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| Open AccessUltrasmall metal alloy nanozymes mimicking neutrophil enzymatic cascades for tumor catalytic therapy
Emulating the killing function of neutrophils, which involves the enzymatic cascade of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), is promising for cancer therapy, but developing SOD-MPO cascade in one nanozyme is challenging. Here the authors report ultrasmall AuPd alloy nanozymes that mimic neutrophil enzymatic cascades for catalytic treatment of tumors.
- Xiangqin Meng
- , Huizhen Fan
- & Kelong Fan
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Article
| Open AccessPhotocured room temperature phosphorescent materials from lignosulfonate
It is elusive to manufacture room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials through effective and ambient processing approaches. Here the authors report the production of photocured RTP materials using lignosulfonate to act as RTP chromophore and photoinitiator, achieving easy preparation, low cost and good performance.
- Hongda Guo
- , Mengnan Cao
- & Zhijun Chen
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Article
| Open Access4D printed hydrogel scaffold with swelling-stiffening properties and programmable deformation for minimally invasive implantation
3D printing has potential in designing personalised scaffolds, but minimally invasive implantation is still challenging. Here, the authors report the development of a polyurethane material with temperature triggered shape memory and water triggered deformation that allows for transcatheter delivery.
- Bo Liu
- , Hui Li
- & Xiaoli Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessBiomimetic computer-to-brain communication enhancing naturalistic touch sensations via peripheral nerve stimulation
Loss of communication between the brain and the body severely impacts the sensorimotor abilities of disabled individuals. Here, the authors design and test a neuroscience-driven framework for advancing bionic devices that leverages biomimetic stimulation to induce physiologically plausible information flow in animals and enhances patient performance with neuroprostheses.
- Giacomo Valle
- , Natalija Katic Secerovic
- & Stanisa Raspopovic
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| Open AccessMolecular co-assembled strategy tuning protein conformation for cartilage regeneration
The assembly of oligopeptide and polypeptide molecules can reconstruct various ordered advanced structures. Here the authors develop a “molecular velcro”-inspired amphiphilic supramolecular co-assembly strategy, which improves the mechanical strength and cartilaginous regeneration efficiency through conformation transition.
- Chengkun Zhao
- , Xing Li
- & Yong Sun
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| Open AccessElastic porous microspheres/extracellular matrix hydrogel injectable composites releasing dual bio-factors enable tissue regeneration
Injectable pro-regenerative biomaterials are vital for developing minimally invasive regenerative treatment, but impeded by brittleness and lack of biological functions. Here the authors address these issues by engineering injectable functionalized composites that facilitate the sequential release of IL-4 and IGF-1 to regulate macrophages and stem cell behavior for enhanced in situ regeneration.
- Yi Li
- , Siyang Liu
- & Meifeng Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessBiomimetic mercury immobilization by selenium functionalized polyphenylene sulfide fabric
The abatement of elemental mercury remains an enormous challenge for public health and ecosystems. Here, inspired by the seleno-mercury antagonism effect in biological systems, the authors developed an ideal Hg0 adsorbent with a record-high adsorption capacity of 1621.9 mg g−1.
- Hailong Li
- , Fanyue Meng
- & Jianping Yang
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| Open AccessA 3D printable tissue adhesive
Tissue adhesives have received significant interest for their clinical utility but are typically incompatible with advanced manufacturing methods. Here, the authors introduce a 3D printable tissue adhesive for the fabrication of patches and devices for diverse biomedical applications.
- Sarah J. Wu
- , Jingjing Wu
- & Xuanhe Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessMicrometer-thick and porous nanocomposite coating for electrochemical sensors with exceptional antifouling and electroconducting properties
It is vital but challenging to develop coating technologies for addressing reliability and durability issues of electrochemical sensors when exposed to diverse and complex biological environments. Here, the authors report a micrometer-thick, porous and robust nanocomposite coating that enables highly sensitive and stable electrochemical sensors.
- Jeong-Chan Lee
- , Su Yeong Kim
- & Donald E. Ingber
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Article
| Open AccessRegulating protein corona on nanovesicles by glycosylated polyhydroxy polymer modification for efficient drug delivery
The dynamic protein corona hinders the uptake of nanocarriers in desired target cell populations, limiting their bench-to-bedside translation. Here the authors reveal that the modification of hydroxyl and amino functional groups on nanovesicles can rationally regulate the composition of protein coronas to improve the efficiency of targeted drug delivery.
