Activiteit

Implementation of the probe at four different sites involves a glass capillary needle, or, for two sites, an ultrathin metal needle. Within a brain-mimicking hydrogel environment, in vitro experiments on multisite probe implantations display a high connection yield, exceeding 86%. Histological images, taken in living tissue at each probe insertion site, which were implanted by stitching with either glass capillaries or ultrathin metal needles, show consistent and smooth interfaces between the tissue and the probes, accompanied by a minimal inflammatory reaction over time. In support of other observations, electrophysiology studies demonstrate the capacity for monitoring the actions of single neurons at every injection location with sustained stability over a period of no less than one month. Importantly, the measured spike amplitudes and signal-to-noise ratios across diverse implantation locations exhibit no statistically significant variations. Fundamental neuroscience research and electrotherapeutic applications gain new potential through the multisite stitching implantation of flexible electronics into the brain.

The growing global concern for the environment due to the use of petrochemical plastics is constantly pushing research into discovering green and sustainable alternative materials. Though petrochemical products have their place, cellulose shines in its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability; unfortunately, its dense hydrogen-bonding network and ordered crystalline structure present difficulties during the thermoforming process. A strategy is presented to realize the partial de-linking of hydrogen bonds in cellulose, promoting the reconfiguration of cellulose chains into a dynamic covalent structure. This allows for cellulose’s thermal processability, evidenced by a moderate glass transition temperature (Tg = 240°C). The cellulosic bioplastic, moreover, offers a high tensile strength of 67 MPa, together with superior moisture and solvent resistance, good recyclability, and the ability to biodegrade naturally. Due to its advantageous attributes, the created cellulosic bioplastic stands as a promising substitute for conventional plastics.

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) presents a promising approach for the density-based study and handling of non-magnetic materials. A fundamental limitation of current MagLev methods stems from their reliance on the static balance of gravitational and magnetic forces, consequently impeding the distinction of internal density variations. We propose a strategy called dynamically rotating MagLev, which employs both centrifugal and nonlinear magnetic forces to increase the interior density disparities. Centrifugal force, coupled with the design of nonlinear magnetic forces, stabilizes equilibrium states, permitting various homogeneous objects to achieve distinct equilibrium orientations. Even without a decrease in magnetic susceptibility, the MagLev system’s dynamic rotation can induce a relatively significant change in the orientation angle (over 50 degrees) for heterogeneous parts containing minute inclusions, with a volume fraction of 208 percent. Levitation stability, a crucial element in the equilibrium of levitating objects, is, for the first time, utilized to describe the spatial heterogeneity of object density. Operationally simple, non-destructive density heterogeneity characterization methods are enabled by the exploitation of objects’ tunable nonlinear levitation behaviors, presenting a new paradigm. In the area of 3-dimensional object arrangement, alignment, and assembly, these methods show considerable potential.

Iron-nickel hydroxide catalysts excel at oxygen evolution reactions (OER), however, they are ineffective for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), a factor limiting their potential for large-scale use in electrochemical water splitting. Employing a heterostructure comprising NiFeV hydroxide and iron oxide, supported on iron foam (NiFeV@FeOx/IF), a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst was developed for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Incorporating V doping and facilitating intimate contact between NiFeV hydroxide and FeOx not only bolsters the catalyst’s overall electrical conductivity, but also provides an increased amount of high-valence nickel, acting as active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction. alk signals receptor The incorporation of V and FeOx substances causes a reduction in the electron density on lattice oxygen, facilitating the considerable desorption of adsorbed hydrogen. These properties in the NiFeV@FeOx /IF catalyst result in exceptionally low overpotentials for OER (218 mV) and HER (105 mV), facilitating a current density of 100 mA cm-2. The electrolyzer demonstrates impressive electrochemical stability, operating reliably for 180 hours at a remarkably low cell voltage of 157 V, enabling a current density of 100 mA cm-2, effectively exceeding the performance of commercial RuO2 Pt/C and the vast majority of comparable catalysts previously documented. This investigation presents a one-of-a-kind approach for developing highly effective electrocatalysts dedicated to the complete process of water splitting.

