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The assessment of embryo quality aims to enhance subsequent pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Metabolic analysis of embryos has immense potential in this regard. As a step towards this goal, here we assess the metabolism of bovine embryos using label-free optical imaging. We compared embryos defined as either on-time or fast-developing, as fast dividing embryos are more likely to develop to the blastocyst stage. Specifically, bovine embryos at 48 (Day 2) and 96 (Day 4) hours post fertilization were fixed and separated based on morphological assessment: on-time (Day 2: 2 cell; Day 4: 5–7 cell) or fast-developing (Day 2: 3-7 cell; Day 4: 8–16 cell). Embryos with different developmental rates on Day 2 and Day 4 were correlated with metabolic activity and DNA damage. Confocal microscopy was used to assess metabolic activity by quantification of cellular autofluorescence specific for the endogenous fluorophores NAD(P)H and FAD with a subsequent calculation of the optical redox ratio. Separately, hyperspectral microscopy was employed to assess a broader range of endogenous fluorophores. DNA damage was determined using γH2AX immunohistochemistry. Hyperspectral imaging showed significantly lower abundance of endogenous fluorophores in fast-developing compared to on-time embryos on Day 2, indicating a lower metabolic activity. On Day 4 of development there was no difference in the abundance of FAD between on-time and fast-developing embryos. There was, however, significantly higher levels of NAD(P)H in fast-developing embryos leading to a significantly lower optical redox ratio when compared to on-time embryos. Collectively, these results demonstrate that fast-developing embryos present a 'quiet' metabolic pattern on Day 2 and Day 4 of development, compared to on-time embryos. There was no difference in the level of DNA damage between on-time and fast-developing embryos on either day of development. To our knowledge, this is the first collective use of confocal and hyperspectral imaging in cleavage-stage bovine embryos in the absence of fluorescent tags. • Hyperspectral microscopy detects "quiet" metabolism in fast-developing embryos. • Fast-developing cleavage stage bovine embryos present a 'quiet' metabolic pattern. • Embryos with different developmental rates display no difference in DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis and functionalization of graphene-based nanomaterials. • Structural versatility and synergies of functionalized graphene-based nanomaterials. • Functionalization of graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites for energy storage. • Design and engineering of graphene-based nanomaterials for hydrogen storage systems. Graphene and its derivatives are attractive solid-state candidates to meet the needs of next-generation energy and hydrogen storage technologies. Although impressive storage capacities have been demonstrated, materials meeting all targets established by the United States Department of Energy have yet to be identified. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in functionalized graphene-based nanomaterials for energy and hydrogen storage systems. First, considerations for the most common synthetic approaches to graphene-based nanomaterials are briefly summarized. Then, the effects of traditional functionalization strategies on the structural characteristics and properties of pristine graphene are discussed. Lastly, recent advances and progress in energy applications using functionalized graphene-based nanomaterials including supercapacitors, batteries and hydrogen storage are highlighted, and new directions are discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]