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

A novel magnetoresistance effect termed spin-splitting magnetoresistance (SSMR) is demonstrated in (101)-RuO2/Co bilayers. The SSMR is underpinned by the spin–charge interconversion process induced by the nonrelativistic spin-splitting effect in altermagnets. Utilizing the SSMR, a [001]-oriented Néel vector in an epitaxial thin film of RuO2 is revealed, which evidences its altermagnetism.

The recently discovered altermagnets, featured by the exotic correlation of magnetic exchange interaction and alternating crystal environments, have offered exciting cutting-edge opportunities for spintronics. Nevertheless, the altermagnetism of RuO2, one of the earliest-discovered altermagnets, is currently under intense debate. Here, this controversy is attempted to be resolved by demonstrating a spin-splitting magnetoresistance (SSMR) effect that is driven by a spin current associated with the giant nonrelativistic spin splitting of an altermagnet. Compared to the spin Hall magnetoresistance induced by a conventional relativistic spin current, the SSMR is characterized by unusual angular dependence with a phase-shift feature underpinned by the Néel-vector orientation and pronounced temperature dependence caused by its susceptibility to electron scattering. Through systematical investigations on the magnetoresistance of (101)-RuO2/Co bilayers, a sizable SSMR is disentangled and hence a Néel vector along [001] direction is unveiled. This work not only demonstrates a simple electric avenue for probing the Néel vector of altermagnets, but also indicates long-range magnetic order in thin films of RuO2.

Conventional solid-phase sintered samples have native surface defects, mainly consisting of lattice mismatches and elemental distortions, and pose problems of TM dissolution and crack growth during subsequent cycles. With an understanding of the spatial distribution of the defects and an appreciation of the importance of the surface state, a strategy of surface defect elimination and crystal framework enhancement is applied and demonstrated to provide strong stability of the cathodes treated by this strategy.

Structural and performance degradation in layered transition metal oxide (TMO) cathode materials is often attributed to phase transition induction during sodium de-embedding, while the significance of native defects during complex synthesis is frequently overlooked. Here, the role of native surface remodeling in progressive capacity degradation in P2-type Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 is emphasized, where lattice mismatches and elemental distortions are found on the surface of the particles and result in the accumulation of low-valent TMs. Interestingly, the accumulation gradually became the center of cathodic degradation rather than phase transition induction. Given the apparent spatiality of the primary defects and recognizing the importance of the surface state, the stripping repair of the defects and gradient introduction of La can be manipulated. The unique LaO6 configuration enhanced the rigid framework of TMO6 and suppressed the emergence of low-valent TMs, resulting in surface-corrected and reinforced particles, which can be explained by generalized functional density calculations and ex-situ hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the reinforced cathode brought about a capacity retention of up to 98% for 500 cycles at 2 C and 87% for 4000 cycles at 10 C and stable electrochemical performance over a wide temperature range (−20 °C–60 °C).

A bi-continuous polymer electrode (BC-PE) is developed by using PBFDO as the electrical phase and TPU as the mechanical phase, featuring exceptional properties including high conductivity, mechanical toughness, robustness, stretchability, stability, recyclability, and biocompatibility. Leveraging the capabilities of the BC-PE, a record high-performance droplet electricity generator and a self-powered electronic skin for the human-machine interface are achieved.

Solution-processable conductive polymers have exhibited promising electrical properties. However, their brittleness and unsatisfactory mechanical characteristics have hindered their creation of flexible electrodes. Here, a robust bi-continuous polymer electrode (BC-PE) is reported that features a stable and high electrical conductivity (>60 S cm−1), remarkable stretchability (>600%), high fracture strength (>57 MPa), excellent toughness (>230 MJ m−3), recyclability, and biocompatibility. The BC-PE is fabricated by facilely blending a high-conducting polymer poly(benzodifurandione)(PBFDO) with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Serving as a flexible electrode for a droplet electricity generator, a record high current density of 29.2 A m−2 and a power density of 1124.2 W m−2 have been attained. Moreover, the versatility of the BC-PE is validated by the direct ink writing technique, and a soft, thin, BC-PE-based self-powered electronic skin is demonstrated for touch-track recognition. This work presents a straightforward strategy for the development of advanced conductive polymer electrodes that well address the tradeoffs between conductivity and mechanical properties, showcasing their promising applications in energy harvesting and on-skin human-machine interfaces.