Though photodynamic immunotherapy has been highlighted as a potential treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, the issue of its insensitivity persists as a significant obstacle. A major factor behind this is an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), demonstrably composed of immature myeloid cells and exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Within photodynamic immunotherapy protocols, the PEG-PEI-Adv-Catalase-KillerRed (p-Adv-CAT-KR) three-in-one oncolytic adenovirus system was created to enhance, stimulate, and intensify immune responses. The components are genetically-engineered KillerRed photosensitizer, catalase for localized oxygen generation, and the adenovirus as a reproducible immunostimulatory vector. In the interim, PEG-PEI is implemented to prevent adenovirus from being targeted by circulating immune cells. Administration of p-Adv-CAT-KR leads to amplified antigen-presenting cell numbers, augmented T-cell infiltration, and a diminished tumor mass. A more in-depth exploration of the underlying mechanisms shows that the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and its consequent PD-1/PD-L1 pathway are involved in the transition of the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in cholangiocarcinoma. The synergistic action of KillerRed, catalase, and adenovirus produces a potent antitumor photo-immune response, promising its application as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy for cholangiocarcinoma.

Near-infrared-II (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) fluorescence lifetime imaging serves as a powerful tool in the fields of biosensing, anti-counterfeiting, and multiplex imaging. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of fluorescence probes in the NIR-II region is a critical factor limiting the accuracy and efficiency of data acquisition, particularly for in vivo multiplex molecular imaging. To effectively address this problem, we present lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (NPs), NaErF4 2%Ce@NaYbF4@NaYF4, characterized by high photoluminescence quantum yield and a tunable photoluminescence lifetime achieved by multi-ion doping and a unique core-shell structural design. When illuminated with 980 nm light, cyclohexane can achieve an internal PLQY of up to 501%, and water can reach a maximum internal PLQY of 92%. The preceding results prompted the development and use of a novel homebuilt NIR-II fluorescence lifetime imaging system, successfully performing a rapid whole-body vascular imaging procedure in mice. This procedure demonstrated a low-background murine abdominal capillary network. Fluorescence lifetime multiplex imaging is further showcased in the molecular imaging of atherosclerotic cells and various organs in living models through the conjugation of nanoparticles with specific peptides and diverse injection methods, individually. Employing the homebuilt fluorescence lifetime imaging system with high PLQY NPs, a rapid and high-signal-to-noise fluorescence lifetime imaging is achieved. This approach facilitates multiplex molecular atherosclerosis imaging.

Pollination of wild-flowering plants and crops is fundamentally reliant on bumblebees. Researchers have observed that regulating the gut’s microbial community in bumblebees is of immense importance in supporting their health and therapeutic interventions for diseases. In addition, honeybees are utilized as models to examine the regulatory control of gut bacteria inside living organisms. These strategies, while used, suffer from a lack of precision and have not been the focus of investigation in bumblebees. This study employs nanotransducers to wirelessly adjust the spatial and temporal positioning of genetically modified bacteria inside bumblebees. In vivo transport of these nanotransducers, designed as one-dimensional chains with smooth surfaces, is facilitated, while temperature-regulated engineered bacteria populate the guts of microbial-free bumblebees. Thermal production in the bumblebee gut, generated by magnetothermal and photothermal methods in response to nanotransducers, substantially increases the expression of target proteins in engineered gut bacteria. This advanced technology allows for precise management and control of engineered bacteria cultures within the bumblebee’s gut environment. This further paves the way for tackling intestinal parasitic illnesses affecting bumblebees and eliminating any lingering pesticide residues.

Dynamic expression profiling and precise quantification of mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) are essential for elucidating their cellular functions. Yet, the precise in situ detection of mtRNA remains elusive, hindered by issues relating to delivery and intricate cellular interference. To quantify specific mtRNA, a dual-color imaging system equipped with signal amplification and normalization is employed. A prototype, consisting of an enzyme-free hairpin DNA cascade amplifier that identifies mtRNA encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6), is employed as the signal readout and merged with biodegradable mitochondria-targeting black phosphorus nanosheets (BP-PEI-TPP) to study the spatial-temporal characteristics of ND6 mtRNA. An internal reference module, directed against -actin mRNA, is conveyed to the cytoplasm by BP-PEI to normalize signals. This allows mtRNA quantification in living cells with specificity and sensitivity equivalent to that of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).