SU-C16, SU-C20, SU-C24, SU-C28). 1% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as a stabilizer to create nanoformulations of five prodrugs named SU-C12 NPs, SU-C16 NPs, SU-C20 NPs, SU-C24 NPs, SU-C28 NPs. Among these, SU-C20 NPs significantly prolong the retention of bioactive drug in the eye for up to 70 d. Moreover, SU-C20 NPs demonstrate superior tissue permeability via enhanced cellular endocytosis and exocytosis. With its prolonged retention and improved penetration, SU-C20 NPs reduce the fluorescence intensity of fundus leakage by 42.5% and the fluorescence area by 51.5% in CNV mice after four weeks, effectively inhibiting the progression of CNV. Altogether, small molecule drug SU is innovatively modified to improve its effectiveness for treating fundus neovascular diseases, proposing an alternative therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD).

A biomass-derived carbon integrated with Zn single-atom catalysts for iodine hosting is designed, integrating the high specific surface area, hierarchical porosity, and nitrogen doping of carbon, along with the excellent chemical confinement and electrocatalytic properties of Zn single atoms. This enabled Zn-I2 batteries to achieve a long lifespan of 80 000 cycles at 10 A g−1 with 93.6% capacity retention.

Aqueous zinc iodine (Zn-I2) batteries have attracted attention due to their low cost, environmental compatibility, and high specific capacity. However, their development is hindered by the severe shuttle effect of polyiodides and the slow redox conversion kinetics of the iodine (I2) cathode. Herein, a long-life Zn-I2 battery is developed by anchoring iodine within an edible fungus slag-derived carbon matrix encapsulated with Zn single-atom catalysts (SAZn@CFS). The high N content and microporous structure of SAZn@CFS provide a strong iodine confinement, while the Zn-N4-C sites chemical interact with polyiodides effectively mitigating the iodine dissolution and the polyiodide shuttle effect. Additionally, the uniformly distributed SAZn sites significantly enhance the redox conversion efficiency of I−/I3 −/I5 −/I2, leading to improved capacity. At a high current density of 10 A g−1, the designed Zn-I2 battery delivers an excellent capacity of 147.2 mAh g−1 and a long lifespan of over 80 000 cycles with 93.6% capacity retention. Furthermore, the battery exhibits stable operation for 3500 times even at 50 °C, demonstrating significant advances in iodine reversible storage. This synergistic strategy optimizes composite structure, offering a practical approach to meet the requirements of high-performance Zn-I2 batteries.

Dielectric ceramics with high energy storage performance are crucial for advanced high-power capacitors. Atomic-scale investigations determine that introduction of specific elements (Mg, La, Ca, and Sr) can enhance ferroelectric relaxation behavior by different magnitudes. Disordered polarization distribution and ultrasmall polar nanoscale regions are detected in the high-entropy ceramics after introducing trace amounts of Mg and La. Ultimately, a high recoverable energy density of 10.1 J cm−3 and efficiency of 90% are achieved in a designed high-entropy ceramic.

Dielectric ceramics with high energy storage performance are crucial for the development of advanced high-power capacitors. However, achieving ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density and efficiency remains challenging, limiting the progress of leading-edge energy storage applications. In this study, (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 (BNT) is selected as the matrix, and the effects of different A-site elements on domain morphology, lattice polarization, and dielectric and ferroelectric properties are systematically investigated. Mg, La, Ca, and Sr are shown to enhance relaxation behavior by different magnitudes; hence, a high-entropy strategy for designing local polymorphic distortions is proposed. Based on atomic-scale investigations, a series of BNT-based high-entropy compositions are designed by introducing trace amounts of Mg and La to improve the electric breakdown strength and further disrupt the polar nanoscale regions (PNRs). A disordered polarization distribution and ultrasmall PNRs with a minimum size of ≈1 nm are detected in the high-entropy ceramics. Ultimately, a high recoverable energy density of 10.1 J cm−3 and an efficiency of 90% are achieved for (Ca0.2Sr0.2Ba0.2Mg0.05La0.05Bi0.15Na0.15)TiO3. Furthermore, it displays a high-power density of 584 MW cm−3 and an ultrashort discharge time of 27 ns. This work presents an effective approach for designing dielectric energy storage materials with superior comprehensive performance via a high-entropy strategy.

A T g (glass transition temperature) regulation (TR) strategy is developed to effectively release residual strain in the perovskite film through adjusting the ratio of monomeric additives. The resulting film exhibits significantly reduced tensile strain, decreased trap density and superior stability. The optimized perovskite solar cells achieve a high efficiency of 26.15% (certified as 25.59%) and excellent stability.

Thermally induced tensile strain that remains in perovskite films after annealing is one of the key reasons for diminishing the performance and operational stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a glass transition temperature (T g) regulation (TR) strategy is developed by introducing two polymerizable monomers, 2-(N-3-Sulfopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate (SBMA) and 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), into the perovskite layer. SBMA and HEA undergo in situ polymerization, which regulates the nucleation and crystal growth of the perovskite film. In addition, adjusting the ratio of SBMA and HEA to lower the T g of the resulting polymer effectively releases the strain in the perovskite film. The modified film exhibits significantly reduced tensile strain, decreased trap density and improved stability. As a result, the optimized PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.15% (certified as 25.59%). Furthermore, the encapsulated device demonstrates prominent enhanced operation stability, maintaining 90.3% of its initial efficiency after 500 h of continuous sunlight exposure.

