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We examine the interactions between polyelectrolytes (PEs) and uncharged substrates under conditions corresponding to a dielectric discontinuity between the aqueous solution and the substrate. To this end, we vary the relevant system characteristics, in particular the substrate dielectric constant ɛs under different salt conditions. We employ coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with rodlike PEs in salt solutions with explicit ions and implicit water solvent with dielectric constant ɛw = 80. As expected, at low salt concentrations, PEs are repelled from the substrates with ɛs < ɛw but are attracted to substrates with a high dielectric constant due to image charges. This attraction considerably weakens for high salt and multivalent counterions due to enhanced screening. Furthermore, for monovalent salt, screening enhances adsorption for weakly charged PEs, but weakens it for strongly charged ones. Meanwhile, multivalent counterions have little effect on weakly charged PEs, but prevent adsorption of highly charged PEs, even at low salt concentrations. We also find that correlation-induced charge inversion of a PE is enhanced close to the low dielectric constant substrates, but suppressed when the dielectric constant is high. To explore the possibility of a PE monolayer formation, we examine the interaction of a pair of like-charged PEs aligned parallel to a high dielectric constant substrate with ɛs = 8000. Our main conclusion is that monolayer formation is possible only for weakly charged PEs at high salt concentrations of both monovalent and multivalent counterions. Finally, we also consider the energetics of a PE approaching the substrate perpendicular to it, in analogy to polymer translocation. Our results highlight the complex interplay between electrostatic and steric interactions and contribute to a deeper understanding of PE–substrate interactions and adsorption at substrate interfaces with varying dielectric discontinuities from solution, ubiquitous in biointerfaces, PE coating applications, and designing adsorption setups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are revolutionizing a spectrum of industries, from groundbreaking gas storage solutions to transformative biological system applications. The intricate architecture of these materials necessitates the use of advanced computational techniques for a comprehensive understanding of their molecular structure and prediction of their physical properties. Coarse-grained (CG) simulations shine a spotlight on the often-neglected influences of defects, pressure effects, and spatial disorders on the performance of MOFs. These simulations are not just beneficial but indispensable for high-demand applications, such as mixed matrix membranes and intricate biological system interfaces. In this work, we propose an optimized CG force field tailored for ZIF-8. Our work provides a deep dive into sorption isotherms and diffusion coefficients of small molecules. We demonstrate the structural dynamics of ZIF-8, particularly how it responds to pressurization, which affects its crystal structure and leads to local changes in aperture size and area. Emphasizing the game-changing potential of CG simulations, we explore the characteristics of amorphization in ZIF-8. Through computational exploration, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap, enhancing the potential applications of nanoporous materials for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate identification of protein–ligand binding sites is of critical importance in understanding and modulating protein function. Accordingly, ligand binding site prediction has remained a research focus for over three decades with over 50 methods developed and a change of paradigm from geometry-based to machine learning. In this work, we collate 13 ligand binding site predictors, spanning 30 years, focusing on the latest machine learning-based methods such as VN-EGNN, IF-SitePred, GrASP, PUResNet, and DeepPocket and compare them to the established P2Rank, PRANK and fpocket and earlier methods like PocketFinder, Ligsite and Surfnet. We benchmark the methods against the human subset of our new curated reference dataset, LIGYSIS. LIGYSIS is a comprehensive protein–ligand complex dataset comprising 30,000 proteins with bound ligands which aggregates biologically relevant unique protein–ligand interfaces across biological units of multiple structures from the same protein. LIGYSIS is an improvement for testing methods over earlier datasets like sc-PDB, PDBbind, binding MOAD, COACH420 and HOLO4K which either include 1:1 protein–ligand complexes or consider asymmetric units. Re-scoring of fpocket predictions by PRANK and DeepPocket display the highest recall (60%) whilst IF-SitePred presents the lowest recall (39%). We demonstrate the detrimental effect that redundant prediction of binding sites has on performance as well as the beneficial impact of stronger pocket scoring schemes, with improvements up to 14% in recall (IF-SitePred) and 30% in precision (Surfnet). Finally, we propose top-N+2 recall as the universal benchmark metric for ligand binding site prediction and urge authors to share not only the source code of their methods, but also of their benchmark. Scientific contributions This study conducts the largest benchmark of ligand binding site prediction methods to date, comparing 13 original methods and 15 variants using 10 informative metrics. The LIGYSIS dataset is introduced, which aggregates biologically relevant protein–ligand interfaces across multiple structures of the same protein. The study highlights the detrimental effect of redundant binding site prediction and demonstrates significant improvement in recall and precision through stronger scoring schemes. Finally, top-N+2 recall is proposed as a universal benchmark metric for ligand binding site prediction, with a recommendation for open-source sharing of both methods and benchmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly emerged organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) has been demonstrated promising in diverse sectors, yet its underlying operation rationale remains largely unexplored due to its short development time. Color, arising from the light‐matter interactions, is ubiquitous in nature. Here the concept of color‐gated OPECT biodetection based on a nanocomposite hydrogel is proposed and devised, which is exemplified by the automatic color change of Pt nanocubes (NCs)‐encapsulated hydrogel with Ag+‐responsiveness. Linking with a sandwich immunorecognition with labeled silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), chemical etching‐released Ag+ can sensitively affect the Pt NCs‐catalyzed conversion of o‐phenylenediamine, leading to the color change of the nanocomposite hydrogel and thus the altered gating characteristics. This study features the concept of color‐gated OPECT biodetection and is expected to catalyze a new category of advanced “colored” optobioelectronics, given the rich color change from the light‐matter‐bio interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast-paced and intricate nature of the current society, coupled with the ongoing changes in educational requirements, calls for the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills. To that end, adopting metacognitive strategies could be instrumental. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week-long metacognition-based biology course on school students' metacognition and biology comprehension. Employing a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, the study involved 120 eighth-graders from two public schools. One group was exposed to metacognitive questioning, while the other one continued with regular classroom activities. The results showed that participants who received metacognition-guided instruction achieved higher scores on the biology test and reported improved metacognition as compared to those who followed the standard curriculum. These outcomes were consistent across genders and regardless of whether a student reported a deep or surface learning approach. Qualitative analysis extracted themes of collaboration and understanding among the students. They appreciated the specificity of tasks, which deepened their comprehension, and valued collaborative learning facilitated by metacognitive prompts. These prompts not only enhanced their understanding but also contributed to fostering a positive classroom environment. This research underscores the effectiveness of metacognitive support in enhancing biology education. It advocates for the integration of metacognitive strategies into classroom practices, emphasizing the positive impact they can have on students' learning experiences and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma activated water (PAW) has been prepared using atmospheric pressure air dielectric barrier discharge with the bubbling method. This study aims to elucidate the crucial role of gas-liquid interface in determining the physicochemical properties and biological reactivity of PAW, as well as describe the process of mass transfer for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) during the PAW generation. Gas-liquid interfacial area is regulated by varying the airflow rate. When the airflow rate increases from 0.5 to 16.0 SLM, the concentrations of , , and activated oxygen in PAW increase significantly, and the water-activated time for complete E. coli inactivation can be shortened from more than 320 s to 40 s. The numerical simulation result shows that when the airflow rate increases from 0.5 to 16.0 SLM, the gas-liquid interfacial area increases from 0.014 to 0.3 m2/600 mL. The analysis shows that the dependence of the chemical reactivity and the biological reactivity on the interface area is mainly attributed to the change of the mass flux with the interface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels, known for their mechanical and chemical similarity to biological tissues, are widely used in biotechnologies, whereas semiconductors provide advanced electronic