- Yunqiu Miao
- , Lijun Li
- & Yong Gan
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Article
| Open AccessAntiviral fibrils of self-assembled peptides with tunable compositions
In this work, the authors report the use of a computationally and rationally designed self-assembling peptide that has robust antiviral capability with demonstrated specificity in binding to SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of viral entry into human cells.
- Joseph Dodd-o
- , Abhishek Roy
- & Vivek Kumar
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Article
| Open AccessShape-recovery of implanted shape-memory devices remotely triggered via image-guided ultrasound heating
Focused ultrasound could be used to change the geometry of implanted shape-memory medical devices noninvasively. Here, the authors demonstrate this concept on large animal models, showing device removal and trigger drug release.
- Yang Zhu
- , Kaicheng Deng
- & William R. Wagner
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Article
| Open AccessRedox-responsive polymer micelles co-encapsulating immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents for glioblastoma therapy
Immune checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapy has shown limited efficacy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Here the authors describe the design of redox-responsive micelles for increasing the delivery of paclitaxel and anti-PD-L1 in the brain, showing improved anti-tumor immune response in preclinical GBM models.
- Zhiqi Zhang
- , Xiaoxuan Xu
- & Shenghong Ju
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Article
| Open AccessMechanically resilient hybrid aerogels containing fibers of dual-scale sizes and knotty networks for tissue regeneration
Aerogels are suitable for soft tissue engineering, but often come with brittleness. Here the authors develop a hybrid aerogel with micro- and nanofiber networks that optimizes tensile moduli and fracture energies and show that these materials are super-elastic, fostering rapid tissue ingrowth and allowing minimally invasive procedures.
- S. M. Shatil Shahriar
- , Alec D. McCarthy
- & Jingwei Xie
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Article
| Open AccessProgrammed microalgae-gel promotes chronic wound healing in diabetes
The treatment of infected diabetic wounds faces obstacles of bacterial infection, hypoxia, hyperexpression of reactive oxygen species, and inflammation. Here, the authors address these issues by developing a programmed treatment strategy that utilizes live Haematococcus to promote healing of diabetic wounds in a comprehensive manner.
- Yong Kang
- , Lingling Xu
- & Xiaoyuan Ji
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| Open AccessTuning oxidant and antioxidant activities of ceria by anchoring copper single-site for antibacterial application
Nanozymes used for antibacterial therapy conventionally have complex catalytic activities that cause multiple pathways in parallel and unwanted outcome. Here, the authors report a Cu-CeO2 single site nanozyme in which Cu single site modification can enhance the peroxidase-like activity and inhibit the hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity of CeO2 to optimise the antibacterial effects.
- Peng Jiang
- , Ludan Zhang
- & Yuguang Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHydrogel dressings with intrinsic antibiofilm and antioxidative dual functionalities accelerate infected diabetic wound healing
Dressings for aiding in chronic wound healing can be beneficial, but often involve additional processes or leave residue. Here, the authors report a hydrogel dressing with antibiofilm and antioxidative properties for the treatment of infected diabetic wounds.
- Dicky Pranantyo
- , Chun Kiat Yeo
- & Mary B. Chan-Park
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Article
| Open AccessTwo way workable microchanneled hydrogel suture to diagnose, treat and monitor the infarcted heart
Myocardial infarction can lead to malignant arrhythmia and myocardial remodeling. Here, the authors report a microchanneled hydrogel suture for two-way signal communication, pumping drugs on demand, and cardiac repair.
- Fangchao Xue
- , Shanlan Zhao
- & Wen Zeng
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Article
| Open AccessGenerating dual structurally and functionally skin-mimicking hydrogels by crosslinking cell-membrane compartments
It is desirable to be able to mimic the properties of skin with hydrogels, but challenging to achieve. Here, the authors report the use of functionalised extracellular vesicles as crosslinkers for skin-mimicking hydrogels with good mechanical strength.
- Feng Wu
- , Yusheng Ren
- & Yan Pang
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| Open AccessIn-situ-sprayed therapeutic hydrogel for oxygen-actuated Janus regulation of postsurgical tumor recurrence/metastasis and wound healing
Surgery is a primary therapeutic modality for treating melanoma, but it is challenging to tackle tumor recurrence/metastasis and postsurgical wounds. Here the authors report a sprayable hydrogel capable of long-lasting and controllable oxygen supply for preventing tumor recurrence/metastasis and simultaneously promoting wound healing during the postsurgical treatment of melanoma.
