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A novel fabrication of TiN/CNTs@CC was presented and can be used as electrodes with good flexibility and conductivity in ZIHCs.

The electrical conductivity of SLIPS-A has a negative correlation with the increasing corrosion resistance.

Here, a magnetic responsive composite surface (MRCS) was prepared by injecting a magnetic elastomer into ZnO nanoarrays for intelligent control of droplet/bubble transport. This non-pollution, non-contact operation method has shown great potential in micro-fluids, micro-chemical reactors, chip laboratory environments and other related applications.

It is difficult for traditional droplet manipulation to combine transportation and rapid capture of droplets on an inclined surface. In this work, a slippery magnetic track (SMT) is presented to manipulate droplets and bubbles in a magnetic field. By changing the direction of the magnetic field, the transitions from non-pinning to pinning states on the SMT can be achieved. Through the SMT surface, it is possible to capture and release droplets and bubbles in the vertical direction. The detailed theoretical and experimental studies of droplet and bubble manipulation are discussed. This work demonstrates the versatility of magnetic manipulation, including the transition of droplet trajectory and bubble removal, which will facilitate the research of intelligent interfaces in energy transmission, drug transport and micro engineering.

Here, we adopted a simple method to prepare an integrated mesh with an anisotropic surface (IMAS). The motion mode of the droplet can be switched by changing the tilt angle of the IMAS. This low-cost and convenient operation method has great application potential in biomimetic functional surface preparation, microfluidics

Functional superamphiphobic fabrics have attracted considerable attention for applications thanks to their anti-contamination and increased-buoyancy features.

A smart separation membrane with super-amphiphilic wettability was fabricated by a simple two-step method. The separation efficiency of the membrane towards the emulsion is more than 99.6%, and it can be recycled.

Mechanically and thermally stable hydrophobic aerogels were prepared by simple boric acid condensation, freeze-drying, and chemical vapor deposition for the treatment of oily wastewater.

The harsh working environment affects the performance and usage life of Al and its alloys, thus limiting their application. In recent years, Slippery Liquid-infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) has attracted much attention due to excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties. This may be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys. Here, the SLIPS with petal-like structure was constructed on the Al alloy via simple hydrothermal reaction, Stearic Acid (STA) modification and lubricant injection. A variety of droplets (including oil-in-water emulsions) can slide on the SLIPS at a low angle, even the Sliding Angle (SA) of the water droplet is only 3°. Furthermore, the SLIPS exhibits outstanding mechanical and chemical properties. It can maintain fine oil-locking ability under high shearing force and keep slippery stability after immersion in acid/alkaline solutions. In addition, the SLIPS possesses excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties, which provides a new way to promote the application of Al and its alloys. Therefore, the SLIPS is expected to be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys, as well as play a role in anti-fouling and self-cleaning in construction, shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing industries, thereby expanding the practical application of Al and its alloys.

Hypothesis The droplet manipulation behavior is affected by chemical structural driving force (including the superposition of electric, magnetic, optical and thermal fields), which directly determine transportation velocity. A lot of research has focused on a single driving force that induces the directional transportation behavior, which affects its performance. Experiments A simple method for preparing wettability gradient conical copper needles (WGCCN) combining structural gradient and chemical gradient was formulated. The effect of droplet volume and tilt angles on droplet transport velocity was systematically studied. The process of droplet transport was revealed through theoretical model and mechanical analysis. Finally, the application of WGCCN and its array model in fog collection were explored. Findings A continuous chemical gradient in the conical structure gradient induces the droplet directional transportation, and the transportation velocity depends on the droplet volume. In addition, under the cooperation effect of multiple driving force, the droplet can still be transported in a directional orientation even if it is tilted at a certain angle. The simple droplet manipulation behavior portends that the droplets directional transport behavior can be applied in microfluidic manipulation by cooperation of effective multiple driving force with satisfactory results.

