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Remote epitaxy is taking center stage in creating freestanding complex oxide thin films with high crystallinity that could serve as an ideal building block for stacking artificial heterostructures with distinctive functionalities. However, there exist technical challenges, particularly in the remote epitaxy of perovskite oxides associated with their harsh growth environments, making the graphene interlayer difficult to survive. Transferred graphene, typically used for creating a remote epitaxy template, poses limitations in ensuring the yield of perovskite films, especially when pulsed laser deposition (PLD) growth is carried out, since graphene degradation can be easily observed. Here, we employ spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine the critical factors that damage the integrity of graphene during PLD by tracking the change in optical properties of graphene in situ . To mitigate the issues observed in the PLD process, we propose an alternative growth strategy based on molecular beam epitaxy to produce single-crystalline perovskite membranes.

Rashba states have been actively revisited as a platform for advanced applications such as spintronics and topological quantum computation. Yet, access to the Rashba state is restricted to the specific material sets, and the methodology to control the Rashba state is not established. Here, we report the Rashba states on the (001) surface of KZnBi, a 3D Dirac semimetal. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we investigated the evolution of Rashba states under different surface conditions controlled by alkali metal deposition. We observed that restoring surface ordering enables a Rashba state, which is absent in freshly cleaved surfaces. Interestingly, we were able to modify the dispersion of the Rashba state from an ordinary parabolic dispersion to a linearly dispersing Dirac-like state by additional alkali-metal deposition. Our findings provide a methodology for engineering the properties of Rashba states for advanced applications and redefine topological systems as generic hosts of Rashba states.

Arynes hold significance for the efficient fusion of (hetero) arenes with diverse substrates, advancing the construction of complex molecular frameworks. Employing multiple equivalents of arynes is particularly effective in the rapid formation of polycyclic cores found in optoelectronic materials and bioactive compounds. However, the inherent reactivity of arynes often leads to side reactions, yielding unanticipated products and underlining the importance of a detailed investigation into the use of multiple arynes to fine-tune their reactivity. This review centers on methodologies and syntheses in organic reactions involving multiple arynes, categorizing based on mechanisms like cycloadditions, σ-bond insertions, nucleophilic additions, and ene reactions, and discusses aryne polymerization. The categorization based on these mechanisms includes two primary approaches: the first entails multiple aryne engagement within a single step while the second approach involves using a single equivalent of aryne sequentially across multiple steps, with both requiring strict reactivity control to ensure precise aryne participation in each respective step. Additionally, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the selection of aryne precursors, organized chronologically and by activation strategy, offering a comprehensive background that supports the main theme of multiple aryne utilization. The expectation remains that this comprehensive review will be invaluable in designing advanced syntheses engaging multiple arynes.

Semimetal electrodes for 2D semiconductors have been extensively studied; however, research on p-type semimetals has been limited due to the scarcity of materials that satisfy both high work functions and low resistances. In response, we investigated the behavior of NiSe 2 as an electrode. Utilizing a novel co-evaporation method that suppresses oxidation and contamination, we synthesized NiSe 2 demonstrating a high work function of 5.53 eV, a low resistance of 5.81 × 10 -5 Ω cm, and a record hole concentration exceeding 10 23 cm -3 . We confirmed that when WSe 2 comes into contact with NiSe 2 , the Fermi level of WSe 2 falls below the work function of NiSe 2 , leading to complete hole degeneration of the channel. This unusual Fermi level alignment correlates with the high hole concentration in NiSe 2 and the maximum energy level of its hole pockets. Our research provides new insights into how an electrode's hole concentration affects channel behavior.

The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 in acidic media offers the advantage of high carbon utilization, but achieving high selectivity to C 2+ products at a low overpotential remains a challenge. We identified the chemical instability of oxide-derived Cu catalysts as a reason that advances in neutral/alkaline electrolysis do not translate to acidic conditions. In acid, Cu ions leach from Cu oxides, leading to the deactivation of the C 2+ -active sites of Cu nanoparticles. This prompted us to design acid-stable Cu cluster precatalysts that are reduced in situ to active Cu nanoparticles in strong acid. Operando Raman and X-ray spectroscopy indicated that the bonding between the Cu cluster precatalyst ligand and in situ formed Cu nanoparticles preserves a high density of undercoordinated Cu sites, resulting in a C 2 H 4 Faradaic efficiency of 62% at a low overpotential. The result is a 1.4-fold increase in energy efficiency compared with previous acidic CO 2 -to-C 2+ electrocatalytic systems.

ConspectusThe vertical integration of van der Waals nanomembranes (vdW NMs), composed of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials and three-dimensional (3D) freestanding films with vdW surfaces, opens new avenues for exploring novel physical phenomena and offers a promising pathway for prototyping ultrathin, superior-performance electronic and optoelectronic applications with unique functionalities. Achieving the desired functionality through vdW integration necessitates the production of high-quality individual vdW NMs, which is a fundamental prerequisite. A profound understanding of the synthetic strategies for vdW NMs, along with their fundamental working principles, is crucial in guiding the experimental design toward 3D integrated heterostructures. The foremost synthetic challenges in fabricating high-quality vdW NMs are achieving exact control over thickness and ensuring surface planarity on the atomic scale. Despite the development of numerous chemical and mechanical approaches to tackle these issues, an all-encompassing solution has yet to be realized. To address these challenges, we have developed advanced spalling techniques, specifically known as atomic spalling or 2D material-based layer transfer, which emerge as a promising technology for achieving both atomically precise thickness-engineered and atomically smooth vdW NMs. These techniques involve engineering the interfacial fracture toughness and strain energy in the vdW system, allowing for precise control over the initiation and the propagation of cracks within the vdW material based on controlled spalling theory.In this Account, we summarize our recent advancements in the atomic precision spalling technique for the preparation of vdW NMs and their applications. We begin by introducing the fundamentals of advanced spalling techniques, which are based on spalling mode fracture in bilayer systems. Following this, we succinctly describe the preparation methods for source materials for vdW NMs, with a primary focus on chemical synthesis approaches. We then delve into the working principles underlying our recent contributions to advanced spalling techniques, providing insights into how this method attains unprecedented atomic-precision control compared to other fabrication methods with a particular emphasis on tuning the interface between the stressor and the vdW system. Subsequently, we highlight cutting-edge applications based on vdW heterostructures, which combine our spalled vdW NMs. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions for advanced spalling techniques, underscoring their potential to be established as a robust methodology for the preparation of high-quality vdW NMs. Our advanced spalling strategy not only ensures the reliable production of vdW NMs with exceptional control over thickness and atomic-level flatness but also provides a robust theoretical framework essential for producing high-quality vdW NMs.