An optimization model for zinc anodes centered on anion traction in a low-concentration electrolyte system is proposed. The fluoride-ion enriched interfacial layer on the zinc anode surface enhances the concentration of Zn2+ in a lateral direction through electrostatic forces, thereby facilitating horizontal zinc plating. Moreover, the repulsion between the anion-rich layer and sulfate ions can effectively inhibit the formation of byproducts.

In contrast to high-concentration electrolyte systems, low-concentration electrolytes provide a cost-effective strategy to advance the commercialization of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, such electrolytes frequently exhibit severe dendrite formation caused by localized Zn2+ concentration gradients, which critically compromise the cycling stability and operational safety of AZIBs. In this work, an innovative approach is proposed that involves the in situ construction of a fluoride-ion (F−) enriched interfacial layer on zinc anodes. This method facilitates in-plane diffusion of zinc ions at the anode interface, resulting in accelerated lateral growth of zinc deposits rather than dendritic formation. The results indicate that this orientated growth is closely associated with an anionic layer that effectively reduces random and irregular deposition as well as undesirable side reactions. The proposed system exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance within a low-concentration electrolyte framework, achieving a battery lifespan exceeding 1500 h at a current density of 2 mA cm−2. Furthermore, it maintains Coulombic efficiency above 99% after 800 h of cycling. Additionally, the Na2V6O16·3H2O (NVO)//Zn full battery incorporating this additive showcases enhanced long-term cycling performance and improved capacity retention, further confirming the excellent reversibility of the plating/stripping processes for zinc anode.

Cyan and green long-afterglow luminescence in NaLuF4:Tb(15 mol%)@NaYF4@SiO2 is achieved through a molecular doping strategy under UV and X-ray excitation, respectively. The rationally designed structure of NaLuF4:Tb(15 mol%)@NaYF4@4-PP-doped SiO2 NCs, facilitated by hydrogen bonding and physical interactions, stabilizes the triplet state of 4-PP, thereby enabling afterglow emission under UV and X-ray excitation. This approach expands the library of optical codes for information encryption.

The rational design of uniform afterglow nanoparticles (NPs) is critical for applications such as bioimaging and information storage. However, excitation of afterglow NPs remains largely limited to either X-ray or UV light. Integrating both X-ray- and UV-responsive afterglow components into a single NP platform remains a major challenge. Here, a broadband excitation strategy (X-ray to UV) is reported for afterglow emission using lanthanide-doped nanoengineered molecular nanotransducers. A 4-phenylpyridine (4-PP)-doped SiO2 shell is grown on NaLuF4:Tb(15 mol%)@NaYF4 NPs. The SiO2 shell is first coated onto the core, then functionalized via hydrothermal reaction with 4-PP. Hydrogen bonding and physical interactions between 4-PP and the SiO2 matrix enable blue afterglow emission at 472 nm with a 2.41 s lifetime under 290 nm excitation. Under X-ray excitation, high-energy photons induce defect formation in the NaLuF4:Tb3+ core, where stored energy is transferred to Tb3+ ions, producing green afterglow with a persistence time exceeding 600 s. This dual-mode excitation expands the operational versatility of afterglow materials. This approach demonstrates a promising strategy for integrating multiple optically active components into a single core–shell NP structure, offering tunable and extended afterglow performance for advanced optoelectronic and imaging applications.

Monodispersed Os-O-Co modules are constructed within a cobalt hydroxide structure via an in situ osmium (Os) single-atom modification strategy to serve as a bifunctional catalyst (Os-Co(OH)2). By leveraging d-p orbital hybridization, the adsorption energy of active sites is optimally tuned, endowing the catalyst with exceptional intrinsic activity for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR).