Slippery lubricant-infused surfaces exhibit excellent fog-harvesting capacities compared with superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces. However, lubricant depletion is typically unavoidable under dynamic conditions, and reinfused oil is generally needed to recover the fog-harvesting capacity. Herein, an effective strategy for delaying the depletion of lubricant to prolong the service life of fog harvesting is proposed. An ultrathin transparent lubricant self-replenishing slippery surface was fabricated via facile one-step solvent evaporation polymerization. The gel film of the lubricant self-replenishing slippery surface, which was embedded with oil microdroplets, was attached to glass slides via the phase separation and evaporation of tetrahydrofuran. The gel film GFs-150 (with oil content 150 wt% of aminopropyl-terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS-NH2)) exhibited superior slippery and fog-harvesting performance to other gel films. Furthermore, the slippery surfaces with the trait of oil secretion triggered by mechanical stress exhibited better fog-harvesting capabilities and longer service life than surfaces without the function of lubricant self-replenishment. The lubricant self-replenishing, ultrathin, and transparent slippery surfaces reported herein have considerable potential for applications involving narrow spaces, visualization, long service life, etc.

Polydopamine as a multifunctional biomimetic polymer with nonselective strong adhesion properties has become a hot research topic in recent years. However, there are a few reports on the durable and effective emulsion separation of polydopamine composites from other materials. Therefore, it is necessary to construct durable polydopamine composites to achieve selective adsorption of materials. In this work, polypyrrole (PPy)-PDA was obtained on sponges by an in situ polymerization reaction, followed by the attachment of SiO

The performance degradation of oil caused by moisture and water pollution induced by the infiltration of oil can result in huge losses for society. This is especially true of stable emulsified mixtures of oil and water, which are difficult to separate and urgently require a processing method. In this work, a robust Janus membrane prepared by combining simple electrodeposition and spraying processes was used to separate water-in-transformer oil/lubricating oil emulsions and various oil-in-water emulsions. The membrane with outstanding separation efficiency was also endowed high flux to emulsions, even after 10 separation cycles and 100 sand impact tests, indicating that separation ability was retained. Furthermore, the excellent resistance to acidic and alkaline liquids of the superhydrophobic side groups of the membrane increased the possibility of its service in harsh environments. This study's findings reveal great potential regarding the expansion and application of oil-water separation materials.

Superhydrophobic surfaces are smart surfaces with high water contact angles and low surface energy. When water droplets rest on superhydrophobic surfaces, they often stay at high contact angles, and the lower contact angle hysteresis of the surface makes the water droplets roll extremely easily. In recent years, materials based on response to external stimuli have received extensive attention and research, which has brought a positive impact on the research of superhydrophobic surfaces in droplet manipulation. With more and more attention, the research on droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces in response to external stimuli has achieved many promising results, which will have great application potential in the fields of liquid transport, biochemical separation, in situ detection, and microfluidics. In this paper, we mainly review the droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces in response to electrical, magnetic, photothermal, acoustic and other external stimuli in recent years. First, the basic concept of superhydrophobic surface is introduced, three wettability theories are discussed, and the connection between superhydrophobic surface and droplet manipulation is discussed, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces and other surfaces. In addition, some special designs of superhydrophobic surfaces are also introduced. Secondly, the research results and progress of droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces induced by electrical, magnetic, optical, acoustic, mechanical stress and other external fields in recent years are mainly introduced and discussed. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of droplet manipulation research are summarized, and the possible future development directions are prospected in order to promote the development of this field.

Notoriously, a superhydrophobic surface always shows underwater superoleophilic behaviour in aqueous environments. However, a question remains unanswered: is superhydrophobicity equal to underwater superoleophilicity? Gaps of understanding still exist between such two extreme wetting states. Herein, beyond the thermodynamic contradiction, a well-defined porous coating integrating a simultaneous in-air superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic state can be realized via the rational incorporation of hydrophilic microscale defects on a superhydrophobic matrix. In contrast, a predictable underwater superoleophilic state is observed on the pristine superhydrophobic surface with completely hydrophobic surface chemistry. We underline how the hydrophilic defects regulate the underwater oil wetting and in-air water repellence simultaneously, and the superhydrophobic surface is not simply equal to the underwater superoleophilic surface. On the basis of understanding the underlying mechanism, the separation of light oil–water mixtures and surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions can be achieved using the defective superhydrophobic surface. Such findings could shed light on understanding repellence/penetration behaviours at a three phase contact line and accelerating the realization of opposite wetting states without any external stimulus.

Biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces show great potential in oil-water separation, anti-icing and self-cleaning. However, due to the instability caused by its fragile structure and non-durable superhydrophobicity, it is difficult to apply them in the actual field. Here, by introducing surface wettability and analysing the mechanism of superhydrophobic failure, it is concluded that the reason for the failure of the superhydrophobic surface comes from the transition of the surface energy and the hysteresis of the contact angle (CA). On the basis of this analysis, it is concluded that the principle of designing a durable superhydrophobic surface is to satisfy one of the following three points: improving the binding force between molecules, introducing durable materials and improving chemical durability. On this basis, a variety of preparation methods are proposed, such as assembly method and spray/dip coating method, and the design and preparation of a self-healing surface inspired by nature will also be included in the introduction. Last but not least, the preparation and application of a durable super-hydrophobic surface in oil-water separation, anti-icing and self-cleaning are also introduced in detail. This review reveals the conclusions and prospects of durable superhydrophobic surfaces, and aims to inspire more researchers to invest in this research.

Slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) are endowed with good pressure stability, self-repairing performance and omniphobic property due to the fluid lubricant layer. However, the problem that the lubricant is easily desorbed due to the poor fixation effect of the surface limits its wide range of applications. The functions will be diminished over time due to the depletion of the lubricant layer. Herein, the stability of the lubricant layer was enhanced by optimizing the structure and enhancing the interaction force between the substrate and the lubricant. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was grafted onto the surface of the titanium dioxide nanotube array with a regular morphology prepared by an anodizing method under ultraviolet irradiation, and the residual silicone oil was used as the lubricant, which endows the surface with a very low sliding angle of about 0.4°. On the one hand, the closed-cell and high-aspect-ratio titanium dioxide nanotube structure provides strong capillary force to improve the stability of the lubricant layer. On the other hand, the grafted polydimethylsiloxane molecular brush layer has good compatibility with the residual lubricant, providing strong intermolecular interaction force and further improving the stability of the lubricant layer. Therefore, the stable lubricant-infused surface can repel all kinds of liquids (water, hot water, organic liquids, etc.), and has good underwater (room temperature and 90 °C) stability, shear resistance, UV stability, high temperature stability, etc. In addition, the surface has excellent anti-fouling and anti-corrosion properties, which is also of great significance for practical applications.

A mixed edible wax coating on elastic substrates comprising sphere-shaped carnauba wax and flake-shaped beeswax superhydrophobic particles with a two-stage application (before/after stretching) shows durability against abrasion, scratch healing, self-cleaning performance, and sealing ability after stretching.

Superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surface combine the superiorities of the two opposite wettabilities. Generally, such a surface is constructed by hydrophilic areas and hydrophobic areas treated with fluorine-containing modifiers. However, the surface energy in a narrow range and poor bonding force between water-loving and water-repelling components make the surface fragile and its wettability unstable. Herein, we present a strategy to fabricate a robust surface with superhydrophobicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Hydrophilic aluminum phosphate as a binder can strongly interact with superhydrophobic titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Mixing the two ingredients to accurately control the surface energy in a narrow range and then spray coating, the superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces are conveniently prepared on diverse substrates. Under acid/base aqueous solution conditions, O2-plasma etching, and sand impingement, the coatings remain superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic. Taking advantage of the wettability and robustness of coatings, the as-prepared membranes realize on-demand and multicycle separation under gravity without continuous external stimulus. Importantly, even after 100 sand impingement cycles, the treated membranes still maintain prominent separation performance.

Superhydrophobicity and underwater superoleophobicity demonstrate mutual advantages in various water-related interfacial applications. However, achieving such two opposite superwetting states on a single one-fabric surface without introducing any continuous external stimulus remains a great challenge. In this work, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) modification methodology for achieving superhydrophobicity and underwater superoleophobicity on a single one-fabric surface is presented. The CVD methodology plays a crucial role in realizing such unusual superwetting properties that can be achieved through a moderate synergetic effect from hydrophobic and hydrophilic components in surface chemistry. Driven only by gravity, the as-prepared fabric with reasonable resistance to repeatable laundering cycles and long-time corrosive liquid submersion can be further applied in high-efficiency on-demand oil-water separation.