An efficient reagent-free method for the synthesis of polysubstituted 4-quinolone from 2-substituted alkynoyl aryl-sulfonamide was developed. This developed method tolerates various functional groups and gives the corresponding 4-quinolones. We have successfully extended this method to the synthesis of dihydro-4-quinolones from 2-alkenoyl aryl sulfonamide derivatives.

In condensed matter physics, the Kagome lattice and its inherent flat bands have attracted considerable attention for their prediction and observation to host a variety of exotic physical phenomena. Despite extensive efforts to fabricate thin films of Kagome materials aimed at modulating flat bands through electrostatic gating or strain manipulation, progress has been limited. Here, we report the observation of a d-orbital hybridized Kagome-derived flat band in Ag/Si(111) 3 × 3 as revealed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our findings indicate that silver atoms on a silicon substrate form an unconventional distorted breathing Kagome structure, where a delicate balance in the hopping parameters of the in-plane d-orbitals leads to destructive interference, resulting in double flat bands. The exact quantum destructive interference mechanism that forms the flat band is uncovered in a rigorous manner that has not been described before. These results illuminate the potential for integrating metal-semiconductor interfaces on semiconductor surfaces into Kagome physics, particularly in exploring the flat bands of ideal 2D Kagome systems.

The relentless miniaturization inherent in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology has created challenges at the interface of two-dimensional (2D) materials and metal electrodes. These challenges, predominantly stemming from metal-induced gap states (MIGS) and Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), critically impede device performance. This work introduces an innovative implementation of damage-free Sb 2 Te 3 topological van der Waals (T-vdW) contacts, representing an ultimate contact electrode for 2D materials. We successfully fabricate p-type and n-type transistors using monolayer and multilayer WSe 2 , achieving ultralow SBH (∼24 meV) and contact resistance (∼0.71 kΩ·μm). Simulations highlight the role of topological surface states in Sb 2 Te 3 , which effectively mitigate the MIGS effect, thereby significantly elevating device efficiency. Our experimental insights revealed the semiohmic behavior of Sb 2 Te 3 T-vdW contacts, with an exceptional photoresponsivity of 716 A/W and rapid response times of approximately 60 μs. The findings presented herein herald topological contacts as a superior alternative to traditional metal contacts, potentially revolutionizing the performance of miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic devices.

The persistent challenges encountered in metal-transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) junctions, including tunneling barriers and Fermi-level pinning, pose significant impediments to achieving optimal charge transport and reducing contact resistance. To address these challenges, a pioneering self-aligned edge contact (SAEC) process tailored for TMD-based field-effect transistors (FETs) is developed by integrating a WS 2 semiconductor with a hexagonal boron nitride dielectric via reactive ion etching. This approach streamlines semiconductor fabrication by enabling edge contact formation without the need for additional lithography steps. Notably, SAEC TMD-based FETs exhibit exceptional device performance, featuring a high on/off current ratio of ∼10 8 , field-effect mobility of up to 120 cm 2 /V·s, and controllable polarity─essential attributes for advanced TMD-based logic circuits. Furthermore, the SAEC process enables precise electrode positioning and effective minimization of parasitic capacitance, which are pivotal for attaining high-speed characteristics in TMD-based electronics. The compatibility of the SAEC technique with existing Si self-aligned processes underscores its feasibility for integration into post-CMOS applications, heralding an upcoming era of integration of TMDs into Si semiconductor electronics. The introduction of the SAEC process represents a significant advancement in TMD-based microelectronics and is poised to unlock the full potential of TMDs for future electronic technologies.

Given the previous SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the inherent unpredictability of viral antigenic drift and shift, preemptive development of diverse neutralizing antibodies targeting a broad spectrum of epitopes is essential to ensure immediate therapeutic and prophylactic interventions during emerging outbreaks. In this study, we present a monoclonal antibody engineered for cross-reactivity to both wild-type and Delta RBDs, which, surprisingly, demonstrates enhanced neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant despite a significant number of mutations. Using an Escherichia coli inner membrane display of a human naïve antibody library, we identified antibodies specific to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). Subsequent directed evolution via yeast surface display yielded JS18.1, an antibody with high binding affinity for both the Delta and Kappa RBDs, as well as enhanced binding to other RBDs (wild-type, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Kappa, and Mu). Notably, JS18.1 (engineered for wild-type and Delta RBDs) exhibits enhanced neutralizing capability against the Omicron variant and binds to RBDs noncompetitively with ACE2, distinguishing it from other previously reported antibodies. This underscores the potential of pre-existing antibodies to neutralize emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains and offers insights into strategies to combat emerging viruses.

Cesium lanthanide chloride (Cs 3 LnCl 6 ), a recently developed class of lanthanide-based zero-dimensional metal halides, has garnered a significant amount of interest because of its potential applications in scintillators, light-emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Although cesium lanthanide chloride demonstrates exceptional scintillator properties, conventional synthesis methods involving solid-state and solution-phase techniques are complex and limited on the reaction scale. This study presents a facile mechanochemical synthesis method for producing Cs 3 CeCl 6 , Cs 3 TbCl 6 , and Cs 3 EuCl 6 metal halides on a 5 g scale. These materials exhibit intense blue-violet, green, and red emissions upon ultraviolet excitation, with high photoluminescence quantum yields ranging from 54% to 93%. Furthermore, Cs 3 CeCl 6 , Cs 3 TbCl 6 , and Cs 3 EuCl 6 metal halides exhibit intense radioluminescence spanning from the ultraviolet to the visible region. This research shows the potential of the scalable mechanochemical synthesis of lanthanide-based metal halides for the advancement of luminescent materials for scintillators.

Solution-based processing of van der Waals (vdW) one- (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) materials is an effective strategy to obtain high-quality molecular chains or atomic sheets in a large area with scalability. In this work, quasi-1D vdW Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 was exfoliated via liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) to produce a stably dispersed Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 nanowire solution. In order to screen the optimal exfoliation solvent, nine different solvents were employed with different total surface tensions and polar/dispersive (P/D) component (P/D) ratios. The LPE behavior of Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 was elucidated by matching the P/D ratios between Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 and the applied solvent, resulting in N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as an optimal solvent owing to the well-matched total surface tension and P/D ratio. Subsequently, Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 nanowire thin films are manufactured via vacuum filtration using a Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 /NMP dispersion. Then, gas sensing devices are fabricated onto the Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 nanowire thin films, and gas sensing property toward NO 2 is evaluated at various thin-film thicknesses. A 50 nm thick Ta 2 Pt 3 Se 8 thin-film device exhibited a percent response of 25.9% at room temperature and 32.4% at 100 °C, respectively. In addition, the device showed complete recovery within 14.1 min at room temperature and 3.5 min at 100 °C, respectively.