Hydrazine oxidation-assisted seawater electrolysis (HzOR-SWE) is critical for addressing freshwater scarcity and energy crises. However, the development of this technology has been significantly impeded by the absence of efficient catalysts capable of cleaving N─H bonds during the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). Herein, Monodispersed Os-O-Co modules are constructed within a cobalt hydroxide structure via an in situ osmium (Os) single-atom modification strategy to serve as a bifunctional catalyst. The d-p orbital hybridization in the structure shifts the d-band center of Os sites away from the Fermi level, weakening the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates and exhibiting the lowest N─H dehydrogenation energy barrier for HzOR and moderate active hydrogen adsorption energy for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). When integrated into a membraneless flow cell (MFC), the catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance in HzOR-SWE, requiring only 0.768 V to deliver 1.0 A cm−2 with a remarkable rate of 31.9 moles of hydrogen per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This represents a 70.7% energy saving compared to conventional seawater splitting systems (2.62 V, 7.6 kWh mol−1). This work holds significant importance for advancing the economic viability of low-energy seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit significant promise for photocatalytic overall water splitting. However, the high electron density at aromatic carbon in COFs generates inert oxygen evolution, significantly hindering photocatalytic activity. Developing phosphonate ylide-sites in COFs enables polaron-enhanced charge separation and low oxygen evolution barriers, achieving a 62-fold increase in H2/O2 production over pristine COFs and enabling scalable outdoor hydrogen generation.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit significant promise for photocatalytic overall water splitting to hydrogen generation. However, the high electron density distribution at aromatic carbon in COFs results in inert oxygen evolution, significantly hindering photocatalytic overall water splitting activity. Here, a universal strategy is developed for localized electron density manipulation by utilizing the reactivity of unsaturated carbon at the linkers in the COFs to construct phosphonate ylide polar sites, featuring positively charged phosphorus and negatively charged carbon. Under photoexcitation, this local electron distribution generates a polaron effect, enhances photogenerated exciton dissociation, prevents radiative relaxation, accelerates photogenerated charge separation, and induces an extremely low oxygen evolution barrier at the phosphorus sites. The results show the phosphonate ylide COF has achieved H2 and O2 evolution rates of 24.7 and 12.0 µmol h−1 under visible light irradiation, with the 62 times increase over the pristine COF. Furthermore, this strategy has been successfully validated in several other COFs, demonstrating its broad applicability. To further validate its practical utility, a large-scale outdoor device of 4 m2 using this catalyst is fabricated, which achieved a hydrogen production rate exceeding 300 mmol day−1, highlighting its excellent potential for practical applications.

Atomically smooth, ultrathin Sc0.3Al0.7N ferroelectric films are synthesized on scalable substrates via 2D pulsed laser deposition. The films exhibit significantly reduced coercive fields, exceptional crystallinity, and robust endurance. Density functional theory and cross-sectional microscopy reveal the role of abrupt interfaces in minimizing switching barriers, offering new insights into energy-efficient ferroelectric device platforms.

Ferroelectric nitrides attract immense attention due to their excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties as well as for their compatibility with scalable semiconductor technology. The availability of high-quality nitride films possessing tailorable coercive voltage and field, however, remains challenging, and is a key for deeper exploration of switching dynamics and practical applications in low-power devices. 2D growth of epitaxial thin (≲20 nm) c-axis-oriented Sc0.3Al0.7N films is reported on Al2O3 (0001) and on electrically conductive 4H-SiC (0001), obtained by reflection high-energy electron diffraction-monitored layer-by-layer physical vapor deposition growth. Films exhibit high quality, as evidenced by rocking curve full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) as narrow as ≈0.02°, and an atomically abrupt film-substrate interface with low dislocation density. The coercive field of Sc0.3Al0.7N/4H-SiC (0001) heterostructures is as low as 2.75 MV cm−1. Moreover, a high endurance of >109 cycles at saturation polarization is achieved. Density functional theory calculations of a model system reveal that an improved crystal quality, including atomically abrupt ferroelectric nitride-metal interface, facilitates the reduction in the switching barriers, and leads to reduced coercivity. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining high-quality epitaxial ferroelectric nitride films on highly scalable and radiation-resistant substrates, and their potential for energy-efficient electronic devices.