Hybrid MXenes (h-MXenes) are a family of 2D transition metal carbides with amino surface groups that exhibit interesting optical properties. The sensitivity of the organic material under high-energy electron beams complicates conventional TEM analysis. Using cryogenic STEM, we show h-MXenes are stable until a critical dose threshold. Beyond that threshold, the in situ generation of ripplocations is observed.

Inorganic–organic hybrid MXenes (h-MXenes) are a family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides functionalized with alkylimido and alkylamido surface groups. Using cryogenic and room temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), it is shown that ripplocations, a form of a fundamental defect in 2D and layered structures, are abundant in this family of materials. Furthermore, detailed studies of electron probe sample interactions, focusing on structural deformations caused by the electron beam are presented. The findings indicate that at cryogenic temperatures (≈100 K) and below a specific dose threshold, the structure of h-MXenes remains largely intact. However, exceeding this threshold leads to electron beam-induced deformation through ripplocations. Interestingly, the deformation behavior, required dose, and resultant structure are highly dependent on temperature. At 100 K, it is demonstrated that the electron beam can induce ripplocations in situ with a high degree of precision.

Digital DNA Strand Displacement (DDSD) is developed for advanced molecular classification of processing multiple inputs. By minimizing oligonucleotide requirements, DDSD enables binary and multiclass molecular classification in a simplified manner. It has been successfully applied in infection diagnostics and pathogen identification using blood samples. Computing capability can be further enhanced by cascade DDSD and multiway junction DDSD.

DNA-based molecular computing systems for biomarkers have emerged as powerful tools for intelligent diagnostics. However, with the variety of feature biomarkers expanding, current molecular computing systems suffer from the use of a large number of oligonucleotides and limited encoding capability. Here, the study develops an alternative molecular computing approach termed Digital DNA Strand Displacement (DDSD) which recognizes targets and operates target valence through DNA polymerase-based extension and strand release. DDSD significantly reduced the number of used oligonucleotide species, provided robust molecular classifiers. In clinical blood samples, a 96% accuracy rate is achieved with a DDSD-based binary classifier for distinguishing bacterial and viral infections, a 100% accuracy rate is achieved with a multiclass classifier for identifying pathogen types, surpassing existing classifier systems. Moreover, DDSD can be readily expanded. Cascade DDSD is developed, enabling simultaneous computing of up to 14 valence states with a maximum valence of 25. Multiway junction DDSD is implemented to achieve high-valence computing by compact DNA nanostructures rather than split DNA computing units, reducing the potential leakage. The implementation of DDSD enhances the capability of valence-based intelligent molecular diagnostics and multiplexed biomarker detection.

A liposome-based artificial cell is constructed to protect the signal probes and carbon nanotubes are embedded in the artificial cell membranes and employed as artificial channels to enhance intercellular probe transduction and mass transfer. The strategy accelerates cell-cell signal probe transmission and enables effective sensing of let-7a and visualizing let-7a in living colon cancer cells.

Monitoring intracellular biomarkers is crucial for clinical disease diagnosis. However, the majority of signaling molecules face difficulties in slow transference across the cell membrane to reach intracellular detection sites, limiting their application in clinical settings. This study proposes an artificial cell-based signal probe transfer-enhanced sensing strategy to effectively detect microRNAs (miRNAs) by embedding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in artificial cell membranes. The liposome-based artificial cell is constructed to protect the signal probes such as nucleic acids, metal ions, and fluorescent dyes. CNTs are embedded in artificial cell membranes and employed as artificial channels to enhance intercellular signal probe transduction and mass transfer. Through CNTs-mediate cell-cell signal probe transmission, the probes pass through the liposome membrane interface and fuse into target cells, selectively hybridizing with the intracellular target miRNAs, triggering a sensing process and resulting in enhanced fluorescence signal. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to prove the enhancement of CNTs-mediated cell-cell fusion. This strategy demonstrates excellent analytical performance by quantitatively detecting let-7a miRNA and visualizing it in living colon cancer cells. These findings hold great significance in promoting and accelerating cell-cell signal probe transmission and enabling effective sensing of intracellular biomarkers for diagnostic purposes.

This review provides a comprehensive summary of ultrafast infrared plasmonics covering the fundamental principles, material systems, manipulation methods, detection techniques, and promising applications. Furthermore, it highlights the future potential of ultrafast infrared plasmonics as a novel platform for exploring ultrafast electronic correlation effects and many-body interactions.

Ultrafast plasmonics represents a cutting-edge frontier in light-matter interactions, providing a unique platform to study electronic interactions and collective motions across femtosecond to picosecond timescales. In the infrared regime, where energy aligns with the rearrangements of low-energy electrons, molecular vibrations, and thermal fluctuations, ultrafast plasmonics can be a powerful tool for revealing ultrafast electronic phase transitions, controlling molecular reactions, and driving subwavelength thermal processes. Here, the evolution of ultrafast infrared plasmonics, discussing the recent progress in their manipulation, detection, and applications is reviewed. The future opportunities, including their potential to probe electronic correlations, investigate intrinsic ultrafast plasmonic interactions, and enable advanced applications in quantum information are highlighted, which may be promoted by multi-physical field integrated ultrafast techniques.