The aberrant secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by immune cells is the principal cause of inflammatory diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9, sequestered to the endosomal compartment of dendritic cells and macrophages, are closely associated with the initiation and progression of these diseases. Therefore, the development of drugs targeting dysregulated endosomal TLRs is imperative to mitigate systemic inflammation. Here, we applied the principles of computer-aided drug discovery to identify a novel low-molecular-weight compound, TLR inhibitory compound 10 (TIC10), and its potent derivative (TIC10g), which demonstrated dual inhibition of TLR7 and TLR9 signaling pathways. Compared to TIC10, TIC10g exhibited a more pronounced inhibition of the TLR7- and TLR9-mediated secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α in a mouse macrophage cell line and mouse bone marrow dendritic cells in a concentration-dependent manner. While TIC10g slightly prevented TLR3 and TLR8 activation, it had no impact on cell surface TLRs (TLR1/2, TLR2/6, TLR4, or TLR5), indicating its selectivity for TLR7 and TLR9. Additionally, mechanistic studies suggested that TIC10g interfered with TLR9 activation by CpG DNA and suppressed downstream pathways by directly binding to TLR9. Western blot analysis revealed that TIC10g downregulated the phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, p38-MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These findings indicate that the novel ligand, TIC10g, is a specific dual inhibitor of endosomal TLRs (TLR7 and TLR9), disrupting MAPK- and NF-κB-mediated proinflammatory gene expression.

High-performance organic photodiodes (OPDs) and OPD-based image sensors are primarily realized using solution processes based on various additives and coating methods. However, vacuum-processed OPDs, which are more compatible with large-scale production, have received little attention, thereby hindering their integration into advanced systems. This study introduces innovations in the material and device structures to prepare superior vacuum-processed OPDs for commercial applications. A series of vacuum-processable, low-cost p -type semiconductors is developed by introducing an electron-rich cyclopentadithiophene core containing various electron-accepting moieties to fine-tune the energy levels without any significant structural or molecular weight changes. An additional nanointerlayer strategy is used to control the crystalline orientation of the upper-deposited photoactive layer, compensating for device performance reduction in inverted, top-illuminated OPDs. These approaches yielded an external quantum efficiency of 70% and a specific detectivity of 2.0 × 10 12 Jones in the inverted structures, which are vital for commercial applications. These OPDs enabled visible-light communications with extremely low bit error rates and successful X-ray image capture.

Colloidal PbS quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) have been primarily demonstrated in n-i-p structures by incorporating a solution-processed ZnO electron transporting layer (ETL). Nevertheless, the inherent energy barrier for the electron extraction at the ZnO/PbS junction along with the defective nature significantly diminishes the performance of the PbS QDSCs. In this study, by employing Sn-doped ZnO (ZTO) ETL, we have tuned the conduction band offset at the junction from spike-type to cliff-type so that the electron extraction barrier can be eliminated and the overall photovoltaic parameters can be enhanced (open-circuit voltage of 0.7 V, fill factor over 70%, and efficiency of 11.3%) as compared with the counterpart with the undoped ZnO ETL. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed a mitigation of oxygen vacancies in the ZTO ETL of our PbS QDSCs. Our work signifies the importance of Sn doping into the conventional ZnO ETL for the superior electron extraction in PbS QDSCs.

The strategic utilization of photodetectors' transient response could open new frontiers from free-space optical communication to the emerging field of neuromorphic optoelectronics. Contrarily, while communication requires a fast response, neuromorphic applications benefit from a slow and integrative transient photocurrent. By integrating these functionalities in a single device, this study unveils a photodetector with tunable responses, bridging the gap between optical communication and neuromorphic sensing and creating a versatile platform with on-demand applications. Particularly, a Ga 2 O 3 -based photodetector was designed, exhibiting a photocurrent on/off ratio close to 10 4 , high responsivity of 0.43 A/W, and detectivity 1.22 × 10 13 Jones under deep ultraviolet illumination (λ ∼ 260 nm). The photodetector demonstrates transient time-dependent on operational voltage, ranging from 10 -4 to 0.2 s. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the voltage-dependent balance between photocarrier generation and defect-related recombination, as revealed by electrostatic force microscopy. Additionally, we have demonstrated potential applications, including digital Morse code interpretation, tunable integration of optical inputs within the sensor, one-time readouts, and effective analog Morse code reading. Furthermore, the effectiveness of input information recognition using analog integration, even with anomalies, was demonstrated. This work establishes a versatile approach for tunable in-sensor optical processing, potentially useful for a wide range of applications, from free-space optical communication to neuromorphic sensing.

Lipid droplets (LDs) store energy and supply fatty acids and cholesterol. LDs are a hallmark of chronic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, studies have focused on the role of hepatic macrophages in NAFLD. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is used for labeling the characteristic targets in bioimaging analysis. Cx3cr1 -GFP mice are widely used in studying the liver macrophages such as the NAFLD model. Here, we have developed a tool for two-photon microscopic observation to study the interactions between LDs labeled with LD2 and liver capsule macrophages labeled with GFP in vivo. LD2 , a small-molecule two-photon excitation fluorescent probe for LDs, exhibits deep-red (700 nm) fluorescence upon excitation at 880 nm, high cell staining ability and photostability, and low cytotoxicity. This probe can clearly observe LDs through two-photon microscopy (TPM) and enables the simultaneous imaging of GFP + liver capsule macrophages (LCMs) in vivo in the liver capsule of Cx3cr1 -GFP mice. In the NAFLD mouse model, Cx3cr1 + LCMs and LDs increased with the progress of fatty liver disease, and spatiotemporal changes in LCMs were observed through intravital 3D TPM images. LD2 will aid in studying the interactions and immunological roles of hepatic macrophages and LDs to better understand NAFLD.