A pre-solid electrolyte interphase (pre-SEI) is designed by a potentiostatic controlling electrolyte decomposition method to reduce Li loss for SEI formation and smooth Li deposition/dissolution behavior, prolonging the cycling life of anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries (AF-SSLMBs) with high safety and improved energy density receive increasing attention but are restricted by the low Coulombic efficiencies (CEs) that result from undesirable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and irreversible Li deposition/dissolution. Herein, a pre-SEI is designed by a potentiostatic controlling electrolyte decomposition method to reduce Li loss for SEI formation and smooth Li deposition/dissolution behavior. When holding the potential at 0.5 V, the electrolyte additive ethoxy-pentafluoro-cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) and lithium salts simultaneously decompose to form a dense double-layered pre-SEI with high ionic conductivity, enabling fast Li+ transport across the interface and suppressing the following Li loss of building SEI. As a result, a high initial CE (ICE: 95.5%) and stable CE of 98.7% in Li|Cu cells are achieved, which is a 12.7% and 0.7% improvement compared with the counterpart without pre-SEI. Moreover, the cycling life of the assembled AF-SSLMB pouch cell (Cu||LFP) with pre-SEI is prolonged by 5 times, with a capacity retention rate of 44.9% after 100 cycles. This work provides a scalable strategy to reduce Li loss for both building SEI and following the Li plating/stripping process in AF-SSLMBs.

Electrochemical biosensors are highly sensitive, portable, and versatile. Advanced nanomaterials enhance their performance, while machine learning (ML) improves data analysis, minimizes interference, and optimizes sensor design. Despite progress in both fields, their combined potential in diagnostics remains underexplored. This review highlights ML applications in electrochemical biosensors, showcasing their transformative impact on diagnostics and screening.

Electrochemical biosensors offer numerous advantages, including high sensitivity, specificity, portability, ease of use, rapid response times, versatility, and multiplexing capability. Advanced materials and nanomaterials enhance electrochemical biosensors by improving sensitivity, response, and portability. Machine learning (ML) integration with electrochemical biosensors is also gaining traction, being particularly promising for addressing challenges such as electrode fouling, interference from non-target analytes, variability in testing conditions, and inconsistencies across samples. ML enhances data processing and analysis efficiency, generating actionable results with minimal information loss. Additionally, ML is well-suited for handling large, noisy datasets often generated in continuous monitoring applications. Beyond data analysis, ML can also help optimize biosensor design and function. While extensive research has expanded applications of advanced and nanomaterials-enhanced electrochemical biosensors and ML in their respective fields, fewer studies explore their combined potential in diagnostics; their synergy holds immense promise for advancing diagnostics and screening. This review highlights recent ML applications in advanced and nanomaterial-enhanced electrochemical biosensing, categorized into biocatalytic sensing, affinity-based sensing, bioreceptor-free sensing, electrochemiluminescence, high-throughput sensing, and continuous monitoring. Together, these developments underscore the transformative potential of ML-aided advanced/nanomaterial-enhanced electrochemical biosensors in diagnostics and screening, paving new pathways in the field.

Neurological disorders are the top cause of global health loss, but drug development faces major challenges, primarily due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Other obstacles include gastrointestinal irritation, poor stability, rapid metabolism, imprecise targeting, and toxicity. Emerging drug-delivery strategies offer promising solutions. This review examines these challenges, explores innovative drug delivery strategies, and discusses their applications in neurological disorders.

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of global health loss and disability. However, the success rate of drug development in the nervous system is very low, mainly because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition, gastrointestinal irritation, low stability, rapid metabolism, imprecise targeting, and organ toxicity of drugs are also important constraints in the development and application of neurological drugs. Emerging technologies, such as nano-delivery technology, offer a number of strategies to address these challenges drugs face entering the central nervous system. This review systematically introduces the various challenges of existing drug development in neurological disorders and summarizes BBB regulation strategies, drug delivery strategies, and modes of administration. It's summarized that the challenges of BBB can be addressed with the help of strategies including physical stimulation and modification of nanocarriers, and drug delivery in the nervous system can be achieved with the help of passive and active nanocarriers and self-assembly. Moreover, drug delivery strategies in major neurological disorders are discussed in detail. Finally, the limitations of some drug delivery strategies are summarized and the future development direction is prospected, which can provide new ideas and technologies for the optimization of drug delivery for neurological disorders.