- Shuiling Chen
- , Yang Luo
- & Shaobing Zhou
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| Open AccessA wearable electrostimulation-augmented ionic-gel photothermal patch doped with MXene for skin tumor treatment
A wearable biological patch capable of producing multiple responses to light and electricity without interfering with daily activities is desired for skin cancer treatment but remains elusive. Herein, the authors report a skin-mountable and dual-responsive electrothermal patch for melanoma treatment by the co-therapy of photothermal and electrical stimulations.
- Xingkai Ju
- , Jiao Kong
- & Yongdong Jin
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Article
| Open AccessUncovering supramolecular chirality codes for the design of tunable biomaterials
Assembly of amyloids is important in neurodegenerative diseases, but there is limited understanding of how supramolecular chirality is controlled. Here, the authors report the design of peptide derivatives that allow chirality inversion at biologically relevant temperatures.
- Stephen J. Klawa
- , Michelle Lee
- & Ronit Freeman
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| Open AccessA drug-free cardiovascular stent functionalized with tailored collagen supports in-situ healing of vascular tissues
The efficacy of drug-eluting stents remains limited due to delayed reendothelialization, impaired intimal remodeling, and potentially increased late restenosis. Here the authors propose a one-produces-multi stent coating, a drug-free strategy that supports in situ healing of vascular tissues, as demonstrated in rabbit and porcine models.
- Haoshuang Wu
- , Li Yang
- & Yunbing Wang
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| Open AccessLNP-RNA-engineered adipose stem cells for accelerated diabetic wound healing
Adipose stem cells are promising therapeutic agents in tissue regeneration. Here the authors develop a lipid nanoparticle/RNA engineering platform to enhance the protein production of these cells, which demonstrate superior healing efficacy in a mouse model of diabetic cutaneous wounds.
- Yonger Xue
- , Yuebao Zhang
- & Yizhou Dong
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Article
| Open AccessA one-two punch targeting reactive oxygen species and fibril for rescuing Alzheimer’s disease
Toxic amyloid-beta plaque and harmful inflammation are two leading hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and precise AD therapy is elusive due to the lack of dual-targeting therapy function, limited blood-brain barrier penetration, and low imaging sensitivity. Here, the authors address these issues by designing a near-infrared-II aggregation-induced emission nanotheranostic for precise AD therapy.
- Jiefei Wang
- , Ping Shangguan
- & Ben Zhong Tang
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Article
| Open AccessEnhancing aortic valve drug delivery with PAR2-targeting magnetic nano-cargoes for calcification alleviation
Achieving targeted drug delivery for calcified aortic valve is challenging. Here, the authors find that protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is up-regulated on calcified valves and develop a magnetic nanocarrier functionalized with PAR2-targeting peptide for dual-active drug delivery.
- Jinyong Chen
- , Tanchen Ren
- & Xianbao Liu
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Article
| Open AccessReplicating shear-mediated self-assembly of spider silk through microfluidics
Native spider silk has desirable mechanical properties, but these are challenging to replicate in an artificial material. Here, the authors report the use of a microfluidic system to create continuous fibers based on recombinant spidroin.
- Jianming Chen
- , Arata Tsuchida
- & Keiji Numata
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Article
| Open AccessFlexible switch matrix addressable electrode arrays with organic electrochemical transistor and pn diode technology
Organic neural implants hold considerable promise for biocompatible neural interfaces. Here, the authors employ polymer-based organic electrochemical diodes and transistors to develop neuron-sized complex circuits, enabling multiplexing without crosstalk and demonstrate that, when integrated onto ultra-thin plastic, these circuits achieve high performance while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
- Ilke Uguz
- , David Ohayon
- & Kenneth L. Shepard
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| Open AccessDigital automation of transdermal drug delivery with high spatiotemporal resolution
Microneedle patches that can actively address individual needles are challenging to realize. Here, the authors introduce a spatiotemporal on-demand patch for precise and personalized drug delivery, utilizing electrically triggered control with drug-loaded microneedles and biocompatible metallic membranes.
- Yihang Wang
- , Zeka Chen
- & Wubin Bai
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Article
| Open AccessLithiated porous silicon nanowires stimulate periodontal regeneration
Prelithiation can introduce controllable amounts of lithium within porous silicon, however it yields a highly reactive material unsuitable for biomedicine. In this study, the authors present a strategy to lithiate porous silicon nanowires, resulting in a biocompatible and bioresorbable material.