Melosira nummuloides is a microalga with a nutritionally favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid profile. In the present study, M. nummuloides ethanol extract (MNE) was administered to chronic-binge alcohol-fed mice and alcohol-treated HepG2 cells, and its hepatoprotective effects and underlying mechanisms were investigated. MNE administration reduced triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and liver injury markers, including aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), in the serum of chronic-binge alcohol-fed mice. However, MNE administration increased the levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK/AMPK) and PPARα, which was accompanied by a decrease in SREBP-1; this indicates that MNE can inhibit adipogenesis and improve fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, MNE administration upregulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, and GPX, and ameliorated alcohol-induced inflammation by repressing the Akt/NFκB/COX-2 pathway. Metabolomic analysis revealed that MNE treatment modulated many lipid metabolites in alcohol-treated HepG2 cells. Our study findings provide evidence for the efficacy and mechanisms of MNE in ameliorating alcohol-induced liver injury.

We propose a band engineering scheme on the biphenylene network, a newly synthesized carbon allotrope. We illustrate that the electronic structure of the biphenylene network can be significantly altered by controlling conditions affecting the symmetry and destructive interference of wave functions through periodic fluorination. First, we investigate the mechanism for the appearance of a type-II Dirac fermion in a pristine biphenylene network. We show that the essential ingredients are mirror symmetries and stabilization of the compact localized eigenstates via destructive interference. While the former is used for the band-crossing point along high symmetry lines, the latter induces highly inclined Dirac dispersions. Subsequently, we demonstrate the transformation of the biphenylene network's type-II Dirac semimetal phase into various Dirac phases such as type-I Dirac, gapped type-II Dirac, and nodal line semimetals through the deliberate disruption of mirror symmetry or modulation of destructive interference by varying the concentration of fluorine atoms.

In certain low-income nations, the hepatitis Delta virus and hepatitis B virus (HBV) pose a serious medical burden, where the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is greater than 8%. Especially in rural places, irregular diagnostic exams are the main restriction and reason for underestimation. Utilizing serum samples from a Pakistani isolate, an internal ELISA for the quick identification of anti-HDV was created, and the effectiveness of the test was compared to a commercial diagnostic kit. HDV-positive serum samples were collected, and a highly antigenic domain of HDAg antigen was derived from them. This antigenic HDAg was expressed in a bacterial expression system, purified by Ni-chromatography, and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. The purified antigen was utilized to develop an in-house ELISA assay for anti-HDV antibody detection of the patient's serum samples at very low cost. Purified antigens and positive and negative controls can detect anti-HDV (antibodies) in ELISA plates. The in-house developed kit's efficiency was compared with that of a commercial kit (Witech Inc., USA) by the mean optical density values of both kits. No significant difference was observed (a P value of 0.576) by applying statistical analysis. The newly developed in-house ELISA is equally efficient compared to commercial kits, and these may be useful in regular diagnostic laboratories, especially for analyzing local isolates., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

The binding of nucleotides is crucial for signal transduction as it induces conformational protein changes, leading to downstream cellular responses. Synthetic receptors that bind nucleotides and transduce the binding event into global conformational rearrangements are highly challenging to design, especially those that operate in an aqueous solution. Much work is focused on evaluating functionalized dyes to detect nucleotides, whereas coupling of a nucleotide-induced conformational switching to a sensing event has not been reported to date. We disclose synthetic receptors that undergo a global conformational rearrangement upon nucleotide binding. Integrating naphthalimide and the pyridinium ion into the structure enables stabilization of the folded conformation and efficient fluorescence quenching. The binding of a nucleotide rearranges the receptor conformation and alters the strong fluorescence enhancement. The methylpyridinium-containing receptor demonstrated high sensing selectivity for adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and a record 160-fold fluorescence enhancement. It can detect fluctuations of ATP in HeLa cells and possesses low cytotoxicity. The developed systems present an attractive approach for designing ATP-responsive artificial molecular switches that operate in water and integrate a strong fluorescence response.

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has recently gained considerable attention as a new platform for developing methods to detect various molecules, ranging from small chemicals to biological macromolecules. Retroreflection has been used as an alternative signal to develop analytical methods because it can be detected by using a simple instrument comprising a white light source and a camera. Here, we report a novel reporter protein that couples the capability of CFPS and the simplicity of retroreflection signal detection. The design of the reporter was based on two pairs of protein-peptide interactions, SpyCatcher003-SpyTag003 and MDM2-PMI(N8A). MDM2-MDM2-SpyCatcher003 was decided as the reporter protein, and the two peptides, SpyTag003 and PMI(N8A), were immobilized on the surfaces of retroreflective Janus particles and microfluidic chips, respectively. The developed retroreflection signal detection system was combined with a previously reported CFPS reaction that can transduce the presence of a single-stranded nucleic acid into protein synthesis. The resulting methods were applied to detect 16S rRNAs of several foodborne pathogens. Concentration-dependent relationships were observed over a range of 10° fM to 10 2 pM, with the limits of detection being single-digit femtomolar concentrations. Considering the designability of the CFPS system for other targets, the retroreflection signal detection method will enable the development of novel methods to detect various molecules.

In recent years, there has been significant interest in researching ultrafast nonlinear optical phenomena involving light-matter interactions in two-dimensional (2D) materials, owing to their potential applications in optics and photonics. MXene, a recently developed 2D material, has garnered considerable attention due to its graphene-like properties and highly tunable electronic/optical characteristics. Herein, we demonstrate ultrafast all-optical switches based on four-wave-mixing (FWM) utilizing the nonlinear optical property of MXene Ti 3 C 2 T x . In order to realize the device, we deposited multilayered Ti 3 C 2 T x in the form of a supernatant solution onto the polished surface of a side-polished optical fiber, enabling the interaction of Ti 3 C 2 T x with the asymmetric evanescent field of the incident input. We systematically characterized the nonlinear optical responses derived from the Ti 3 C 2 T x layers. The fabricated device exhibits notable performance metrics, an enhancement of the extinction ratio, and a conversion efficiency of the newly generated signal, displaying 5.3 and 5.2 dB, respectively. Additionally, the device operates at high modulation frequencies, reaching up to 20 GHz, and demonstrates high-resolution detuning with channel distances of up to 15 nm. Our findings highlight the potential of MXene-based materials for ultrafast optical data management systems.

