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Zein, which accounts for around 80% of the total protein composition in corn, is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance derived from renewable sources. Although insoluble in water, its amphiphilic characteristics are utilized to generate nanoparticles, nanofibers, microparticles, and even films. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the potential of zein as a prospective biomaterial to develop fibrous scaffolds for biomedical functions owing to its biocompatibility, fibrous formation, and encapsulating qualities. Fabrication of zein‐based fibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications is achieved by a wide variety of techniques, including electrospinning, wet spinning, freeze drying, and additive manufacturing. This article overviews current advancements in manufacturing techniques for zein‐based fibrous scaffolds. In addition, it summarizes the most recent biomedical applications and research activities utilizing zein‐based fibrous scaffolds. Overall, zein is proposed as a potential biomaterial for the production of fibrous scaffolds that stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation in a number of exciting biomedical applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other unique features related to its structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in advanced electronics has initiated the investigation of new ways to develop and apply self‐powered smart devices. The concern for meteoric exhausting non‐renewable energy sources has spurred such endeavors. Even so, using external power sources like batteries is problematic due to limited capacity, maintenance inconvenience, replacement, and environmental hazards. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) capable of converting various forms of mechanical energies into electrical output are gaining popularity. The marine and coastal areas are abundant sources of salvable mechanical energy. TENGs can convert lower‐frequency, ununiform, multidirectional energies into usable electricity. This can solve the device‐powering problem and can generate diverse signals to act as monitoring or sensing platforms themselves. In this review, three main TENG‐based/TENG‐driven application themes are addressed, i.e., energy harvesting, marine environment monitoring, and self‐powered equipment for marine‐related activities. It attempts to emphasize that various design features of TENGs can influence output performance; TENGs can power devices and monitor ocean parameters; TENGs‐integrated modern IoT networking systems can transmit real‐time data. Overall, this review encompasses the fundamental working mechanisms, structure designs, and practical implementation scenarios of recently developed devices in diverse marine applications. Finally, the existing challenges and potential future directions for TENG‐based marine self‐powered electronic systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical synthesis and detection by using miniature devices have promising applications in different areas, including human life and environmental protection. With the accelerated growth and wide range of alternatives in these fields, the development of sustainable, dependable, and ubiquitous systems is essential. In this regard, a continuous, long-lasting, and renewable power supply is needed to keep the devices active, which is a key challenge for the successful development and dissemination of such systems. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can provide suitable solutions to this critical problem through their self-powered capability. TENGs utilize the surrounding mechanical energies and convert them into usable electrical outputs to aid in synthesizing and detecting various inorganic and organic chemical compounds. This review comprehensively discusses the contribution and potential of TENGs in chemical synthesis and detection according to their design, fabrication, working principles, synthesis, and detection mechanisms. Furthermore, innovative materials and nanotechnology are reviewed to optimize chemical synthesis and detection performance efficiencies. Finally, the current limitations of TENGs for chemical synthesis and detection are discussed for potential future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]