and optoelectronic functionalities such as signal amplification, sensing, and photomodulation. Combining semiconducting properties with hydrogel designs can enhance biointeractive functions and intimacy at biointerfaces, but this is challenging owing to the low hydrophilicity of polymer semiconductors. We developed a solvent affinity-induced assembly method that incorporates water-insoluble polymer semiconductors into double-network hydrogels. These semiconductors exhibited tissue-level moduli as soft as 81 kilopascals, stretchability of 150% strain, and charge-carrier mobility up to 1.4 square centimeters per volt per second. When they are interfaced with biological tissues, their tissue-level modulus enables alleviated immune reactions. The hydrogel's high porosity enhances molecular interactions at semiconductor-biofluid interfaces, resulting in photomodulation with higher response and volumetric biosensing with higher sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels, known for their mechanical and chemical similarity to biological tissues, are widely used in biotechnologies, whereas semiconductors provide advanced electronic and optoelectronic functionalities such as signal amplification, sensing, and photomodulation. Combining semiconducting properties with hydrogel designs can enhance biointeractive functions and intimacy at biointerfaces, but this is challenging owing to the low hydrophilicity of polymer semiconductors. We developed a solvent affinity–induced assembly method that incorporates water-insoluble polymer semiconductors into double-network hydrogels. These semiconductors exhibited tissue-level moduli as soft as 81 kilopascals, stretchability of 150% strain, and charge-carrier mobility up to 1.4 square centimeters per volt per second. When they are interfaced with biological tissues, their tissue-level modulus enables alleviated immune reactions. The hydrogel’s high porosity enhances molecular interactions at semiconductor-biofluid interfaces, resulting in photomodulation with higher response and volumetric biosensing with higher sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks designed as chromatic sensors offer opportunities to probe biological interfaces, particularly when combined with biocompatible matrices. Particularly compelling is the prospect of chemical tomography – or the 3D spatial mapping of chemical detail within the complex environment of living systems. Herein, we demonstrate a chromic Covalent Organic Framework (COF) integrated within silk fibroin (SF) microneedles that probe plant vasculature, sense the alkalization of vascular fluid as a biomarker for drought stress, and provide a 3D in-vivo mapping of chemical gradients using smartphone technology. A series of Schiff base COFs with tunable pKa ranging from 5.6 to 7.6 enable conical, optically transparent SF microneedles with COF coatings of 120 to 950 nm to probe vascular fluid and the surrounding tissues of tobacco and tomato plants. The conical design allows for 3D mapping of the chemical environment (such as pH) at standoff distances from the plant, enabling in-vivo chemical tomography. Chromatic COF sensors of this type will enable multidimensional chemical mapping of previously inaccessible and complex environments. It is promising but elusive to use covalent organic frameworks (COFs)-based chromatic sensors for chemical tomography – or the 3D spatial mapping of chemical details within living systems. Here, the authors report a COF-silk fibroin microneedle interface capable of 3D mapping of the chemical environment at standoff distances from the plant, enabling in-vivo chemical tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature has created various organisms with unique chemical components and multi‐scale structures (e.g., foot proteins, toe pads, suckers, setose gill lamellae) to achieve wet adhesion functions to adapt to their complex living environments. These organisms can provide inspirations for designing wet adhesives with mediated drug release behaviors in target locations of biological surfaces. They exhibit conformal and enhanced wet adhesion, addressing the bottleneck of weaker tissue interface adhesion in the presence of body fluids. Herein, it is focused on the research progress of different wet adhesion and bioinspired fabrications, including adhesive protein‐based adhesion and inspired adhesives (e.g., mussel adhesion); capillarity and Stefan adhesion and inspired adhesive surfaces (e.g., tree frog adhesion); suction‐based adhesion and inspired suckers (e.g., octopus' adhesion); interlocking and friction‐based adhesion and potential inspirations (e.g., mayfly larva and teleost adhesion). Other secreted protein‐induced wet adhesion is also reviewed and various suckers for other organisms and their inspirations. Notably, one representative application scenario of these bioinspired wet adhesives is highlighted, where they function as efficient drug delivery platforms on target tissues and/or organs with requirements of both controllable wet adhesion and optimized drug release. Finally, the challenges of these bioinspired wet drug delivery platforms in the future is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric self-powered photoelectrochemical sensor based on laser direct writing technology was constructed to address the problem that the conventional single-signal detection mode was susceptible to the influence of instrumentation and environmental factors, which interfered with the detection results. Laser-induced CdS/TiO2/Graphene was prepared as dual photoanodes (PA1 and PA2), which were controlled by multiplexed switches to form a photocatalytic fuel cell with Pt cathode. By modifying the aptamer of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the photoanode surface, the target was specifically captured to the electrode surface to form a biological complex, which increased the steric hindrance and affected the electron transfer, thus reducing the output signal of the sensor. Targets with different concentrations were incubated on the surface of PA1, and targets with fixed concentrations were incubated on the surface of PA2. Under the control of the multiplex switch, the output signals of the two photoanodes were recorded, and the ratio of these two signals was used as the basis for the quantitative detection of AFB1. The sensor output was linearly increasing with the logarithm of AFB1 concentration from 1.0 to 150 ng mL−1 and the detection limit was 0.0974 ng mL−1. Additionally, this method had good stability, fast response, and good selectivity to real samples, providing an effective method for food safety monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the graphical abstract, we illustrate the innovative design of physical–chemical hybrid crosslinked composite hydrogels that exhibit a unique combination of properties, making them well-suited for advanced applications in flexible electronics and biosensing. These hydrogels demonstrate ideal stretchability and compressibility, alongside excellent adhesion capabilities. Their design is strategically tailored to ensure biocompatibility without compromising the sensitive detection of physiological signals. The graphical representation showcases the multifaceted nature of these materials, highlighting their dynamic responsiveness to mechanical stimuli and their potential to seamlessly interface with biological tissues for real-time monitoring and diagnostic purposes. [Display omitted] With the advancement of wearable and implantable medical devices, hydrogel flexible bioelectronic devices have attracted significant interest due to exhibiting tissue-like mechanical compliance, biocompatibility, and low electrical resistance. In this study, the development and comprehensive performance evaluation of poly(acrylic acid)/ N,N′-bis(acryloyl) cystamine/ 1-butyl-3-ethenylimidazol-1-ium:bromide (PAA/NB/IL) hydrogels designed for flexible sensor applications are introduced. Engineered through a combination of physical and chemical cross-linking strategies, these hydrogels exhibit strong mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, and effective sensing capabilities. At 95 % strain, the compressive modulus of PAA/NB/IL 100 reach up to 3.66 MPa, with the loading–unloading process showing no significant hysteresis loop, indicating strong mechanical stability and elasticity. An increase in the IL content was observed to enlarge the porosity of the hydrogels, thereby influencing their swelling behavior and sensing functionality. Biocompatibility assessments revealed that the hemolysis rate was below 5 %, ensuring their suitability for biomedical applications. Upon implantation in rats, a minimal acute inflammatory response was observed, comparable to that of the biocompatibility control poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). These results suggest that PAA/NB/IL hydrogels hold promise as biomaterials for biosensors, offering a balance of mechanical integrity, physiological compatibility, and sensing sensitivity, thereby facilitating advanced healthcare monitoring solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensory–neuromorphic interface is key to the application of neuromorphic electronics. Artificial spiking neurons and artificial sensory nerves have been created, and a few studies showed a complete neuromorphic system through cointegration with synaptic electronics. However, artificial synaptic devices and systems often do not work in real environments, which limits their ability to provide realistic neural simulations and interface with biological nerves. We report a sensory–neuromorphic interface that uses a fiber synapse to emulate a biological afferent nerve. For the first time, a sensing–neuromorphic interface is connected to a living organism for peripheral nerve stimulation, allowing the organism to establish a connection with its surrounding environment. The interface converts perceived environmental information into analog electrical signals and then into frequency‐dependent pulse signals, which simplify the information interface between the sensor and the pulse‐data processing