The development of environmentally friendly and safe chemical processes using renewable energy sources is important. In this study, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell was used for the tandem bromination of sp 3 carbon within a unique two-phase electrolyte system. By incorporation of a RuO x cocatalyst, the Ta 3 N 5 photoelectrode demonstrated a remarkable selectivity for Br 2 close to 100%. The kinetic study for charge carriers of photoelectrodes reveals that the improved charge transfer at Ta 3 N 5 /RuO x interfaces contributed to excellent photoelectrochemical Br 2 evolution activity. The photoelectrochemically produced Br 2 was utilized for bromination of α- sp 3 carbon in toluene, 1-methylnaphthalene, ethylbenzene, or cyclohexane by the Ta 3 N 5 /RuO x photoanode with 100% regioselectivity. The coupling of the Ta 3 N 5 photoanode and InP photocathode generated H 2 and Br 2 under light illumination without external bias. This study provides systematic insights into the design of photoelectrodes for solar-driven tandem bromination systems within the unique environment of a two-phase electrolyte system.

With the emerging novel biotherapeutics that are typically difficult-to-express (DTE), improvement is required for high-yield production. To identify novel targets that can enhance DTE protein production, we performed genome-wide fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) knockout screening in bispecific antibody (bsAb)-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The screen identified the two highest-scoring genes, Atf7ip and Setdb1 , which are the binding partners for H3K9me3-mediated transcriptional repression. The ATF7IP-SETDB1 complex knockout in bsAb-producing CHO cells suppressed cell growth but enhanced productivity by up to 2.7-fold. Decreased H3K9me3 levels and an increased transcriptional expression level of the transgene were also observed. Furthermore, perturbation of the ATF7IP-SETDB1 complex in monoclonal antibody (mAb)-producing CHO cells led to substantial improvements in mAb production, increasing the productivity by up to 3.9-fold without affecting the product quality. Taken together, the genome-wide FACS-based CRISPR screen identified promising targets associated with histone methylation, whose perturbation enhanced the productivity by unlocking the transgene expression.

This study proposes the use of physical unclonable functions employing circularly polarized light emission (CPLE) from nematic liquid crystal (NLC) ordering directed by helical nanofilaments in a mixed system composed of a calamitic NLC mixture and a bent-core molecule. To achieve this, an intrinsically nonemissive NLC is blended with a high concentration of a luminescent rod-like dye, which is miscible up to 10 wt % in the calamitic NLC without a significant decrease in the degree of alignment. The luminescence dissymmetry factor of CPLEs in the mixed system strongly depends on the degree of alignment of the dye-doped NLCs. Furthermore, the mixed system prepared in this study exhibits two randomly generated chiral domains with CPLEs of opposite signs. These chiral domains are characterized not only by their CPLE performances but also by their ability to generate random patterns up to several millimeters, making them promising candidates for high-performance secure authentication applications.

Materials with van der Waals (vdW) unit structures rely on weak interunit vdW forces, facilitating physical separation and advancing nanomaterial research with remarkable electrical properties. Recently, there has been growing interest in one-dimensional (1D) vdW materials, celebrated for their advantageous properties, characterized by reduced dimensionality and the absence of dangling bonds. In this context, we synthesize Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 , a 1D vdW material, and assess its suitability for field-effect transistor (FET) applications. Spectroscopic analysis and electrical characterization confirmed that the band gap and work function of Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 are 1.18 and 4.77 eV, respectively. Leveraging various electrode materials, we fabricated n-type FETs based on Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 and identified Cr as the optimal electrode, exhibiting a high mobility of 57 cm 2 V -1 s -1 . In addition, we analyzed the electron transport mechanism in n-type FETs by investigating Schottky barrier height, Schottky barrier tunneling width, and contact resistance. Furthermore, we successfully fabricated p-type operating Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 FETs using a molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) layer as a high work function contact electrode. Finally, we achieved Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 nanowire rectifying diodes by creating a p-n junction with asymmetric contact electrodes of Cr and MoO 3 , demonstrating an ideality factor of 1.06. These findings highlight the electronic properties of Ta 2 Pt 3 S 8 , positioning it as a promising 1D vdW material for future nanoelectronics and functional vdW-based device applications.

Reevaluating the composition of the double metal cyanide catalyst (DMC) as a salt of (NC) 6 Co 3- anions with 1:1 Zn 2+ /(X)Zn + cations (X = Cl, RO, AcO), we prepared a series of well-defined DMCs, [ClZn + ][Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ][ROH], [(RO)Zn + ][Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ], [(AcO)Zn + ][Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ], [(RO)Zn + ] p [ClZn + ] (1- p ) [Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ], [(AcO)Zn + ] p [(tBuO)Zn + ] q [Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ], and [(AcO)Zn + ] p [(tBuO)Zn + ] q [ClZn + ] r [Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ]. The structure of [(MeOC 3 H 6 O)Zn + ][Zn 2+ ][(NC) 6 Co 3- ] was precisely determined at the atomic level through Rietveld refinement of the synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. By evaluating the catalyst's performance in both propylene oxide (PO) polymerization and PO/CO 2 copolymerization, a correlation between structure and performance was established on various aspects including activity, dispersity, unsaturation level, and carbonate fraction in the resulting polyols. Ultimately, our study identified highly efficient catalysts that outperformed the state-of-the-art benchmark DMC not only in PO polymerization [DMC-(OAc/OtBu/Cl)(0.59/0.38/0.15)] but also in PO/CO 2 copolymerization [DMC-(OAc/OtBu)(0.95/0.08)].

A concise and stereoselective total synthesis of (-)-hedycoropyran A was accomplished in a substrate-controlled manner from a readily available alkene. Highlights of the synthesis include a highly diastereoselective dehydrogenative cycloetherification to construct the trans -2-aryl-6-alkyl-3,6-dihydro-2 H -pyran framework and late-stage substrate-controlled trans -dihydroxylation at C(3,4).

The pursuit of high-performance, next-generation nanoelectronics is fundamentally reliant on exploiting quantum phenomena such as tunneling at room temperature. However, quantum tunneling and memory dynamics are governed by two conflicting parameters: the presence or absence of defects. Therefore, the integration of both attributes within a single device presents substantial challenges. Nevertheless, successful integration has the potential to prompt crucial breakthroughs by emulating biobrain-like dynamics, in turn enabling sophisticated in-material neural logic operations. In this work, we demonstrate that a conformal nanolaminate HfO 2 /ZrO 2 structure on silicon enables high-performing (>10 6 s) Fowler-Nordheim tunneling at room temperature. In addition, the device exhibits unipolar dynamic hysteresis loop opening (on/off ratio >10 2 ) with high endurance (>10 4 cycles) along with negative differential resistance, which is attributed to the collective ferroelectric and capacitive effects and is utilized to emulate synaptic functions. Further, proof-of-concept logic gates based on voltage-dependent plasticity and time-domain were developed using a single device, offering in-material neural-like data processing. These findings pave the way for the realization of high-performing and scalability tunneling devices in advanced nanoelectronics, which mark a promising route toward the development of next-generation, fundamental neural logic computing systems.