- Martti Kaasalainen
- , Ran Zhang
- & Ciro Chiappini
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| Open AccessSelf-propelled assembly of nanoparticles with self-catalytic regulation for tumour-specific imaging and therapy
In vivo manipulation of the dynamics of nanoparticles’ is essential for disease-specific imaging and therapy, but tends to involve complex design processes. Here, the authors report a strategy for manipulating the assembly of nanoparticles in vivo through a self-catalysis-instructed dimerization of tyrosine, offering convenient fabrication, high reaction specificity and biocompatibility.
- Mengmeng Xia
- , Qiyue Wang
- & Daishun Ling
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Article
| Open AccessIn vivo assembly enhanced binding effect augments tumor specific ferroptosis therapy
The poor tumour delivery efficacy of GPX4 inhibitor has dampened its in vivo therapeutic value. Here the authors report a peptide ferriporphyrin conjugate to improve tumour penetration, endocytosis and GPX4 inhibition, synergistically enhancing its anticancer activity by ferroptosis.
- Da-Yong Hou
- , Dong-Bing Cheng
- & Hao Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSilica-associated proteins from hexactinellid sponges support an alternative evolutionary scenario for biomineralization in Porifera
Sponges, being early-diverging metazoans and the only animals to develop extensive skeletons of silica, have potential to inform about the evolutionary steps of metazoan traits, including biomineralization. Here, the authors characterize two proteins associated with the hexactinellid sponge silica.
- Katsuhiko Shimizu
- , Michika Nishi
- & Manuel Maldonado
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| Open AccessA uniform data processing pipeline enables harmonized nanoparticle protein corona analysis across proteomics core facilities
Protein corona is crucial for the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines, and the protein composition of the corona layer is typically analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Here the authors report that the use of a uniform database search provides an opportunity for taking measures in good practice and quality control in protein corona research using mass spectroscopy technique.
- Hassan Gharibi
- , Ali Akbar Ashkarran
- & Morteza Mahmoudi
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| Open AccessTargeted therapies of inflammatory diseases with intracellularly gelated macrophages in mice and rats
Membrane-decorated nanomedicines often suffer from reduced efficacy caused by membrane artefacts during the coating process. Here the authors show that intracellularly gelated macrophages preserve membrane properties, stay stable under ambient temperature, and show therapeutic effects in murine models of joint and lung inflammation.
- Cheng Gao
- , Qingfu Wang
- & Ruibing Wang
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Article
| Open AccessProgrammable adhesion and morphing of protein hydrogels for underwater robots
Soft robots have potential in carrying out underwater tasks, but achieving the right level of adhesion and shape-changing ability is challenging. Here, the authors report the development of protein-based hydrogels with iron oxide nanoparticles with photothermal and magnetic responsiveness, capable of carrying out complex tasks.
- Sheng-Chen Huang
- , Ya-Jiao Zhu
- & Zhi-Gang Qian
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Article
| Open AccessA natural biogenic nanozyme for scavenging superoxide radicals
The inorganic minerals are believed to exert a critical catalytic role in the prebiotic time, but biominerals (e.g., bones) in modern living organisms are known mainly for their physical property-related functions. Here the authors identify natural ferritin iron core as a superoxide dismutase-like nanozyme exhibiting species-related activity and elucidate its specific catalytic mechanism.
- Long Ma
- , Jia-Jia Zheng
- & Kelong Fan
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Article
| Open AccessCultured meat with enriched organoleptic properties by regulating cell differentiation
Achieving organoleptic properties of conventional meat is important for cultured meat production. Here, the authors demonstrate that the texture, flavor, and nutritional content of cultured meat can be significantly enhanced by regulating cell differentiation inside hydrogel scaffolds.
- Milae Lee
- , Sohyeon Park
- & Jinkee Hong
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Article
| Open AccessHeparin-network-mediated long-lasting coatings on intravascular catheters for adaptive antithrombosis and antibacterial infection
Catheter-related infection and thrombosis are serious complications, and preventative coatings are not always suitable. Here, the authors report a heparin mediated coating for to address both infections and thrombosis from catheters simultaneously.