center. The frequency of the interface shows a sublinear dependence on strain amplitude at different stimulus intensities, and can deliver increased frequency spikes at potentially damaging stimulus intensities, similar to the response of biological afferent nerves. To verify the application of this interface, a system that monitors strain and provides an overstrain alarm was constructed based on this afferent neural circuit. The system has a response time of <2 ms, which is compatible with the response time in biological systems. The interface can be potentially extended to process signals from almost any type of sensors for other afferent senses, and these results demonstrate the potential for neuromorphic interfaces to be applied to bionic sensory interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐scale robots offer significant potential in minimally invasive medical procedures. Due to the nature of soft biological tissues, however, robots are exposed to complex environments with various challenges in locomotion, which is essential to overcome for useful medical tasks. A single mini‐robot often provides insufficient force on slippery biological surfaces to carry medical instruments, such as a fluid catheter or an electrical wire. Here, for the first time, a team of millirobots (TrainBot) is reported to generate around two times higher actuating force than a TrainBot unit by forming a convoy to collaboratively carry long and heavy cargos. The feet of each unit are optimized to increase the propulsive force around three times so that it can effectively crawl on slippery biological surfaces. A human‐scale permanent magnetic set‐up is developed to wirelessly actuate and control the TrainBot to transport heavy and lengthy loads through narrow biological lumens, such as the intestine and the bile duct. The first electrocauterization performed by the TrainBot is demonstrated to relieve a biliary obstruction and open a tunnel for fluid drainage and drug delivery. The developed technology sheds light on the collaborative strategy of small‐scale robots for future minimally invasive surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle adhesion to polymer and similar substrates may be prone to low nano-Newton forces, disrupting the surface bonds and patterning, potentially reducing the functionality of complex surface patterns. Testing this, a functionalised surface reported for biological and medical applications, consisting of a thin plasma-derived oxazoline-based film with 68 nm diameter covalently bound colloidal gold nanoparticles attached within an aqueous solution, underwent nanomechanical analysis. Atomic Force Microscopy nanomechanical analysis was used to quantify the limits of various adaptations to these nanoparticle-featured substrates. Regular and laterally applied forces in the nano-Newton range were shown to de-adhere surface-bound gold nanoparticles. Applying a nanometre-thick overcoating anchored the nanoparticles to the surface and protected the underlying base substrate in a one-step process to improve the overall stability of the functionalised substrate against lower-range forces. The thickness of the oxazoline-based overcoating displayed protection from forces at different rates. Testing overcoating thickness ranging from 5 to 20 nm in 5 nm increments revealed a significant improvement in stability using a 20 nm-thick overcoating. This approach underscores the importance of optimising overcoating thickness to enhance nanoparticle-based surface modifications' durability and functional integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm-associated infections present a significant challenge in modern medicine, primarily due to their resilience and resistance to conventional treatments. These infections occur when bacteria form biofilms, protective layers formed by bacterial communities, which are notoriously resistant to traditional antibiotics on surfaces such as medical implants and biological surfaces, making eradication with standard antibiotics difficult. This resilience leads to persistent infections, imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. The urgency to find alternative treatments is critical as current methods are insufficient and costly. Innovative approaches, such as nanotechnology-based therapies, offer promising alternatives by targeting biofilms more effectively and reducing the need for invasive procedures. Nanocarriers hold significant promise in the fight against biofilm-associated infections. Nanocarriers can penetrate biofilms more effectively than conventional treatments, delivering higher concentrations of antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents precisely where they are needed. This targeted approach not only enhances the efficacy of treatments but also minimizes potential side effects. The development of nanocarrier-based therapies is crucial for overcoming the limitations of current treatments and ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the economic burden of biofilm-associated infections on healthcare systems. In this review, nanotechnology-based systems, their characteristics, limitations, and potential benefits are explored to address biofilms-related infections. Additionally, biofilm evaluation models and the tests necessary for the preclinical validation of these nanosystems to facilitate their clinical application are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature and engineering applications, flexible fiber beds covering biological surfaces can play a role in reducing resistance. These fibers deform under the action of fluids, and this deformation affects the fluid flow state, forming a complex fluid–solid interaction phenomenon. To quantitatively analyze these issues, the physical model is simplified. We focus on the deformation of a soft hair bed caused by Stokes flow. Additionally, we study the deformation of a single hair under Stokes flow in greater detail. The deformation problem of an elastic single fiber in a channel caused by Stokes flow can be described by a nonlinear integral equation. We have obtained a new series solution, which has been compared with the previous perturbation method to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the series solution. Meanwhile, we have further provided an extended form of flexible fiber deformation through experimental fitting. This fluid–solid interaction problem involves multiple fields and is very important in many natural and engineering systems. The research in this paper can not only help us better understand complex phenomena in nature but also delve into the interaction mechanism between fluids and solids, providing a theoretical basis for future scientific research and engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, existing iontronic systems are limited and struggle to process electronic-to-multi-ionic transport, resulting in interchange inefficiencies and incompatibilities between artificial ion devices and biological tissue interfaces. The development of heterogating gel iontronics offers a significant advancement in bridging this gap, drawing inspiration from the complex ionic transmission mechanisms found in biological synapses within neural networks. These heterogating gels utilize a biphasic architecture, where the heterointerface effect constructs ionic transfer energy barriers, enabling distinct signal transmission among different ions. In systems with multiple ion species, heterogating gel iontronics allow for precise control of ion transmission, realizing hierarchical and selective cross-stage signal transmission as a neuromorphic function. This perspective highlights the vast potential of heterogating iontronics in applications such as biosensing, neuroprosthetics, and ion separation technologies. Meanwhile, it also addresses the current challenges, including scaling production, ensuring biocompatibility, and integrating with existing technologies, which are crucial for future development. The advancement of heterogating gels is expected to promote the integration between abiotic and biotic systems, with broad implications for smart sensors, bioneural devices, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the behavior of electroactive cells, such as firing dynamics and chemical secretion, is crucial for developing human disease models and therapeutics. Following the recent advances in cell culture technology, traditional monolayers are optimized to resemble more 3D, organ‐like structures. The biological and electrochemical complexity of these structures requires devices with adaptive shapes and novel features, such as precise electrophysiological mapping and stimulation in the case of brain‐ and heart‐derived tissues. However, conventional organ‐on‐chip platforms often fall short, as they do not recreate the native environment of the cells and lack the functional interfaces necessary for long‐term monitoring. Origami‐on‐a‐chip platforms offer a solution for this problem, as they can flexibly adapt to the structure of the desired biological sample and can be integrated with functional components enabled by chosen materials. In this review, the evolution of origami‐on‐a‐chip biointerfaces is discussed, emphasizing folding stimuli, materials, and critical findings. In the prospects, microfluidic integration, functional tissue engineering scaffolds, and multi‐organoid networks are included, allowing patient‐specific diagnoses and therapies through computational and in vitro disease modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esthetically pleasing temporary prostheses are often necessary for extended periods in a variety of clinical scenarios. Adjustments to the occlusion or margins are commonly needed before cementing the temporary prosthesis. Therefore, it is clinically necessary to repolish the rough surface to avoid biological and esthetic issues associated with rough surfaces. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the impact of various polishing protocols on the surface roughness and color stability of three resin materials used for provisional crowns. A total of 150 specimens were fabricated from auto-polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate, bis-acryl composite, and Methyl methacrylate-LC resin using a stainless steel mold. Each material group was divided into five groups (n = 10) based on the applied surface treatment: positive control group (G1): no roughening or surface treatment, Negative control group (G2): acrylic bur-roughened surface without any polishing, the different surface treatment groups of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide stone polishing (G3), diamond-coated rubber twist (G4), and Surface Glaze (G5). An optical profilometer was used to assess the surface roughness of all samples. After undergoing 6000 cycles of thermocycling followed by immersion in a coffee solution for 15 days at 37 °C, color parameters were measured using a spectrophotometer both before and after a storage period to evaluate color differences. A two-way ANOVA test with α = 0.05 significance level was carried out to determine the impacts of both the materials utilized and the polishing protocol. Among the three types of resin examined, the bisacryl group exhibited superior surface quality in positive control groups, while PMMA resin demonstrated higher polishability. The diamond-coated rubber twits resulted in lower Ra values of 0.36 (0.01) µm, 0.52 (0.11) µm, and 0.28 (0.05) µm for PMMA, BAMA, and MMLC resins, respectively. The application of photo-polymerized surface glaze led to a plaque accumulation threshold of 0.2 µm across all resin groups. The greatest mean color change occurred in the negative control group, indicating a propensity for more staining on rougher surfaces. The Bisacryl resin exhibited higher ΔE values, whereas PMMA showed better color stability. The lowest ΔE values were found when the surface glaze was applied to all of the provisional crown resins. Untreated Bisacryl resin exhibited the lowest Ra values, while PMMA resins demonstrated superior surface morphology after polishing. PMMA provisional crown resins showed increased resistance to staining. The use of surface glaze enhanced both smoothness and color stability on the surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bionic lubricant materials are a class of materials inspired by natural organisms and offer excellent lubrication properties and biocompatibility. In the field of sports medicine, their application opens up new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of sports‐related diseases. The authors will introduce the existing theoretical models of friction in the locomotor system, the characteristics and advantages of biomimetic lubrication materials and discuss in depth their applications in the field of sports medicine. The development of bionic lubrication materials opens up unprecedented opportunities for sports medicine to provide more effective and long‐lasting treatment options for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are essential horticultural crops for humans. The quality of fruits and vegetables is critical in determining their nutritional value and edibility, which are decisive to their commercial value. Besides, it is also important to understand the changes in key substances involved in the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for investigating biological surfaces, has been widely used to characterize the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing from the perspective of nanoscale structure and mechanics. This review summarizes the applications of AFM to investigate the texture, appearance, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables based on structural imaging and force measurements. Additionally, the review highlights the application of AFM in characterizing the morphological and mechanical properties of nanomaterials involved in preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, including films and coatings for preservation, bioactive compounds for processing purposes, nanofiltration membrane for concentration, and nanoencapsulation for delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of AFM for characterizing the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing are examined, followed by a discussion on the prospects of AFM in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradients in surfactant distribution at a fluid-fluid interface can induce fluid flow known as the Marangoni flow. Fluid interfaces found in biological and environmental systems are seldom clean, where mixtures of various surfactants are present. The presence of multi-component surfactant mixtures introduces the possibility of interactions among constituents, which may impact Marangoni flows and alter flow dynamics. We employed flow visualization, surface tension and reaction kinetic measurements, and numerical simulations to quantitatively investigate the Marangoni flows induced by the reacting surfactant mixtures. Different binary surfactant mixtures were utilized for comparative analysis. The impact of surfactant interactions on Marangoni flows is confirmed through the observation of diverse complex flow patterns that result from the combination of oppositely charged surfactants in varying composition ratios and concentrations. Unique flow patterns originate from the composition-dependent interfacial phenomena upon mixing surfactants. Our findings provide vital insights that could be used to guide the development of effective oil remediation or the spreading of waterborne pathogens in contaminated regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faradaic‐mode organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) are promising but usually need hundreds of millivolts to sustain redox reactions. Decrease or even removal of the voltage penalty is highly desirable. Herein, the Faradic regime of the OECT is broadened toward zero bias by integrating a p‐n heterojunction of Cu2S‐diethylenetriamine (DETA)‐CdS for efficient photogating of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) channel. Upon light illumination, it is found that an obvious Faradaic process is evolved at the gate/electrolyte interface under zero gate bias, suggesting the potential of sensitive amperometric biodetection with enhanced signal resolution. At the Cu2S‐DETA‐CdS/liquid interface, a biosensing process is introduced, combining with a DNA walker and enzymatic biocatalytic precipitation to produce a target‐dependent diffusion barrier, modulating the amperometric output with enhanced signal variations under light irradiation compared to that in the dark. The proposed system achieves the desired analytical performance for representative target miRNA‐10b with a low detection limit of 0.21 fM. This work features a light‐mediated OECT device with enhanced signal resolution and provides new operational paradigms and insights for novel optoelectronics interfacing with biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many organisms in nature thrive in intricate habitats through their unique bio-adhesive surfaces, facilitating tasks such as capturing prey and reproduction. It's important to note that the remarkable adhesion properties found in these natural biological surfaces primarily arise from their distinct micro- and nanostructures and/or chemical compositions. To create artificial surfaces with superior adhesion capabilities, researchers delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of these captivating adhesion phenomena to draw inspiration. This article provides a systematic overview of various biological surfaces with different adhesion mechanisms, focusing on surface micro- and nanostructures and/or chemistry, offering design principles for their artificial counterparts. Here, the basic interactions and adhesion models of natural biological surfaces are introduced first. This will be followed by an exploration of research advancements in natural and artificial adhesive surfaces including both dry adhesive surfaces and wet/underwater adhesive surfaces, along with relevant adhesion characterization techniques. Special attention is paid to stimulus-responsive smart artificial adhesive surfaces with tunable adhesive properties. The goal is to spotlight recent advancements, identify common themes, and explore fundamental distinctions to pinpoint the present challenges and prospects in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface modification and biomimetic approaches have been widely used to enhance bioinert substances. It is not very clear whether surface alterations and polymer coatings on titanium make it more biologically active and enhance cell adhesion. We tried to focus on the physical and biological characterization of surface‐modified titanium disks. Four different surface modifications were done for the titanium disks, ranging from acid etching, sandblasting, polydopamine coating, and polydopamine‐based chitosan coating, and were compared with disks without any surface modification. The disks were studied for physical characteristics like surface roughness and contact angle. Human gingival fibroblasts were used to investigate the biological effects of surface modification of titanium alloy surfaces. The wettability of chitosan‐coated, acid‐etched, and polydopamine‐coated titanium was much better than that of the sandblasted surface, indicating that surface energy was higher for acid‐etched and coated surfaces than others. The cell seeding with fibroblasts showed increased adhesion to the smoother surfaces as compared to the rougher surfaces. Polydopamine coatings on titanium disks showed the most favorable physical and biological properties compared to others and can be a good surface coating for in vivo implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is expected to play a vital role in solving the challenge of sustainably providing the growing world population with healthy and nutritious food. Pathogen outbreaks are a major risk for the sector, so early detection and a timely response are crucial. This can be enabled by monitoring the pathogen levels in aquaculture facilities. This paper describes a photonic biosensing platform based on silicon