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

Stretchable and permeable liquid metal micromeshes are presented, characterized by strain-insensitive resistance for potential applications in textile electronics. These micromeshes are produced by spin-coating liquid metal onto microfiber textiles and then subjecting them to several stretching cycles. The considerable transformation in their microstructure alters the deformation mode during stretching, thereby effectively minimizing fluctuations in resistance.

Gallium-based liquid metals hold promises for applications in stretchable electronics and beyond. However, these materials often encounter notable resistance increases during stretching and have negligible permeability to gases and liquids. This study presents an in situ structural transformation mechanism to create stretchable and permeable liquid metal micromeshes with strain-insensitive resistance. These micromeshes are fabricated by spin-coating liquid metal onto microfiber textiles and subjecting them to several stretching cycles. Consequently, the micromeshes transform from a smooth finish to wrinkled textures due to the growth in their oxide nanoskins. The distinct microstructure alters the stretching-relaxing mode to folding-unfolding, thereby minimizing fluctuations in resistance. The practical significance of this development is demonstrated through the fabrication of wearable heaters and LED matrices using transformed liquid metal micromeshes. Moreover, when integrated into Janus textiles featuring unidirectional water transport, these micromesh conductors act as sensing electrodes capable of acquiring high-fidelity biopotentials, even during intense sweating. These advancements highlight the capability of ambient air as a powerful reactive environment for tailoring the properties of microscale liquid metals.

This study is the first to propose that the surface reconstruction of a Weyl semimetal creates a Hermitian bulk-non-Hermitian boundary system. The non-Hermitian effects arising from the surface reconstruction are manifested by the emergence of non-topological surface Fermi arcs (NTSFAs) and the broadening of both topological surface Fermi arcs (SFAs) and NTSFAs. These effects are demonstrated through angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements in a surface-reconstructed Weyl semimetal NdAlSi.

Non-Hermitian physics, studying systems described by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, reveals unique phenomena not present in Hermitian systems. Unlike Hermitian systems, non-Hermitian systems have complex eigenvalues, making their effects less directly observable. Recently, significant efforts have been devoted to incorporating the non-Hermitian effects into condensed matter physics. However, progress is hindered by the absence of a viable experimental approach. Here, the discovery of the surface-selectively spontaneous reconstructed Weyl semimetal NdAlSi provides a feasible experimental platform for studying non-Hermitian physics. Utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements, surface-projected density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements, it is demonstrated that surface reconstruction in NdAlSi alters surface Fermi arc (SFA) connectivity and generates new isolated non-topological SFAs (NTSFAs) by introducing non-Hermitian terms. The surface-selective spontaneous reconstructed Weyl semimetal NdAlSi can be viewed as a Hermitian bulk – non-Hermitian boundary system. The isolated non-topological SFAs on the reconstructed surface act as a loss mechanism and open boundary condition (OBC) for the topological electrons and bulk states, serving as non-Hermitian boundary states. This discovery provides a good experimental platform for exploring new physical phenomena and potential applications based on boundary non-Hermitian effects, extending beyond purely mathematical concepts. Furthermore, it provides important enlightenment for constructing topological photonic crystals with surface reconstruction and studying their topological properties.

Hopping phase ion bridge (HPIB) is introduced into the interface between polyvinylidene fluoride and functionalized Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12; high-throughput ion transporter (HTIT-37) is constructed. The self-adsorption of HPIB at the electrode–electrolyte interface effectively enhances the interfacial Li+ transport kinetics and suppresses the formation of lithium dendrites. It provides a more valuable option for the next generation of high energy density solid-state batteries.

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) containing Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) is widely regarded as leading candidate for high energy density solid-state lithium-metal batteries due to its exceptional ionic conductivity and environmental stability. However, Li2CO3 and LiOH layers at LLZTO surface greatly hinder Li+ transport between LLZTO-polymer and the electrode–electrolyte interface. Herein, the surface of LLZTO is boronized to obtain functionalized LLZTO, and its conversion mechanism is clarified. By dissolving the crystal structure of cellulose to obtain hopping-phase ion bridge (HPIB), which release the Li+ transport activity of its oxygen-containing polar functional group (─OH, ─O─). Therefore, a high-throughput ion transporter (HTIT-37) with high ion transfer number (0.86) is prepared by introducing the HPIB into functionalized LLZTO and polyvinylidene fluoride interface by intermolecular hydrogen bond interaction, and it is demonstrated that the HPIB acts as a “highway” for the Li+ across this heterogeneous interface. Moreover, the HPIB is found to self-adsorb on the SEI surface, leading to fast Li+ transport kinetics at anode–CPE interface. Thus, the lifespan of Li|HTIT-37|Li is over 8000 h, and the critical current density exceeds 2.3 mA cm−2. The LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2|Li and Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2|Li battery remains stable with the HPIB-enhanced electrode process, proving the application potential of LLZTO-based CPE in high energy density SSLMB.

