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The dynamic mechanical strength of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been demonstrated to play important role in determining the cell behavior. Growing evidences suggest that the gradual stiffening process of the matrix is particularly decisive during tissue development and wound healing. Herein, a novel strategy to prepare hydrogels with gradually enhanced mechanical strength is provided. Such hydrogels could maintain the dynamic properties at their initial states, such as self‐healing and shear‐thinning properties. With subsequent slow covalent crosslinking, the stability and mechanical properties would be gradually improved. This method is useful for sequence programmability and oxidation strategies, which has provided an alternated tool to study cell behavior during dynamic increase in mechanical strength of ECM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA hydrogels have been demonstrated with the advantages of good stability, easy modification, and extraordinary biocompatibility, which enables their great application prospects in biosensing, tissue engineering, and biomedicine. Based on the host–guest recognition properties of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), we proposed a general method for constructing functional supramolecular DNA nanogels. Guest molecules have been conjugated into the DNA building units, which could be further crosslinked with CB[8] to construct supramolecular DNA nanogels. At the same time, the aptamer has also been modified into the hydrogel network to achieve cell targeting. These supramolecular DNA nanogels have been demonstrated with a controllable size and multiple stimuli responses, in addition to the excellent biocompatibility, stability and good targeting drug transport ability. Such a host–guest based strategy will provide a molecular library as a "toolbox" for the functionalization of DNA nanogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstacle detection, as an important part of intelligent auxiliary driving, has received extensive attention. Among them, manhole cover detection plays an irreplaceable role in subsequent manhole cover location and defect detection. This paper starts from a macro perspective, and proposes a classification method of multi feature fusion. It sets trapezoidal region as the region of interest with prior knowledge, locks candidate region through the connectivity of edge, and extracts well cover position from the background through multi feature decision quickly and accurately. The method is implemented on the TMS320DM6437 platform, and the feasibility of the scheme is verified.

Comprehensive Summary: The chain effect of polymer is the kernel of the precise synthesis of complex polymer compounds and the development of polymer science. Nucleic acids, a special type of polyester, can form supramolecular polymers via hydrogen bonds among corresponding bases. We focused on the precise control of polymer chains and proposed the concept of "nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers" (NCPs). There are three important elements of NCPs, namely nucleic acid backbone, side group and intra‐/inter‐chain weak interactions. In this review, we expound how to realize the construction of intelligent DNA structures through the regulation of these three elements and the applications of NCPs in various fields. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? Nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers, frame guided assembly and kinetically interlocking multiple‐units (KIMU) strategy. How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? I was always interested in how life is organized from molecules since my college time. During my PhD, I started to realize the important roles of the natural polymers and their essential feature in chain effect. When I set up my own research group in 2005, I focused on the investigation in nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers, which provide an optimal model for the study of precise controllable polymer synthesis, assembly and functions, benefiting the understanding of the life science. What is the most important personality for scientific research? Thinking deeply and working hard. How do you keep balance between research and family? I am always working hard when I work, but I always remind myself to enjoy my family and spare time. What are your favorite journals? Nature, Science, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Advanced Materials. What are your hobbies? Travel; cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of DNA nanotechnology and nanopore sensing technology has greatly promoted research on target molecule or ion detection. The large solid-state nanopores/nanochannels show better mechanical stability and reproducibility, but metal ion detection in the large nanopores with diameters of hundreds of nanometers or several micrometers is rarely reported. Hence, it is meaningful and urgent to develop a large nanopore-based sensing platform for the detection of metal ions. Herein, we employed a salicylic aldehyde-modified DNA network in conjunction with a glass nanopipette (GN) with a diameter of hundreds of nanometers as a sensing platform for the detection of target metal ions. Upon the addition of different receptors with the amino group, the salicylic aldehyde could in situ specifically recognize and bind with Zn2+ and Al3, forming Schiff base-metal ion complexes at the four vertices of one face per nanocube unit. The steric hindrance effect of multiple Schiff bases and metal ion complexes leads to the blockage of internal structure and decrease of ion current in the GN. Owing to this signal amplification strategy, the detection limit of the target metal ion reaches a level of fM in the GN with a diameter of about 300 nm. In the future, this functional nanopore sensing platform is expected to realize highly sensitive detection for more biological metal ions by choosing appropriate receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]