In this study, the one-dimensional (1D) material V 2 Se 9 was successfully synthesized using a colloidal method with VO(acac) 2 and Se powder as precursors in a 1-octadecene solvent. The obtained colloidally synthesized V 2 Se 9 (C-V 2 Se 9 ) has an ultrathin nanobelt shape and a 4.5 times higher surface area compared with the bulk V 2 Se 9 , which is synthesized in a solid-state reaction as previously reported. In addition, all surfaces of C-V 2 Se 9 are exposed to Se atoms, which is advantageous for storing Li through the conversion reaction into the Li 2 Se phase. Herein, the electrochemical performance of the C-V 2 Se 9 anode material is evaluated; thus, the novelty of C-V 2 Se 9 as a Se-rich 1D anode material is verified. The C-V 2 Se 9 electrode exhibits a reversible capacity of 893.21 mA h g -1 and a Coulombic efficiency of 97.82% at the 100th cycle and excellent structural stability. Compared with the bulk V 2 Se 9 electrode, the outstanding electrochemical performance of C-V 2 Se 9 is attributed to its ultrathin nanobelt shape, high surface area, shorter Li diffusion length, and more electrochemically active sites. This work indicates the great potential of the Se-rich 1D material, C-V 2 Se 9 , as a post-transition metal dichalcogenide material for high-performance LIBs.

ConspectusMesoporous inorganic materials (MIMs) directed by block copolymers (BCPs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their high surface area, large pore volume, and tunable pore size. The structural hierarchy of inorganic materials with designed meso- and macrostructures combines the benefits of mesoporosity and tailored macrostructures in which macropores have increased ion/mass transfer and large capacity to carry guest material and have a macroscale particle morphology that permits close packing and a low surface energy. Existing methods for hierarchically structured MIMs require complicated multistep procedures including preparation of sacrificial macrotemplates (e.g., foams and colloidal spheres). Despite considerable efforts to control the macrostructures of mesoporous materials, major challenges remain in the formation of a structural hierarchy with ordered mesoporosity.In polymer science, spinodal decomposition (SD) is a physical phenomenon that spontaneously produces a wide variety of macroscale heterostructures from interconnected networks to isolated droplets. Exploitation of SD is a promising method to achieve precise control of the macrostructure (e.g., macropore, particle morphology) and mesostructure (e.g., pore size and structure, composition) of inorganic materials. However, this approach for tailoring the structural hierarchy of MIMs is unexplored due to the lack of effective systems that can control the complex thermodynamic interactions of inorganic precursor/polymer blends and the phase-separation kinetics.In this Account, we present our recent research progress on the development of synthesis systems that combine unique SD behaviors and BCP self-assembly in polymer blends. To generate macropores in MIMs, we have exploited interconnected macrostructures of SD induced by designed quench conditions of multicomponent blends containing BCP. These strategies enable control of the size of the macropores of the nanostructures independently and can be extended to various compositions (e.g., carbon, SiO 2 , TiO 2 , WO 3 , TiNb 2 O 7 , TiN). We also control the macroscopic morphology of the MIMs into spherical particles (e.g., solid and hollow mesoporous spheres) by using SD induced by increasing the mixing entropy penalty of polymer blends that consist BCP, homopolymer(s), and inorganic precursors. Furthermore, interfacial tension between polymers determines the macroscopic morphology of MIMs, from isotropic to anisotropic mesoporous particles (e.g., oblate, bowl, 2D nanosheet). The interfacial states of the homopolymer determine the pore orientation and particle morphology of BCP-directed MIMs.We also highlight the application of the hierarchically structured MIMs in energy storage devices. Generated macropores facilitate ion/mass transfer in lithium-ion batteries and stable accommodation of a large amount of sulfur in lithium-sulfur batteries. Designed morphologies of MIMs are beneficial to achieve high packing density as electrode materials in potassium-ion batteries and thereby achieve high volumetric capacities.Recent advances in SD-driven synthesis for the structural hierarchy of MIMs will inspire how polymer science can be used as a platform for preparing the designed inorganic materials. Additionally, broadening the polymer and composition repertoire will guide in novel frontiers in the design and applications of MIMs in various fields.

Currently, synthesizing mixed-metal metal-organic frameworks (MM-MOFs) in a single step remains a challenge due to the varying reactivities of different metal cations. This often results in the formation of mixtures of monometallic MOFs or MM-MOFs with nonstoichiometric metal ratios. A promising approach to overcoming this issue is the controlled precursor method, which uses prebuilt polynuclear complexes with structures similar to the secondary building units (SBUs) of the desired MOFs. In this study, we report that metal acetates can serve as natural prebuilt SBUs, enabling the controlled synthesis of MBDs ([M 2 (BDC) 2 DABCO] n , M = metal, BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane) under ambient conditions. By exploiting the fact that metal acetates readily form soluble paddle-wheel dimers similar to the SBUs of MBDs, we achieve the direct synthesis of mixed-metal MBDs at room temperature. The metal ratios (Zn, Co, and Ni) in the resulting MBDs are controllable, and the production yields exceed 90%. The use of metal acetates facilitates the fast and uniform nucleation of MBDs, regardless of the metal cations involved. This similarity in nucleation rates leads to the formation of bimetallic and trimetallic MBDs with predefined metal ratios and homogeneous metal distribution while maintaining the quality of the MOFs. Importantly, this strategy offers an efficient pathway for synthesizing mixed metal MBDs using stoichiometric amounts of metal salts without toxic additives, high energy consumption, and complex synthesis steps.

We demonstrate the generation and control of polaritonic states in perovskite phonon polaritons, which are strongly coupled in the middle of a flexible Fabry-Perot cavity. We fabricated flexible perovskite films on a microporous substrate coated with graphene oxide, which led to a virtually free-standing film incorporated into the microcavity. Rabi splitting was observed when the cavity resonance was in tune with that of the phonons. The Rabi splitting energy increased as the film thickness increased, reaching 1.9 meV, which is 2.4-fold higher than the criterion for the strong coupling regime. We obtained dispersion curves for various perovskite film thicknesses exhibiting two polariton branches; clear beats between the two polaritonic branches were observed in the time domain. Flexible cavity devices with perovskite phonons enable macroscopic control over the polaritonic energy states through bending processes, which add an additional degree of freedom in the manipulation of polaritonic devices.