As a universal genetic material, DNA can inherently encode and transmit information. Various DNA data storage systems are reported as attractive alternatives to current digital data storage media. This review provides a detailed analysis of the characteristics and evolution of readout techniques of DNA storage systems, and discusses challenges and opportunities in readout techniques of DNA data storage systems.

DNA is a natural chemical substrate that carries genetic information, which also serves as a powerful toolkit for storing digital data. Compared to traditional storage media, DNA molecules offer higher storage density, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance energy consumption. In DNA storage process, data readout is a critical step that bridges the gap between DNA molecular/structures with stored digital information. With the continued development of strategies in DNA data storage technology, the readout techniques have evolved. However, there is a lack of systematic introduction and discussion on the readout techniques for reported DNA data storage systems, especially the correlation between the design of the data storage system and the corresponding selection of readout techniques. This review first introduces two main categories of DNA data storage units (i.e., sequence and structure) and their corresponding readout techniques (i.e., sequencing and nonsequencing methods), and then reviewed representative examples of notable advancements in DNA data storage technology, focusing on data storage unit design, and readout technique selection. It also introduces emerging approaches to assist data readout techniques, such as implementation of microfluidic and fluorescent probes. Finally, the paper discusses the limitations, challenges, and potential of DNA data readout approaches.

This review explores the intersection of gelatin and its derivatives with fabrication techniques, offering a comprehensive examination of their synergistic potentials in creating engineered living systems for various applications in biomedicine, and providing guidance for future research and developments within the field.

Engineered living systems (ELSs) represent purpose-driven assemblies of living components, encompassing cells, biomaterials, and active agents, intricately designed to fulfill diverse biomedical applications. Gelatin and its derivatives have been used extensively in ELSs owing to their mature translational pathways, favorable biological properties, and adjustable physicochemical characteristics. This review explores the intersection of gelatin and its derivatives with fabrication techniques, offering a comprehensive examination of their synergistic potential in creating ELSs for various applications in biomedicine. It offers a deep dive into gelatin, including its structures and production, sources, processing, and properties. Additionally, the review explores various fabrication techniques employing gelatin and its derivatives, including generic fabrication techniques, microfluidics, and various 3D printing methods. Furthermore, it discusses the applications of ELSs based on gelatin in regenerative engineering as well as in cell therapies, bioadhesives, biorobots, and biosensors. Future directions and challenges in gelatin fabrication are also examined, highlighting emerging trends and potential areas for improvements and innovations. In summary, this comprehensive review underscores the significance of gelatin-based ELSs in advancing biomedical engineering and lays the groundwork for guiding future research and developments within the field.

Water-free LiYb0.9Gd0.1F4 represents prominent −ΔS m values among the representative sub-Kelvin-temperature refrigerants throughout the whole temperature range from 0.1 to 1 K, demonstrating an exceptional specific cooling capacity of 46.943 mJ cm−3 T−1 at 300 mK in a self-built two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator.

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration, which utilizes the magnetocaloric effect of magnetic refrigerants, stands as the sole cooling technology capable of achieving sub-Kelvin temperatures efficiently and reliably without relying on scarce 3He resources or gravity. However, current sub-Kelvin magnetic refrigerants encounter challenges such as structural instability in vacuum or under mild heating, along with small magnetic entropy change (−ΔS m) values, which significantly limit their practical applications. Here a water-free magnetic refrigerant, LiGd0.1Yb0.9F4 is reported, prepared by introducing Li⁺ ions to reduce the dipolar interactions between Gd3+ ions and/or Yb3+ ions. Notably, this refrigerant possesses a magnetic ordering temperature of 85 mK, while its experimental −ΔS m reaches up to 136 mJ cm−3 K−1 (0.68 K and 2 T), more than three times the theoretical value of CrK(SO4)2·12H2O. Significantly, this refrigerant not only cools the test sample to temperatures as low as 160 mK but also achieves a specific cooling capacity of 46.943 mJ cm−3 T−1 at 300 mK. Remarkably, the specific cooling capacity at 300 mK is more than double that of commercial CrK(SO4)2·12H2O, representing one of the most notable values reported among all known magnetic refrigerants operating at sub-Kelvin temperatures.