nitride waveguide technology with integrated active components, which could be used for such applications. Compared to the state of the art, the current system presents improvements in terms of miniaturization of the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) and the development of wafer-level processes for hybrid integration of active components and for material-selective chemical and biological surface modification. Furthermore, scalable processes for integrating the PIC in a microfluidic cartridge were developed, as well as a prototype desktop readout instrument. Three bacterial aquaculture pathogens (Aeromonas salmonicida, Vagococcus salmoninarum, and Yersinia ruckeri) were selected for assay development. DNA biomarkers were identified, corresponding primer-probe sets designed, and qPCR assays developed. The biomarker for Aeromonas was also detected using the hybrid PIC platform. This is the first successful demonstration of biosensing on the hybrid PIC platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively discusses the fabrication of bionic-based ultrafast laser micro–nano-multiscale surface structures and their performance analysis. It explores the functionality of biological surface structures and the high adaptability achieved through optimized self-organized biomaterials with multilayered structures. This study details the applications of ultrafast laser technology in biomimetic designs, particularly in preparing high-precision, wear-resistant, hydrophobic, and antireflective micro- and nanostructures on metal surfaces. Advances in the fabrications of laser surface structures are analyzed, comparing top-down and bottom-up processing methods and femtosecond laser direct writing. This research investigates selective absorption properties of surface structures at different scales for various light wavelengths, achieving coloring or stealth effects. Applications in dirt-resistant, self-cleaning, biomimetic optical, friction-resistant, and biocompatible surfaces are presented, demonstrating potential in biomedical care, water-vapor harvesting, and droplet manipulation. This paper concludes by highlighting research frontiers, theoretical and technological challenges, and the high-precision capabilities of femtosecond laser technology in related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of gallium (Ga)‐based liquid metals (LMs) as functional materials in bioelectronics has been extensively explored over the past decade as a key to stimulation of biological systems and recording of biological signals. The motivation behind this class of electronics is driven by the opportunities to exploit mechanical properties similar to biological tissues. These bioelectronic devices are required to maintain functionality under deformation and, especially for implantable applications, should interface with biological tissues in a minimally invasive manner. LMs are attractive for such applications due to their ability to deform while retaining their electrical conductivity. Furthermore, unlike most liquids that form droplets to minimize surface energy, the ultrathin solid‐state oxide layer on the outer surface of LMs enables them to be shaped to specific 3D patterns. Unlike mercury, Ga‐based LMs are considered biocompatible due to their low toxicity and vapor pressure, highlighting their potential as advantageous materials for bioelectronics. This review comprehensively presents the fundamental aspects of these materials, with a focus on their effectiveness in stimulating and recording specific biological tissues, as well as their diverse applications as soft and stretchable electrodes in bioelectronics. Additionally, this review investigates additional strategies aimed at driving future advancements in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contamination poses a significant threat to public health, the economy, and human health worldwide, occurring at any stage of the food supply chain, from farm to fork. Efficient and effective real‐time monitoring methods for the early identification and rapid detection of pathogen contamination are critical to preventing possible food safety issues. In the past decade, flexible electrochemical biosensors have rapidly expanded in the detection of foodborne pathogens, owing to their ability to function well at biological interfaces that may be soft, intrinsically curvy, irregular, or deformable. The most important features of flexible sensors are their flexibility, multifunctionality, low cost, and good compatibility with solution processing methods. These properties enable flexible sensors to be used in various applications, including smart packaging. This review focuses on the materials, structures, and fabrication methods of flexible biosensors, as well as their applications in food safety monitoring. It examines recent advances in electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors for pathogen detection, with a focus on their key components and their application in food analysis, while critically examining their current trends, particularly in conjunction with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, gold nanoparticles, Indium tin oxide, etc. Finally, current issues and prospects for the future are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconia is one of the most commonly used materials for abutments of dental implants, especially in the anterior region. Soft tissue integration to the zirconia abutment surface remains a challenge. Peri-implant soft tissue integration serves as a physiological barrier, attenuating pathogen penetration and preventing peri‑implant disease. The surface microstructure of zirconia has significant effects on the biological behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), but the effects under inflammatory conditions are still unclear. In this study, we established two micro-nano structures on zirconia surfaces using a femtosecond laser, including microgrooves with widths of 30 µm (G3) and 60 µm (G6) and depths of 5 µm, and nanoparticles inside the microgrooves. Polished surfaces were used as controls. HGFs were seeded onto the three groups of zirconia specimens and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The HGFs on micro-nano-structured zirconia surfaces exhibited lower inflammatory responses and higher cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration under inflammatory conditions compared with the polished surfaces. Additionally, the G3 group exhibited lower inflammatory responses and higher cell adhesion and migration than the G6 group. The micro-nano-structured zirconia surface exhibited decreased neutrophil infiltration and increased M2-type macrophage polarization in vivo. To explore the molecular mechanism, RNA sequencing and gene silencing were utilized, which revealed two critical target genes regulated by the G3 group. Overall, we proposed an innovative micro-nano-structured zirconia surface that reduced the in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses and promoted HGF adhesion, migration, and proliferation under inflammatory conditions, in which TRAFD1 and NLRC5 were the underlying key genes. Zirconia is one of the most commonly used materials for abutments, especially in the anterior region. The surface microstructure of zirconia has significant effects on the biological behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), but few studies have investigated these effects under inflammatory conditions, and the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we developed an innovative micro-nano-structured zirconia surface using a femtosecond laser, which reduces the in vitro and in vivo pro-inflammatory responses and promotes HGFs adhesion, migration, and proliferation under inflammatory conditions compared with the polished zirconia surface. The potential underlying mechanism was also investigated. This work has provided some theoretical basis for the micro-nano-structured zirconia surface in potentially reducing the inflammation and enhancing peri‑implant soft-tissue integration under inflammatory conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the biological activities of titanium implant surfaces and promote efficient early bone formation, the formation of bioactive coatings that promote bone formation on titanium implant surfaces is currently an important area of research. In this study, we prepared a zinc-doped porous coating (Zn-PEO) on a titanium alloy surface via plasma electrolytic oxidation. The surface characteristics of the samples were evaluated with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), profilometry, static contact angles and nanoscratch studies. The slow release of zinc from the coating was detected with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The corrosion resistances of the samples were evaluated via electrochemical studies. On this basis, we evaluated the biocompatibility and biological activity of the sample through in vitro cell experiments. The results confirmed that a Zn-PEO coating was successfully prepared on the surface of the titanium alloy; it exhibited a porous micro/nanomorphology, and the coating and the substrate were tightly bound. The coating increased the roughness of the titanium surface and improved the wear and corrosion resistance. More importantly, the coating promoted adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and had good biological activity. Therefore, Zn-PEO coatings with porous structures were prepared on the surfaces of titanium implants through plasma electrolytic oxidation. The Zn- PEO coating exhibited good surface properties and biological activity and has good application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving tropical forest current biomass estimates can help more accurately evaluate ecosystem services in tropical forests. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar provides detailed 3D forest structure and height data, which can be used to improve above‐ground biomass estimates. However, there is still debate on how best to predict tropical forest biomass using GEDI data. Here we compare stand biomass predicted by GEDI data with the observed data of 2,102 inventory plots in tropical forests and find that adding a remotely sensed (RS) trait map of leaf mass area (LMA) significantly (P < 0.001) improves field biomass predictions, but by only a small amount (r2 = 0.01). However, it may also help reduce the bias of the residuals because there was a negative relationship between both LMA (r2 of 0.34) and percentage of phosphorus (%P, r2 = 0.31) and residuals. Leaf spectral data (400–1,075 nm) from 523 individual trees along a Peruvian tropical forest elevation gradient predicted Diameter at Breast height (DBH) (the critical measurement underlying plot biomass) with an r2 = 0.01 and LMA predicts DBH with an r2 = 0.04. Other data sets may offer further improvements and max temperature (Tmax) predicts Amazonian biomass residuals with an r2 of 0.76 (N = 66). Finally, for a network of net primary production (NPP) and gross primary production (GPP) plots (N = 21), leaf traits predicted with remote sensing are better at predicting fluxes than structure variables. Overall, trait maps, especially future improved ones produced by Surface Biology Geology, may improve biomass and carbon flux predictions by a small but significant amount. Plain Language Summary: Improving predictions of tropical forest biomass can help us to fight climate change. In this paper, we tried to improve tropical forest biomass predictions of satellite lidar (Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation) by adding remote sensed estimates of leaf traits. Leaf traits like leaf mass area or phosphorus slightly improved predictions of forest biomass with both a ground data set and a remotely sensed data set. Further, remotely sensed trait data could help explain the differences in the prediction of remotely sensed biomass compared with field derived biomass (residuals). Maximum temperature, but not soil fertility, also improved biomass predictions. Remotely sensed leaf traits were better than structure, like tree height, for predicting net primary production (NPP) and gross primary production (GPP). Future improved hyperspectral satellite data may be used to further improve predictions of biomass, NPP and GPP. Key Points: Both field measured and remotely sensed trait data improved biomass predictions, but only by a small amountIn the Amazon region, maximum temperature, but not soil fertility, improved biomass predictionsTrait data was better than structure data for predicting tropical forest net primary production and gross primary production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising research direction in the field of biological engineering is the design and functional programming of three-dimensional (3D) biointerfaces designed to support living cell functionality and growth in vitro, offering a route to precisely regulate cellular behaviors and phenotypes for addressing therapeutic challenges. While traditional two-dimensional (2D) biointerfaces have provided valuable insights, incorporating specific signaling cues into a 3D biointeractive microenvironment at the right locations and time is now recognized as crucial for accurately programming cellular decision-making and communication processes. This approach aims to engineer cell-centric microenvironments with the potential to recapitulate complex biological functions into a finite set of growing cellular organizations. Additionally, they provide insights into the hierarchical logic governing the relationship between molecular components and higher-order multicellular functionality. The functional live cell-based microenvironment engineered through such innovative biointerfaces has the potential to be used as an in vitro model system for expanding our understanding of cellular behaviors or as a therapeutic habitat where cellular functions can be reprogrammed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subpolar North Atlantic plays an outsized role in the atmosphere‐to‐ocean carbon sink. The central Irminger Sea is home to well‐documented deep winter convection and high phytoplankton production, which drive strong seasonal and interannual variability in regional carbon cycling. We use observational data from moored carbonate chemistry system sensors and annual turn‐around cruise samples at the Ocean Observatories Initiative's Irminger Sea Array to construct a near‐continuous time series of mixed layer total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), pCO2, and total alkalinity from summer 2015 to summer 2022. We use these carbonate chemistry system time series to deconvolve the physical and biological drivers of surface ocean carbon cycling in this region on seasonal, annual, and interannual time scales. We find high annual net community production within the seasonally varying mixed layer, averaging 9.8 ± 1.6 mol m−2 yr−1 with high interannual variability (range of 6.0–13.9 mol m−2 yr−1). The highest daily net community production rates occur during the late winter and early spring, prior to the observed high chlorophyll concentrations associated with the spring phytoplankton bloom. As a result, the winter and early spring play a much larger role in biological carbon export from the mixed layer than traditionally thought. Plain Language Summary: The subpolar North Atlantic takes in more carbon from the atmosphere than other areas of the ocean relative to its size. This is partially caused by photosynthesis in the surface ocean, which turns inorganic carbon into organic carbon that is transported into the deep ocean in a process known as the biological carbon pump. Using measurements from sensors on moorings in the Irminger Sea, we construct a 7‐year time series of the different parts of the inorganic carbon system. Using these, we separate out the forces that impact how much inorganic carbon has the potential to be exchanged with the atmosphere. We find that biological processes remove inorganic carbon from the surface ocean in the spring, summer, and early fall, while in the winter the surface ocean gets deeper and encompasses waters from below that have higher carbon content. The total amount of inorganic carbon removed from the surface ocean each year by biological process is extremely high in the Irminger Sea compared to other global ocean regions. This research highlights the importance of long‐term, full year measurements to understand carbon cycle dynamics. Key Points: We present the first multi‐year, near‐daily mixed layer total dissolved inorganic carbon time series in the Irminger SeaAnnual net community production within the seasonally varying mixed layer is high (9.8 ± 1.6 mol m−2 yr−1) and has large interannual variabilityThe greatest rates of inorganic carbon removal from the mixed layer via photosynthesis take place prior to mixed layer shoaling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromuscular control of bionic arms has constantly improved over the past years, however, restoration of sensation remains elusive. Previous approaches to reestablish sensory feedback include tactile, electrical, and peripheral nerve stimulation, however, they cannot recreate natural, intuitive sensations. Here, we establish an experimental biological sensorimotor interface and demonstrate its potential use in neuroprosthetics. We transfer a mixed nerve to a skeletal muscle combined with glabrous dermal skin transplantation, thus forming a bi-directional communication unit in a rat model. Morphological analyses indicate reinnervation of the skin, mechanoreceptors, NMJs, and muscle spindles. Furthermore, sequential retrograde labeling reveals specific sensory reinnervation at the level of the dorsal root ganglia. Electrophysiological recordings show reproducible afferent signals upon tactile stimulation and tendon manipulation. The results demonstrate the possibility of surgically creating an interface for both decoding efferent motor control, as well as encoding afferent tactile and proprioceptive feedback, and may indicate the way forward regarding clinical translation of biological communication pathways for neuroprosthetic applications. Intuitive control of bionic arms has greatly improved over the past years, however, it is still not possible to restore natural sensory feedback. Here, the authors create a biological communication interface for both controlling a prosthesis and supplying sensations associated with the missing limb in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proximity is a fundamental concept in chemistry and biology, referring to the convergence of molecules to facilitate new molecular interactions or reactions. Hybrid biopolymers like glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, ubiquitinated proteins, glycosylated RNAs (glycoRNAs), and RNAylated proteins exemplify this by covalent bonding of moieties that are often orthogonally active. Hybrid molecules like glycoRNAs are localized to new physical spaces, generating new interfaces for biological functions. To fully investigate the compositional and spatial features of molecules like glycoRNAs, flexible genetic and chemical tools that encompass different encoding and targeting biopolymers are required. Here we discuss concepts of molecular proximity and explore newer proximity labeling technologies that facilitate applications in RNA biology, cell surface biology, and the interface therein with a particular focus on glycoRNA biology. We review the advantages and disadvantages of methods pertaining to cell surface RNA identification and provide insights into the vast opportunities for method development in this area. [Display omitted] Kageler et al. discuss concepts of molecular proximity and explore proximity labeling technologies that facilitate applications in RNA biology, cell surface biology, and their interface. Technologies that employ genetic and chemical strategies are highlighted that will enable discovery of the compositional and organizational features of molecules like glycoRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tantalum (Ta) has excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. However, its application is limited by its high cost. Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), a stable oxide of Ta, is a key role of Ta surface with excellent biological properties and corrosion resistance and has the advantage of a lower cost. In this study, Ta and Ta2O5 powders were pre-placed on titanium (Ti) substrates and irradiated by a diode laser to form single-layer single-pass coatings. The scanning process was performed using a range of laser powers (1000, 1500, and 2000 W) and scanning speeds (3–5, 4.5–7.5, and 6–10 mm/s). The Ta coatings showed no surface cracking. However, spherical pores were observed near the fusion line of the coating with the substrate in some samples. The porosity increased with a decreasing laser power and scanning speed. The formation of these pores was attributed mainly to the evaporation of the Ti substrate during the cladding process and the subsequent entrapment of the vapor bubbles within the coating. The Ta2O5 coatings showed almost no pores but exhibited a small number of transverse cracks on the coating surface because of the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the ceramic coating and the metallic substrate. For all of the coatings, the coating hardness was significantly higher than that of the substrate. The Ta2O5 coatings (580–700 HV) showed a higher hardness than the Ta coatings (350–400 HV). Moreover, the coating hardness remained approximately constant throughout the coating depth, whereas that of the Ta coatings decreased significantly with an increasing distance from the coating surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decades have witnessed rapid growth of hydrogel bioelectronics. Traditional hydrogels face challenges when working under extreme conditions, leading to a loss of stabilities and functionalities. This review provides a systematic overview of hydrogels capable of working under extreme conditions, with a focus on their applications in bioelectronic systems. These hydrogels are summarized into categories of anti‐mechanical damage, anti‐detachment, anti‐swelling, anti‐freezing, and anti‐foreign body response. Strategies including material development and structural design that can endow the hydrogels with the above extreme properties are introduced. Finally, current challenges and new opportunities in developing extreme hydrogel bioelectronic devices and systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization and modeling of biological neural networks has emerged as a field driving significant advancements in our understanding of brain function and related pathologies. As of today, pharmacological treatments for neurological disorders remain limited, pushing the exploration of promising alternative approaches such as electroceutics. Recent research in bioelectronics and neuromorphic engineering have fostered the development of the new generation of neuroprostheses for brain repair. However, achieving their full potential necessitates a deeper understanding of biohybrid interaction. In this study, we present a novel real-time, biomimetic, cost-effective and user-friendly neural network capable of real-time emulation for biohybrid experiments. Our system facilitates the investigation and replication of biophysically detailed neural network dynamics while prioritizing cost-efficiency, flexibility and ease of use. We showcase the feasibility of conducting biohybrid experiments using standard biophysical interfaces and a variety of biological cells as well as real-time emulation of diverse network configurations. We envision our system as a crucial step towards the development of neuromorphic-based neuroprostheses for bioelectrical therapeutics, enabling seamless communication with biological networks on a comparable timescale. Its embedded real-time functionality enhances practicality and accessibility, amplifying its potential for real-world applications in biohybrid experiments. Beaubois et al. introduce a real-time biomimetic neural network for biohybrid experiments, providing a tool to study closed-loop applications for neuroscience and neuromorphic-based neuroprostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an unprecedented stream of decametric hyperspectral observations becomes available from recent and upcoming spaceborne missions, effective algorithms are required to retrieve vegetation biophysical and biochemical variables such as leaf area index (LAI) and canopy chlorophyll content (CCC). In the context of missions such as the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP), Precursore Iperspettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA), Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME), and Surface Biology Geology (SBG), several retrieval algorithms have been developed based upon the turbid medium Scattering by Arbitrarily Inclined Leaves (SAIL) radiative transfer model. Whilst well suited to cereal crops, SAIL is known to perform comparatively poorly over more heterogeneous canopies (including forests and row-structured crops). In this paper, we investigate the application of hybrid radiative transfer models, including a modified version of SAIL (rowSAIL) and the Invertible Forest Reflectance Model (INFORM), to such canopies. Unlike SAIL, which assumes a horizontally homogeneous canopy, such models partition the canopy into geometric objects, which are themselves treated as turbid media. By enabling crown transmittance, foliage clumping, and shadowing to be represented, they provide a more realistic representation of heterogeneous vegetation. Using airborne hyperspectral data to simulate EnMAP observations over vineyard and deciduous broadleaf forest sites, we demonstrate that SAIL-based algorithms provide moderate retrieval accuracy for LAI (RMSD = 0.92–2.15, NRMSD = 40–67%, bias = −0.64–0.96) and CCC (RMSD = 0.27–1.27 g m−2, NRMSD = 64–84%, bias = −0.17–0.89 g m−2). The use of hybrid radiative transfer models (rowSAIL and INFORM) reduces bias in LAI (RMSD = 0.88–1.64, NRMSD = 27–64%, bias = −0.78–−0.13) and CCC (RMSD = 0.30–0.87 g m−2, NRMSD = 52–73%, bias = 0.03–0.42 g m−2) retrievals. Based on our results, at the canopy level, we recommend that hybrid radiative transfer models such as rowSAIL and INFORM are further adopted for hyperspectral biophysical and biochemical variable retrieval over heterogeneous vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating implant prepared by laser cladding exhibits good biological activity due to its chemical composition similar to biological bone, the original surface roughness of the laser-clad coating is high, which is unfavorable for long-term cell adhesion and proliferation. In order to improve the biological activity of HA coating implants and increase the adhesion and proliferation rate of osteoblasts on their surface, microtextures with different length-diameter ratios and depth gradients were prepared on the HA coating surface by nanosecond laser with reference to the microscopic morphology characteristics of the biological bone surface. By investigating the effects of microtexture aspect ratio and depth gradient on osteoblast adhesion characteristics, it was found that bone-like microtextures better controlled and simulated cell-material surface interactions. The geometric morphology of microtextured bone with a wide front end and narrow rear end and a depth gradient from front to back was an important signal for osteoblast proliferation. When the aspect ratio of bone microtexture was 2.5:1 and the maximum depth gradient was 15.7 μm, osteoblasts within the microtexture showed optimal growth, proliferation, and adhesion. Additionally, due to induction by microtexture contour shape and depth gradient morphology, cell morphology showed varying adhesion morphology from the front to the back of the microtexture. The results demonstrated that HA coatings with bone-like microtextures had superior osteoblast proliferation and adhesion properties compared to the original cladded coating surface, beneficial for enhancing the application of HA-coated bone implants in large segment bone repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White rot fungi possess superior infiltrability and biodegradability on lignocellulosic substrates, allowing them to form tailored microstructures which are conducive to efficient carbonization and chemical activation. The present research employed white rot fungus pretreatment as a viable approach for preparing porous carbon from Banlangen residues. The resultant F-ABLGR-PC prepared by pretreating Banlangen residues with white rot fungi followed by carbonization and activation has a hierarchical porous structure with a high specific surface area of 898 m2 g-1, which is 43.4% greater than that of the unprocessed sample (R-BLGR-PC). When used as an electrode for supercapacitors, the F-A-BLGR-PC demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 308 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte in three-electrode configuration. Moreover, the F-A-BLGR-PC based symmetric supercapacitor device achieved a superb cyclic stability with no obvious capacitance decay after 20,000 cycles at 5 A g-1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Additionally, the F-A-BLGR-PC sample was found to be an ideal adsorbent for removing methyl orange (MO) from water, exhibiting an adsorption ability of 173.4 mg g-1 and a maximum removal rate of 86.6%. This study offers a promising method for the preparation of a porous carbon with a high specific surface area in a biological way using white rot fungi pretreatment, and the derived carbon can not only be applied in energy storage but also in environmental remediation, catalysis, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting polymer scaffolds are ideal architectures for interfacing with biological systems, demonstrating great potential for integration in the next generation of bioelectronic devices. Conducting polymer scaffolds can promote cell adhesion and proliferation, whereas in certain types of cells they can promote gene expression and differentiation. Conducting polymer scaffolds have shown great potential for use in implants and biomedical devices due to their electrical properties and biocompatibility. Conducting polymer scaffolds can be engineered for controlled drug delivery for targeted therapies. Conducting polymer (CP) scaffolds have emerged as a transformative tool in bioelectronics and bioengineering, advancing the ability to interface with biological systems. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity, tailorability, and biocompatibility surpasses the capabilities of traditional nonconducting scaffolds while granting them access to the realm of bioelectronics. This review examines recent developments in CP scaffolds, focusing on material and device advancements, as well as their interplay with biological systems. We highlight applications for monitoring, tissue stimulation, and drug delivery and discuss perspectives and challenges currently faced for their ultimate translation and clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the biomedical fields of bone regenerative therapy, the immobilization of proteins on the bioceramic particles to maintain their highly ordered structures is significantly important. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the importance of the specific surface layer, which can be called "non-apatitic layer", affecting the immobilization of proteins on particles such as hydroxyapatite and amorphous silica. It was suggested that the water molecules and ions contained in the non-apatitic layer can determine and control the protein immobilization states. In amorphous silica particles, the direct interactions between proteins and silanol groups make it difficult to immobilize the proteins and maintain their highly ordered structures. Thus, the importance of the formation of a surface layer consisting of water molecules and ions (i.e., a non-apatitic layer) on the particle surfaces for immobilizing proteins and maintaining their highly ordered structures was suggested and described. In particular, chlorine-containing amorphous silica particles were also described, which can effectively form the surface layer of protein immobilization carriers. The design of the bio-interactive and bio-compatible surfaces for protein immobilization while maintaining the highly ordered structures will improve cell adhesion and tissue formation, thereby contributing to the construction of social infrastructures to support super-aged society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many physical and chemical properties of solids, such as strength, plasticity, dispersibility, solubility and dissolution are determined by defects in the crystal structure. The aim of this work is to study in situ dynamic, dispersion, chemical, biological and surface properties of lacosamide powder after a complete cycle of mechanical loading by laser scattering, electron microscopy, FR-IR and biopharmaceutical approaches. The SLS method demonstrated the spontaneous tendency toward surface-energy reduction due to aggregation during micronisation. DLS analysis showed conformational changes of colloidal particles as supramolecular complexes depending on the loading time on the solid. SEM analysis demonstrated the conglomeration of needle-like lacosamide particles after 60 min of milling time and the transition to a glassy state with isotropy of properties by the end of the tribochemistry cycle. The following dynamic properties of lacosamide were established: elastic and plastic deformation boundaries, region of inhomogeneous deformation and fracture point. The ratio of dissolution-rate constants in water of samples before and after a full cycle of loading was 2.4. The lacosamide sample, which underwent a full cycle of mechanical loading, showed improved kinetics of API release via analysis of dissolution profiles in 0.1 M HCl medium. The observed activation-energy values of the cell-death biosensor process in aqueous solutions of the lacosamide samples before and after the complete tribochemical cycle were 207 kJmol−1 and 145 kJmol−1, respectively. The equilibrium time of dissolution and activation of cell-biosensor death corresponding to 20 min of mechanical loading on a solid was determined. The current study may have important practical significance for the transformation and management of the properties of drug substances in solid form and in solutions and for increasing the strength of drug matrices by pre-strain hardening via structural rearrangements during mechanical loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron transfer (ET) is a fundamental process that underlies various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology. Understanding ET mechanisms is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions and synthesizing value-added compounds efficiently. In this context, the present review provides the fundamental aspects of ET involving bioinspired, biomimetics, and biological entities and its significance for sustainable energy and green electrosynthesis fields. Among the theoretical and experimental cornerstones, Marcus Theory, electronic conductance, computational modeling, biomolecular thermodynamics, electrochemical and kinetic theories, protein film voltammetry, and the emergence of in situ and operando techniques are explored. Theoretical modeling is vital for understanding and predicting ET processes. Additionally, the significance of experimental techniques for investigating the ET process in biological entities and interfaces is discussed. Protein film voltammetry is a valuable and consolidated technique for studying ET processes at the protein-electrode interface, whereas in situ and operando techniques for interrogating ET processes in real time provide insights into the dynamics and mechanisms of ET. The concept of quantum conductance in biological structures is addressed, evidencing a trend and power of single-entity analysis. Aspects of extracellular and interfacial ET processes are presented and discussed in the electrochemical energy conversion systems. A deep understanding of these processes can improve the design of efficient bioinspired catalysts. Therefore, this multidisciplinary work aims to fill the gaps between different scientific fields related to ET involving bioentities to develop innovative energy and value-added compound synthesis solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many foods are emulsions or dispersions containing lipids. The friction properties of foods are evaluated because they affect food texture and processability. Here, we evaluated the friction characteristics of 55 liquid or semisolid foods using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system to classify them based on friction dynamics. The contact surface was made to resemble a biological surface using agar gel, which exhibited a fractal structure, and the movement of the contact probe mimicked living movement by sinusoidal motion. The change in average friction coefficient (Δμ), static friction coefficient (Δμs) in a round trip, delay time (Δδ), and friction profile depended on the condition and rheological properties. Principal component analysis showed that all the friction parameters of Δμ, Δμs, Δδ, and the appearance ratio of the profile were involved in the principal components, Z1 and Z2 which are composite variables obtained by the contraction of many friction parameters in a principal component analysis. In addition, the foods were classified into three groups by cluster analysis using Z1 and Z2. The condition of the foods, rheological properties, and the presence or absence of lipids was the factors that defined each group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to trauma and disease, bone defects endanger the healthy life of human beings. At present, the gold standard for bone defect repair is still autologous bone transplantation and allogeneic bone transplantation. However, its insufficient source, potential disease transmission and immune rejection limit its clinical application. Therefore, the development of bone repair materials plays an important role in promoting bone repair. As the interface between material and tissue, the surface of the material plays an important role in the reaction after implantation, which determines the effectiveness of defect repair treatment. With the development of surface engineering and technology, bone repair materials have developed from biological inertia to biological activity by endowing various biological functions by controlling the composition, topological morphology and structure of the material surface etc. The inspired biofunctionalisation of material surface includes the capacities of inducing osteogenesis, promoting angiogenesis, antibacterial, immune regulation etc., as well as integration of postoperative repair and treatment. The authors review the biofunctionalisation of biomaterial surface and the inspired biological effects for bone repair, mainly including physical and chemical properties of material surface to regulate osteogenesis, and functional strategy of bone repair material surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the recognized influence of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) on surface roughness and its implication for hydrological processes, limited information is currently available on the effect of BSCs on overland flow resistance. The objective of this paper was to investigate the applicability of a theoretically deduced flow resistance equation, based on a power‐velocity profile, using the experimental data set by Jafarpoor et al. (2022) and Sadeghi et al. (2023) for bare soil, which is a control condition, and three inoculated soils (cyanobacteria, bacteria, cyanobacteria+bacteria). In particular, the available data set was used to calibrate the relationship between the velocity profile parameter Γ and the flow Froude number. The developed analysis allowed for stating that (a) the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor can be accurately estimated using the proposed theoretical approach, and (b) the available measurements do not allow for detecting a trend with the soil treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]