A fully integrated wearable sweat-sensing patch capable of real-time detection of three critical PD-related biomarkers: L-Dopa, ascorbic acid, and glucose is presented. The system integrates a biomimetic microfluidic module for sedentary sweat collection, an advanced electrochemical sensing platform for biomarker detection, on-site signal processing circuitry for data handling, and custom software for real-time data visualization.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is marked by a prolonged asymptomatic “window period” (several years). Early prediction and diagnosis during this window are crucial, as timely interventions can slow disease progression. In this study, a fully integrated wearable sweat-sensing patch capable of real-time detection of three key PD biomarkers: L-Dopa, ascorbic acid, and glucose is developed. The system includes a biomimetic microfluidic module for sedentary sweat collection, an advanced electrochemical sensing platform for biomarker analysis, on-site signal processing circuitry for data management, and custom software for real-time data visualization. A universal strategy is proposed to significantly extend the stability of oxidase enzymes without activity loss, achieved through the design of Cu-oxidase hybrid nanoflowers. The patch is successfully tested on dozens of volunteers (healthy and PD patients in various stages), demonstrating its capability to monitor biomarkers in real time, assess PD progression, and optimize medication management.

A co-additive strategy regulates perovskite crystallization, enabling CsPbBr3&Cs4PbBr6 dual-phase nanocrystals and nanoscale concave-convex morphology with polarity tuning via molecular doping. The resulting PeLEDs achieve record performance: 28.2% EQE, 4291 h T50 lifetime, 16.5 nm linewidth, and 92% Rec. 2020 gamut coverage, surpassing prior benchmarks in efficiency, stability, and color purity.

Metal halide perovskites hold great promise for display technologies owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Recent advances in perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have improved their efficiency, brightness, and operational stability, but simultaneously boosting these metrics remains challenging. Additionally, other critical metrics such as power consumption, color purity, and gamut have received little attention. Here, a co-additive approach is proposed to regulate the perovskite crystallization, enabling the synthesis of CsPbBr3&Cs4PbBr6 dual-phase nanocrystals (NCs) and the formation of nanoscale concave-convex morphology, as well as to change its semiconductor polarity by molecular doping. Due to the reduced defect density, balanced charge injection, and improved light extraction efficiency, the PeLEDs achieve a remarkable external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 28.2%, a high brightness of over 150000 cd m−2 and a T50 lifetime of 4291 h, along with an ultra-narrow spectral linewidth (16.5 nm), an ultra-low driving voltage (1.9 V), and a superior Rec. 2020 color gamut coverage (CGC) of 92%.

An S-F group is directly grafted onto the SO2 group in the sulfone solvent, enabling rapid defluorination and decomposition of the solvent to form a robust SEI layer dominated by inorganics, thereby effectively isolating the LMA. The design ensures stable operation of Li-metal full cells from ambient to extreme conditions, offering a novel perspective for the molecular engineering of electrolytes tailored for Li-metal batteries.

Integrating Li metal anode (LMA) with a high-voltage NCM811 cathode is considered a pragmatic path in the pursuit of high-energy-density electrochemical energy storage systems. Yet, their practical application is still plagued by suboptimal cycling behavior. Numerous reports have already upgraded the cycle life of Li metal batteries (LMB) through anion-derived electrode-electrolyte interphase (EEI), but the adverse consequence brought by the inevitable decomposition of organic solvents is often underestimated. Here, a bipolar solvent molecule (1-Butanesulfonyl fluoride, BSF), is engineered by fusing an F-SO2 polar head for dissociating Li salts and contributing to the construction of EEI, along with a (CH2)4 nonpolar tail to lower molecular polarity and enhance wettability. Within the BSF-based electrolyte, FSI− anions and BSF coexist in the Li+ solvation shell, jointly contributing to the development of inorganic-rich EEI. Supported by robust interphases and expedited interfacial kinetics, the Li||NCM811 full cells (N/P = 1.05–1.8) exhibit favorable electrochemical performance over a wide temperature range from −40 to +55 °C. Furthermore, a 5.2 Ah Li metal pouch cell with a high cathode loading of 30 mg cm−2 and lean electrolyte (1.9 g Ah−1) delivers an energy density of 470 Wh kg−1 and achieves 100 stable cycles.