- Lin Liu
- , Huan Yu
- & Hengchong Shi
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Article
| Open AccessBionic artificial skin with a fully implantable wireless tactile sensory system for wound healing and restoring skin tactile function
Although artificial skins can facilitate the healing of damaged skin, the restoration of tactile functions remain a challenge. Here, Kang et al. report an artificial skin with an implantable tactile sensor that can simultaneously replace the tactile function by nerve stimulation and promote skin regeneration.
- Kyowon Kang
- , Seongryeol Ye
- & Youngmee Jung
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Article
| Open AccessInjectable hydrogel electrodes as conduction highways to restore native pacing
No preventive treatment addresses the underlying condition that leads to cardiac arrest. Here, researchers developed an injectable hydrogel electrode that achieves pacing that mimics physiological conduction with the potential to eliminate lethal arrhythmias and provide painless defibrillation.
- Gabriel J. Rodriguez-Rivera
- , Allison Post
- & Elizabeth Cosgriff-Hernandez
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Article
| Open AccessMetallopolymer strategy to explore hypoxic active narrow-bandgap photosensitizers for effective cancer photodynamic therapy
Iridium-based photosensitizers exhibit good photocatalytic performance, but the in vivo applications are hindered by conventional O2-dependent Type-II photochemistry and poor absorption. Here, the authors report a general metallopolymerization strategy for engineering iridium complexes exhibiting Type-I photochemistry and enhancing absorption intensity in the blue to near-infrared region.
- Zhao Zhang
- , Zixiang Wei
- & Xuanjun Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessColloidal pathways of amorphous calcium carbonate formation lead to distinct water environments and conductivity
The mechanism of calcium carbonate formation has been of interest for decades, but additive-controlled systems are poorly understood. Here the authors show that polycarboxylates facilitate bicarbonate entrapment and thereby inhibit nucleation. Distinct water environments in amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles arise from colloidal formation pathways and lead to mineral conductivity.
- Maxim B. Gindele
- , Sanjay Vinod-Kumar
- & Guinevere Mathies
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Article
| Open AccessHuman apical-out nasal organoids reveal an essential role of matrix metalloproteinases in airway epithelial differentiation
Airway organoids made in Matrigel are in basal-out orientation. Here, authors present apical-out nasal organoids using a biochemically defined hydrogel system, revealing that matrix metalloproteinases are required for normal epithelial development.
- Liyue Li
- , Linyi Jiao
- & Chunwei Li
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Article
| Open AccessAll-in-one porous membrane enables full protection in guided bone regeneration
Precise coupling of different or even contradictory material properties and biological characteristics is needed for tissue engineering but challenging. Here the authors report an all-in-one guided bone regeneration membrane that asymmetrically combines stiffness and flexibility, ingrowth barrier and ingrowth guiding, alongside anti-bacteria and cell-activation.
- Shuyi Wu
- , Shulu Luo
- & Yan Li
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Article
| Open AccessRedox-enabled electronic interrogation and feedback control of hierarchical and networked biological systems
With redox-linked synthetic biology and electrobiofabrication, electronic information can be transmitted in a bidirectional manner between biology and electronics. Here the authors design an electrogenetic platform that allows real time electronic control of biological functions from proteins and gene circuits to cell consortia.
- Sally Wang
- , Chen-Yu Chen
- & William E. Bentley
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Article
| Open AccessIntranasal mask for protecting the respiratory tract against viral aerosols
The spread of many infectious diseases substantially relies on aerosol transmission to the respiratory tract. Here, the authors design an intranasal mask with the ability to intercept viral aerosols, entrap and inactivate virus, thus preventing respiratory tract infection.
- Xiaoming Hu
- , Shuang Wang
- & Wei Wei
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Article
| Open AccessSoft ferroelectret ultrasound receiver for targeted peripheral neuromodulation
Neurostimulators are often bulky and uncomfortable. Researchers report a wireless, leadless, and battery-free ultrasound receiver that wraps around the target peripheral nerve and allows precise modulation of organ function, providing a framework for future bioelectronic medicines
- Tong Li
- , Zhidong Wei
- & Zhang-Qi Feng
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Article
| Open AccessBioinspired mechanical mineralization of organogels
Mineralization is common in biological materials for selective strengthening, but similar toughening in polymer composites is challenging. Here, the authors report a mechanically-mediated reaction for formation of mineralized microrods within a synthetic material.
- Jorge Ayarza
- , Jun Wang
- & Aaron P. Esser-Kahn