The ‘Instant FLISA’ (fluorophore-linked immunosorbent assay) biosensor enables rapid quantification of protein biomarkers at picomolar concentrations within 15 min in undiluted serum and plasma. This is achieved with the ‘monolithic dual-antibody clamp’ reagent that tightly binds to the target molecule and produces a fluorescence signal which is detected with an optical fiber probe.

For more than fifty years, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serves as the gold standard for protein biomarker detection. However, conventional ELISA requires considerable sample preparation including reagent addition, incubation, and washing steps, limiting its usefulness at the point-of-care. In this work, the “instant ELISA” (fluorophore-linked immunosorbent assay) biosensor that can measure protein biomarkers in the picomolar range within 15 min in undiluted plasma or serum with no sample preparation is described. The sensor leverages a synthetic reagent termed the “monolithic dual-antibody clamp” (MDAC) which preserves the specificity, sensitivity, and generalizability of an ELISA, but produces a fluorescence signal as two surface-tethered antibodies form a “sandwich” by binding to two distinct epitopes on the target. As exemplars, picomolar quantification of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, the latter of which is a useful prognostic indicator of cytokine release syndrome in patient plasma samples during chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy are demonstrated.

A universal method for synthesizing nanostructured transition metal oxides (NTMOs) through induced solidification of microdroplets enables rapid production in air within a minute. This method allows precise control of alignment for various applications, including gas sensors and PUFs, and supports doping, reduction, and chalcogenization while preserving morphology.

Nanostructured transition metal oxides (NTMOs) have consistently piqued scientific interest for several decades due to their remarkable versatility across various fields. More recently, they have gained significant attention as materials employed for energy storage/harvesting devices as well as electronic devices. However, mass production of high-quality NTMOs in a well-controlled manner still remains challenging. Here, a universal, ultrafast, and solvent-free method is presented for producing highly crystalline NTMOs directly onto target substrates. The findings reveal that the growth mechanism involves the solidification of condensed liquid-phase TMO microdroplets onto the substrate under an oxygen-rich ambient condition. This enables a continuous process under ambient air conditions, allowing for processing within just a few tens of seconds per sample. Finally, it is confirmed that the method can be extended to the synthesis of various NTMOs and their related compounds.

This study reveals the concentration-dependent self-assembly of conjugated polymers, uncovering lyotropic liquid crystalline phases in several donor polymers. The extent of this self-assembly process, determined by the solvent drying dynamics during blade coating, gives distinct film morphologies that significantly impact the device efficiency and stability, offering a framework for optimizing performance through precise control of coating conditions and polymer assembly.

Conjugated polymers can undergo complex, concentration-dependent self-assembly during solution processing, yet little is known about its impact on film morphology and device performance of organic solar cells. Herein, lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) mediated assembly across multiple conjugated polymers is reported, which generally gives rise to improved device performance of blade-coated non-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells. Using D18 as a model system, the formation mechanism of LLC is unveiled employing solution X-ray scattering and microscopic imaging tools: D18 first aggregates into semicrystalline nanofibers, then assemble into achiral nematic LLC which goes through symmetry breaking to yield a chiral twist-bent LLC. The assembly pathway is driven by increasing solution concentration – a common driving force during evaporative assembly relevant to scalable manufacturing. This assembly pathway can be largely modulated by coating regimes to give 1) lyotropic liquid crystalline assembly in the evaporation regime and 2) random fiber aggregation pathway in the Landau–Levich regime. The chiral liquid crystalline assembly pathway resulted in films with crystallinity 2.63 times that of films from the random fiber aggregation pathway, significantly enhancing the T80 lifetime by 50-fold. The generality of LLC-mediated assembly and enhanced device performance is further validated using polythiophene and quinoxaline-based donor polymers.