A lack of the T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment limits the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated innate immunity has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach in cancer therapy. 2',3'-Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is a natural STING agonist; however, cGAMP is subjected to endogenous degradation by ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). To improve the ICI response rate, we developed 29f , a novel ENPP1 inhibitor with phthalazin-1(2 H )-one as the core scaffold. 29f inhibited the cGAMP hydrolysis by ENPP1 in vitro (IC 50 = 68 nM) and enhanced the STING-mediated type I interferon response in both immune and tumor cells. 29f demonstrated excellent metabolic stability and bioavailability ( F = 65%). Orally administered 29f promoted tumor growth inhibition in a CT26 syngeneic model and increased the anti-PD-L1 response. Furthermore, 29f -induced immunological memory prevented the tumor relapse against tumor rechallenge, suggesting the promising therapeutic potential of 29f .

We report the synthesis of ethylenediamine-intercalated NbSe 2 and Li-ethylenediamine-intercalated MoSe 2 single crystals with increased interlayer distances and their electronic structures measured by means of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy images confirm the successful intercalation and an increase in the interlayer distance. ARPES measurement reveals that intercalated NbSe 2 shows an electronic structure almost identical to that of monolayer NbSe 2 . Intercalated MoSe 2 also returns the characteristic feature of the monolayer electronic structure, a direct band gap, which generates sizable photoluminescence even in the bulk form. Our results demonstrate that the properties and phenomena of the monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides can be achieved with large-scale bulk samples by blocking the interlayer interaction through intercalation.

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are promising for cell-based cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. These sEVs encapsulate potent cargo, including microRNAs (miRs), within a bilayer membrane that aids sEV uptake when administered to cells. However, despite their efficacy, sEV therapies are limited by inconsistencies in the sEV release from parent cells and variability in cargo encapsulation. Synthetic sEV mimics with artificial bilayer membranes allow for cargo control but suffer poor stability and rapid clearance when administered in vivo . Here, we developed an sEV-like vehicle (ELV) using an electroporation technique, building upon our previously published work, and investigated the potency of delivering electroporated ELVs with pro-angiogenic miR-126 both in vitro and in vivo to a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. We show that electroporated miR-126+ ELVs improve tube formation parameters when administered to 2D cultures of cardiac endothelial cells and improve both echocardiographic and histological parameters when delivered to a rat left ventricle after ischemia reperfusion injury. This work emphasizes the value of using electroporated ELVs as vehicles for delivery of select miR cargo for cardiac repair.

Recently, the development of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) for near-infrared (NIR) organic photodetectors (OPDs) has attracted great interest due to their excellent NIR light absorption properties. Herein, we developed NFAs by substituting an electron-donating moiety (branched alkoxy thiophene (BAT)) asymmetrically (YOR1) and symmetrically (YOR2) for the Y6 framework. YOR1 exhibited nanoscale phase separation in a film blended with PTB7-Th. Moreover, substituting the BAT unit effectively extended the absorption wavelengths of YOR1 over 1000 nm by efficient intramolecular charge transfer and extension of the conjugation length. Consequently, YOR1-OPD exhibited significantly reduced dark current and improved responsivity by simultaneously satisfying optimal nanomorphology and significant suppression of charge recombination, resulting in 1.98 × 10 13 and 3.38 × 10 12 Jones specific detectivity at 950 and 1000 nm, respectively. Moreover, we successfully demonstrated the application of YOR1-OPD in highly sensitive photoplethysmography sensors using NIR light. This study suggests a strategic approach for boosting the overall performance of NIR OPDs targeting a 1000 nm light signal using an all-in-one (optimal morphology, suppressed dark current, and extended NIR absorption wavelength) NFA.

The total synthesis and structure confirmation of the potent cytotoxic agent (-)-asimitrin ( 1 ), a C 37 annonaceous acetogenin having a hydroxylated adjacent bis-tetrahydrofuran (THF) core, are described. The present synthesis features a highly stereoselective, chelate-controlled intramolecular amide enolate alkylation (IAEA) for the synthesis of key intermediate 17-hydroxy-16,17- erythro -16,19- trans -THF 6 , our direct ketone synthesis/l-Selectride reduction protocol for stereoselective introduction of the C(21)-C(34) unit, Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (SAD), and internal Williamson etherification for construction of the 20,23- trans -THF ring.

Two-dimensional (2D) palladium phosphide sulfide (PdPS) has garnered significant attention, owing to its exotic physical properties originating from the distinct Cairo pentagonal tiling topology. Nevertheless, the properties of PdPS remain unexplored, especially for electronic devices. In this study, we introduce the thickness-dependent electrical characteristics of PdPS flakes into fabricated field-effect transistors (FETs). The broad thickness variation of the PdPS flakes, ranging from 0.7-306 nm, is prepared by mechanical exfoliation, utilizing large bulk crystals synthesized via chemical vapor transport. We evaluate this variation and confirm a high electron mobility of 14.4 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and I on / I off > 10 7 . Furthermore, the 6.8 nm-thick PdPS FET demonstrates a negligible Schottky barrier height at the gold electrode contact, as evidenced by the measurement of the temperature-dependent transfer characteristics. Consequently, we adjusted the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling mechanism to elucidate the charge-transport mechanism, revealing a modulated mobility variation from 14.4 to 41.2 cm 2 V -1 s -1 with an increase in the drain voltage from 1 to 5 V. The present findings can broaden the understanding of the unique properties of PdPS, highlighting its potential as a 2D ternary chalcogenide in future electronic device applications.

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) is a promising technology for data storage and neuromorphic computing; however, cycle-to-cycle and device-to-device variability limits its widespread adoption and high-volume manufacturability. Improving the structural accuracy of RRAM devices during fabrication can reduce these variabilities by minimizing the filamentary randomness within a device. Here, we studied area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD) of the HfO 2 dielectric for the fabrication of RRAM devices with higher reliability and accuracy. Without requiring photolithography, first we demonstrated ALD of HfO 2 patterns uniformly and selectively on Pt bottom electrodes for RRAM but not on the underlying SiO 2 /Si substrate. RRAM devices fabricated using AS-ALD showed significantly narrower operating voltage range (2.6 × improvement) and resistance states than control devices without AS-ALD, improving the overall reliability of RRAM. Irrespective of device size (1 × 1, 2 × 2, and 5 × 5 μm 2 ), we observed similar improvement, which is an inherent outcome of the AS-ALD technique. Our demonstration of AS-ALD for improved RRAM devices could further encourage the adoption of such techniques for other data storage technologies, including phase-change, magnetic, and ferroelectric RAM.