A lithium-free battery is designed by integrating a graphite|TiS2 pouch cell with a standard electrolyte modified by lithium trifluoromethanesulfinate (LiSO2CF3). Through electrochemical activation, the additive liberates Li ions without compromising structural stability or leaving detrimental residues. An unprecedented cycle life exceeding 14 000 cycles is achieved at a high current rate of 10C.

Energy storage batteries are pivotal for enabling reliable integration of renewable energy systems, yet further advancements in their longevity and rate performance remain imperative. Lithium (Li)-free cathode materials, while offering exceptional electrochemical stability, rate capability, and cost efficiency, face a critical limitation: the absence of active Li ions when paired with conventional graphite anodes. To address this challenge, a Li-free battery design is presented that integrates a graphite|TiS2 pouch cell architecture with a standard electrolyte modified by lithium trifluoromethanesulfinate (LiSO2CF3). This additive serves as an in situ Li-ion reservoir, electrochemically releasing Li ions during operation without generating deleterious residues or compromising structural integrity. The optimized cell achieves an unprecedented cycle life exceeding 14 000 cycles at a high current rate of 10C, alongside remarkable sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This work establishes a practical pathway for deploying long-lasting, fast-charging Li-free batteries in grid-scale energy storage applications.

This work designs a new DNA logical processing strategy based on cell surface-confined DNAzyme coordination for high-precision engineering and identification of cells. This strategy integrates the advantage of spatially-confined DNA-based reactions and allows for concurrently and logically analyzing multiple cell surface proteins, and demonstrates successful application even in tumor tissues from breast and lung cancer patients.

DNA logical processing, which employs DNA as a building block to perform logic operations, attracts considerable attention in biomedical applications. Herein, a new DNA logical processing strategy is explored for selective cell engineering and to develop a feasible technology for precise cell identification. Specifically, this cell identification technology accomplishes logical engineering through the employment of cell surface-confined DNAzyme coordination, which not only enables the labeling of versatile DNA probes at specific cells but also avoids false-positive outputs caused by the neighboring non-target cells. In proof-of-principle studies, this cell identification technology achieves precise magnetic isolation and electrochemical determination of specific cancer cells (i.e., stem cell-like subpopulations in breast cancer). When further applied to tumors taken from mouse models, this technology exhibits accuracy comparable to that of flow cytometry; however, it is simple to operate and offers superior recognition capabilities for revealing multiple biomarkers. More importantly, this cell identification technology can be successfully applied in tumor tissues from breast cancer and lung cancer patients, demonstrating satisfactory practicability. Therefore, this work may provide new insights for the precise identification of cells, especially cancer cells, and is expected to offer technical support for clinical diagnosis and related biomedical research.

Incorporation of low molecular weight liquid crystals (LC) into liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) leads to a significant increase in their stiffness and output work density. Such remarkable stiffening is attributed to nanoscale phase-separation and the formation of induced-smectic domains in polydomain and monodomain LC-LCEs, respectively.

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are promising building blocks for soft robots, given their large, programmable, reversible, and stimuli-responsive shape change. Enhancing LCEs’ stiffness and toughness has been a longstanding desire previously explored by reinforcing them with fillers, crystalline microdomains, and interpenetrating polymer networks. While promising, these methods adversely affect molecular order and thermal strain. Here, a significant enhancement of the stiffness of LCEs is reported by loading them with low molecular weight liquid crystals (LMWLCs) without sacrificing thermal strain and molecular order. While pristine LCEs rapidly transition to a soft elastic plateau when strained from poly- to monodomain, LC-loaded samples (LC-LCEs) first experience a pronounced linear elasticity, followed by a soft elastic plateau at higher stresses. Further thermomechanical and X-ray analysis confirm the emergence of an additional mesophase in polydomain LC-LCEs, which evolves to short-range smectic (cybotactic) during the poly- to monodomain transition. Monodomain LC-LCEs show between 6.5- and 9.0-fold stiffness enhancement with improved molecular order and thermal strain. Their work densities are more than double that of pristine LCEs, with active thermal stroke of up to 25% under loads of over 2000 times their weight. Such remarkable behaviors are attributed to the interplay between post-polymerization phase separation of LCs and their strain-enhanced smectic ordering. The results suggest that LMWLC inclusion can be a simple yet robust method to significantly improve the mechanical properties of LCEs.

