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The nature of external surface barriers in the zeolite ZSM-5 was explored by comparing mass transfer of n-heptane in samples with different crystal sizes, surface structure, and composition. These different surface properties were achieved by HF acid etching and SiO2 deposition on an as-synthesized ZSM-5 crystal sample. HF etching does not reduce surface barriers. SiO2 deposition on the same sample reduces surface barriers significantly. These insights into the nature of surface barriers could be used to guide the rational design of zeolitic materials with better mass transport properties.

Current strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments focus on pathologies in the late stage of the disease progression. Poor clinical outcomes are displayed due to the irreversible damages caused by early microglia abnormality which triggers disease development before identical symptoms emerge. Based on the crosstalk between microglia and brain microenvironment, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive polymeric micelle system (Ab‐PEG‐LysB/curcumin (APLB/CUR)) is reported to normalize the oxidative and inflammatory microenvironment and reeducate microglia from an early phase of AD. Through an β‐amyloid (Aβ) transportation‐mimicked pathway, the micelles can accumulate into the diseased regions and exert synergistic effects of polymer‐based ROS scavenging and cargo‐based Aβ inhibition upon microenvironment stimuli. This multitarget strategy exhibits gradual correction of the brain microenvironment, efficient neuroprotection, and microglia modulation, leading to decreased Aβ plaque burdens and consequently enhanced cognitive functions in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 model mice. The results indicate that microglia can be exploited as an early target for AD treatment and their states can be controlled via microenvironment modulation.