A novel micronano wire channels Janus membrane (WCJM) was fabricated by a convenience spraying method. We prepared a series of samples with different (super)hydrophobic energy barriers and studied the effects of WCJMs on one-way transportation and fog collection. The droplets can be one-way transported from the (super)hydrophobic side to the superhydrophilic side, forming a transport channel when they contact the superhydrophilic micronano wire under hydrostatic pressure. In the experiment, when droplets touch the exposed micronano wires, they will be rapidly absorbed by the superhydrophilic side. However, when the superhydrophobic energy barrier is thick and the superhydrophobic layer completely covers the micronano wires on the substrate surface, the droplets cannot achieve one way transport behavior. Besides, we observed three different fog collection modes. They have a significant difference in fog collection efficiency. In WCJM-3, the superhydrophobic side collects fog in a dropwise condensation mode, and then transported to the superhydrophilic side through the micronano wire channels for storage, with the highest fog collection efficiency (1.1 g/cm2·h). The results show that the WCJM surface not only makes full use of the difference in wettability and micronano wire structure to promote the droplets one-way transportation, but also improves the fog collection performance by accelerating surface regeneration, which has potential application value in fog collection, droplet treatment and related engineering.

Janus materials have accumulated great achievements in recent years owing to their unique asymmetric structure and properties. In this review, recent advances of Janus materials including Janus particles and Janus membranes are summarized, and then the microstructures and applications of Janus materials are emphasized. The asymmetric wettability of Janus materials is related to the microstructure, hence the microstructures of Janus materials were analyzed, compared and summarized. Also presented are current and potential applications in sensing, drug delivery, oil-water separation and so on. Finally, a perspective on the research prospect and development of Janus materials in more fields is prospected.

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancer types, especially in Asian countries. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to improve the progression-free survival among gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases; however, not all patients demonstrate response to HIPEC.MethodsBiomarkers are needed to select patients for effective treatment of HIPEC. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing on tumor samples from 18 gastric cancer patients who received HIPEC treatment and assessed the association between genomic mutation features and progression-free survival. Exome sequencing was further conducted on tumor samples from additional 15 gastric cancer patients as a replication study.ResultsThe tumor mutational burden (TMB) was significantly higher in the group of patients with a better response to HIPEC treatment than that of the others. Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that patients with high TMB had a significantly longer survival time than that in patients with low TMB. This discovery was validated in the replication cohort. Genes bearing mutations recurrently and selectively in patients with better response to HIPEC were found in the two cohorts.ConclusionWe found that higher TMB is significantly associated with better response to HIPEC. Our results provide useful hints for prognostic stratification of HIPEC treatment.

Water shortages are currently becoming more and more serious due to complicated factors such as the development of the economy, environmental pollution, and climate deterioration. And it is the best solution to the problems faced by people in today's world to investigate the bionic structure of nature and explore effective methods for fog collection. Herein, we've illustrated the bionic structures of the Namib desert beetle, cactus spines, and spider silk, and we imitate and further modify the respective bionic structures, as well as construct multifunctional bionic structures to improve fog collection. In addition, we also expound the fog collection behavior of a large fog collector, and an excellent fog capture effect was achieved through studying the mesh structure, the surface modification of the mesh, and the construction of the fog collector. The advantages and limitations of fog collection by a harp fog collector were also explored. We hope that through this review, relevant researchers can have a deeper understanding of this field and thus promote the development of fog collection.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) proliferate after encountering the fetal antigen, which plays an important role in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. Activated Tregs increase number and function after antigen encounter and develop memory. Upon subsequent antigen exposure, Treg cells re-expand more rapidly. However, the characteristics of memory regulatory T cells (mTregs) during normal pregnancy and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) have not been elucidated well. In this study, we analyzed the proportion of Tregs and mTregs in the peripheral blood and their surface expression of PD-1, CCR6, and HLA-G in normal non-pregnant (n = 20) and pregnant (n = 20) women, and non-pregnant (n = 20) and pregnant URPL (n = 20) women. We found that the proportions of mTregs in lymphocytes, CD3