The use of triplet excitons harvesting and short exciton lifetime organic emitters is important to improve the exciton utilization in organic semiconductor laser diodes. In this study, a hybridized local and charge-transfer (HLCT)-type molecule, 11-(3-(10-(4-(1-phenyl-1 H -phenanthro[9,10- d ]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)anthracen-9-yl)phenyl)-11 H -benzofuro[3,2- b ]carbazole (PhAnMBf), is used as an emitter for blue-emitting organic solid-state lasers (OSSLs). The short exciton lifetime and high photoluminescence quantum yield of the PhAnMBf emitter allowed the fabrication of an organic laser with an emission wavelength of 453 nm, a small full width at half-maximum of 1.2 nm, and a threshold of 105 nJ/pulse, corresponding to 44 μJ/cm 2 , on the distributed feedback substrate. The anthracene-based PhAnMBf material showed the potential of the HLCT emitter as an OSSL.

Maspin is known to regress tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis; however, its roles have been reported to be context- and sequence-dependent. Various proteins and cofactors bind to maspin, possibly explaining its conflicting roles. Moreover, polymorphic forms of maspin have also been linked to tumor regression and survival; for instance, maspin with Ser at 176 (maspin-S176) promotes tumors, while maspin with Pro at 176 (maspin-P176) has opposing roles in cancer pathogenesis. With the help of long molecular dynamics simulations, a possible link between polymorphic forms and tumor progression has been established. First, maspin is dynamically stable with either amino acid at the 176 position. Second, differential contacts have been observed among various regions; third, these contacts have significantly altered the electrostatic energetics of various residues; finally, these altered electrostatics of maspin-S176 and maspin-P176 rewire the polar contacts that abolished the allosteric control of the protein. By combining these factors, the altered electrostatics substantially affect the localization and preference of maspin-binding partners, thus culminating in a different maspin-protein(cofactor)-interaction landscape that may have been manifested in previous conflicting reports. Here, the underlying reason has been highlighted and discussed, which may be helpful for better therapeutic manipulation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Long-lived photoinduced conductance changes in LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 (LAO/STO) heterostructures enable their use in optoelectronic memory applications. However, it remains challenging to quench the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) instantly and reproducibly, which limits the reversible optoelectronic switching. Herein, we demonstrate a reversible photomodulation of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in LAO/STO heterostructures with high reproducibility. By irradiating UV pulses, the 2DEG at the LAO/STO interface is gradually transformed to the PPC state. Notably, the PPC can be completely removed by water treatment when two key requirements are met: (1) the moderate oxygen deficiency in STO and (2) the minimal band edge fluctuation at the interface. Through our X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrical noise analysis, we reveal that the reproducible change in the conductivity of 2DEG is directly attributed to the surface-driven electron relaxation in the STO. Our results provide a stepping-stone toward developing optically tunable memristive devices based on oxide 2DEG systems.

Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are commonly used to investigate interactions between cell membranes and their environment. These model platforms can be formed on electrode surfaces and analyzed using electrochemical methods for bioapplications. Carbon nanotube porins (CNTPs) integrated with SLBs have emerged as promising artificial ion channel platforms. In this study, we present the integration and ion transport characterization of CNTPs in in vivo environments. We combine experimental and simulation data obtained from electrochemical analysis to analyze the membrane resistance of the equivalent circuits. Our results show that carrying CNTPs on a gold electrode results in high conductance for monovalent cations (K + and Na + ) and low conductance for divalent cations (Ca 2+ ).

Tailoring the electrical properties of one-dimensional (1D) van der Waals (vdW) materials is desirable for their applications toward electronic devices by exploiting their unique characteristics. However, 1D vdW materials have not been extensively investigated for modulation of their electrical properties. Here we control doping levels and types of 1D vdW Nb 2 Pd 3 Se 8 over a wide energy range by immersion in AuCl 3 or β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) solutions, respectively. Through spectroscopic analyses and electrical characterizations, we confirm that the charges were effectively transferred to Nb 2 Pd 3 Se 8 , and the dopant concentration was adjusted to the immersion time. Furthermore, we make the axial p-n junction of 1D Nb 2 Pd 3 Se 8 by a selective area p-doping using the AuCl 3 solution, which exhibits rectifying behavior with an I forward / I reverse of 81 and an ideality factor of 1.2. Our findings could pave the way to more practical and functional electronic devices based on 1D vdW materials.

Inner ear organoids (IEOs) are 3D structures grown in vitro , which can mimic the complex cellular structure and function of the inner ear. IEOs are potential solutions to problems related to inner ear development, disease modeling, and drug delivery. However, current approaches in generating IEOs using chemical factors have a few limitations, resulting in unpredictable outcomes. In this study, we propose the use of nanomaterial-based approaches, specifically by using graphene oxide (GO). GO's unique properties promote cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-cell gap junctions, thereby enhancing hair cell formation, which is an essential part of IEO development. We also investigated the potential applications for drug testing. Our findings suggest that GO is a promising candidate for enhancing the functionality of IEOs and advancing our understanding of the problems underlying inner ear development. The use of nanomaterial-based approaches may provide a more reliable and effective method for building better IEOs in the future.

Current cancer immunotherapeutic strategies mainly focus on remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) to make it favorable for antitumor immunity. Increasing attention has been paid to developing innovative immunomodulatory adjuvants that can restore weakened antitumor immunity by conferring immunogenicity to inflamed tumor tissues. Here, a galactan-enriched nanocomposite (Gal-NC) is developed from native carbohydrate structures through an optimized enzymatic transformation for effective, stable, and biosafe innate immunomodulation. Gal-NC is characterized as a carbohydrate nanoadjuvant with a macrophage-targeting feature. It is composed of repeating galactan glycopatterns derived from heteropolysaccharide structures of plant origin. The galactan repeats of Gal-NC function as multivalent pattern-recognition sites for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Functionally, Gal-NC-mediated TLR activation induces the repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward immunostimulatory/tumoricidal M1-like phenotypes. Gal-NC increases the intratumoral population of cytotoxic T cells, the main effector cells of antitumor immunity, via re-educated TAMs. These TME alterations synergistically enhance the T-cell-mediated antitumor response induced by αPD-1 administration, suggesting that Gal-NC has potential value as an adjuvant for immune checkpoint blockade combination therapies. Thus, the Gal-NC model established herein suggests a glycoengineering strategy to design a carbohydrate-based nanocomposite for advanced cancer immunotherapies.