A survivin peptide-CpG nanovaccine, SPOD-NV, is designed for GBM immunotherapy. Using a strategic sequential administration through intranasal and intravenous routes, it capitalizes on the advantages of both methods exhibiting enhanced accumulation in tumors, NALT, CLNs and spleen. Combined with anti-CTLA-4 therapy, it effectively activates local and systemic T-cell and humoral responses, achieving 43% complete remission and long-lasting immune memory in orthotopic GBM models.

Peptide vaccines hold great promise for treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), though their efficacy remains suboptimal due to factors such as immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, poor accessibility to tumor site and inadequate activation of antigen-presenting cells. Here, this work reports on survivin peptide-CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) nanovaccines (SPOD-NV), which feature antigen peptides strategically displayed on polymersomes with CpG ODN encapsulated as an immunostimulatory adjuvant. Sequential administration via intranasal and intravenous routes elicits robust immune response against murine GBM. These results demonstrate that SPOD-NV significantly enhances mucosa penetration and markedly improves dendritic cell uptake and activation. Notably, the intranasal administration of SPOD-NV to orthotopic murine GL261 tumor models reveals marked accumulation in cervical lymph nodes and tumors, likely facilitated by lymphatic transport from nasal mucosa and pathways via olfactory bulb and trigeminal nerve, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Interestingly, the therapeutic strategy, comprising three intranasal and two intravenous administrations of SPOD-NV in combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibody, results in substantial tumor inhibition, achieving a 43% complete regression rate, in line with the stimulation of robust and long-lasting local and systemic anti-GBM immune responses. These intranasal-intravenous administration strategy of peptide-CpG nanovaccines provides a potential curative therapy for brain tumors, paving the way for further developments in GBM immunotherapy.

A covalent grafting strategy is proposed to fabricate a lamellar COP network COP@G, which is achieved by edge-functionalizing COP with aromatic primary amine groups, followed by diazotization reactions and covalent attachment of graphene dispersions. COP@G demonstrates an order-of-magnitude enhancement in maximum power density compared to van der Waals-assembled COP-carbon composites in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell device.

Covalent organic polymers (COPs) have emerged as promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts due to their structural tunability and well-defined active sites. However, their practical application is hindered by inherent electrical conductivity and restricted active site accessibility in bulk configurations. While van der Waals-assembled COP-carbon composites enhance conductivity, persistent stacking, and weak interfaces still impede electron/mass transport during ORR. Herein, a covalent grafting strategy is proposed to fabricate a lamellar COP network COP@G, which is achieved by edge-functionalizing COP with aromatic primary amine groups, followed by diazotization reactions and covalent attachment of graphene dispersions. The resulting hybrid exhibits significantly improved active site accessibility and a tenfold increase in conductivity compared to pristine COP. As a result, in 0.1 M HClO4, COP@G delivers an exceptional acidic ORR performance, with a record half-wave potential of 801 mV, surpassing van der Waals-assembled COP-G by 194 mV. When integrated into proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathodes, COP@G demonstrates an order-of-magnitude enhancement in maximum power density compared to conventional COP-carbon composites.

NeoNectins are de novo-designed miniproteins that selectively bind and stabilize the extended open form of integrin α5β1. When grafted onto biomaterials including hydrogel and titanium, they promote cell attachment and spreading in vitro and promoting tissue integration and bone growth in animal models, demonstrating broad potential for regenerative medicine and biomaterials.

Integrin α5β1 is crucial for cell attachment and migration in development and tissue regeneration, and α5β1 binding proteins can have considerable utility in regenerative medicine and next-generation therapeutics. We use computational protein design to create de novo α5β1-specific modulating miniprotein binders, called NeoNectins, that bind to and stabilize the open state of α5β1. When immobilized onto titanium surfaces and throughout 3D hydrogels, the NeoNectins outperform native fibronectin (FN) and RGD peptides in enhancing cell attachment and spreading, and NeoNectin-grafted titanium implants outperformed FN- and RGD-grafted implants in animal models in promoting tissue integration and bone growth. NeoNectins should be broadly applicable for tissue engineering and biomedicine.