Inspired by marine sponges, the E7 peptide and EXOs-functionalized “Cell Climbing Frame” with a hierarchical porous structure specifically recruits and rejuvenates autologous BMSCs, and enhances cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by down-regulating senescent-related genes and decreasing SASP factor release, thereby promoting the repair of osteoporotic bone defects and achieving robust multi-stage osseointegration.

Osteoporosis, characterized by low bone mass and high fracture risk, challenges orthopedic implant design. Conventional 3D-printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds are mechanically robust but suffer from poor bone regeneration in osteoporotic patients due to stress shielding and cellular senescence. In this study, a functionalized 3D-printed Ti6Al4V “Cell Climbing Frame” is developed, aiming to adapt to the mechanical microenvironment of osteoporosis, effectively recruit and support the adhesion and growth of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), while rejuvenating senescent cells for improved bone regeneration. Inspired by marine sponges, the processing accuracy limitations of selective laser melting (SLM) technology is broke through innovatively constructing a hierarchical porous structure with macropores and micropores nested within each other. Results demonstrate that the unique hierarchical porous scaffold reduces the elastic modulus, facilitates blood penetration, and enhances cell adhesion and growth. Further surface functionalization with E7 peptides and exosomes promotes the attraction and rejuvenation of BMSCs and boosts migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In vivo, the functionalized “Cell Climbing Frame” accelerates bone repair in osteoporotic rats, while delaying surrounding bone loss, enabling robust multi-stage osseointegration. This innovation advances 3D-printed regenerative implants for osteoporotic bone repair.

Traditional aqueous electrolytes are limited by water's decomposition voltage (≈1.23 V). “Water-in-Salt” (WIS) electrolytes expand this stability window to 3 V, revolutionizing aqueous battery research. This review discusses the solvation structures, ion transport mechanisms, and interfacial properties of WIS electrolytes, highlighting advancements and future directions in aqueous electrolyte design.

Traditional aqueous electrolytes have a limited electrochemical stability window due to the decomposition voltage of water (≈1.23 V). “Water-in-Salt” (WIS) electrolytes are developed, which expand the stability window of aqueous electrolytes from 1.23 to 3 V and sparked a global surge of research in aqueous batteries. This breakthrough revealed novel aspects of solvation structure, ion transport mechanisms, and interfacial properties in WIS electrolytes, marking the start of a new era in solution chemistry that extends beyond traditional dilute electrolytes and has implications across electrolyte research. In this review, the current mechanistic understanding of WIS electrolytes and their derivative designs, focusing on the construction of solvation structures is presented. The insights gained and limitations encountered in bulk solvation structure engineering is further discussed. Finally, future directions beyond WIS for advancing aqueous electrolyte design is proposed.

This work reveals the insight reason for the Li+ and Na+ storage performance of the rutile phase, which is determined by the electrochemically driven formed rocksalt nanograins. Importantly, the electrochemically in situ formed rocksalt phase has open diffusion channels for rapid Li+ or Na+ (de)intercalations through a solid-solution mechanism, which determines the pseudocapacitive, “mirror-like” cyclic voltammetry curves and excellent rate capabilities.

Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2(R)) lacks octahedral vacancies, which is not suitable for Li+ and Na+ intercalation via reversible two-phase transformations, but it displays promising electrochemical properties. The origins of these electrochemical performances remain largely unclear. Herein, the Li+ and Na+ storage mechanisms of TiO2(R) with grain sizes ranging from 10 to 100 nm are systematically investigated. Through revealing the electrochemically-driven atom rearrangements, nanosize effect and kinetics analysis of TiO2(R) nanograins during repeated cycling with Li+ or Na+, a unified mechanism of electrochemically-driven multistep rutile-to-rocksalt phase transformations is demonstrated. Importantly, the electrochemically in situ formed rocksalt phase has open diffusion channels for rapid Li+ or Na+ (de)intercalation through a solid-solution mechanism, which determines the pseudocapacitive, “mirror-like” cyclic voltammetry curves and excellent rate capabilities. Whereas, the nanosize effect determines the different Li+ and Na+ storage capacities because of their distinct reaction depths. Remarkably, the TiO2(R)-10 nm anode in situ turns into rocksalt nanograins after 30 cycles with Na+, which delivers a reversible capacity of ≈200 mAh g−1, high-rate capability of 97 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and long-term cycling stability over 3000 cycles. The findings provide deep insights into the in situ phase evolutions with boosted electrochemical Li+ or Na+ storage performance.