Genetic analysis and preliminary mapping by BSA-seq of the CmSR gene regulating the spotted rind trait in melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important horticultural crop. Spotted rind at maturity is an important appearance quality trait in melons. However, the gene controlling this trait remains unknown. In this study, the inheritance pattern of this trait was explored, and the candidate gene underlying this trait was also successfully identified. Genetic analysis showed that a single dominant gene, Cucumis melo Spotted Rind (CmSR), regulates the spotted rind trait. A preliminary genetic mapping analysis was conducted based on a BSA-seq approach. The CmAPRR2 gene was identified to be linked with the spotted rind trait and was located on the short arm of chromosome 4. It harbored two single-nucleotide mutations (chr4: 687014 G/A and chr4: 687244 C/A) in the non-spotted line 'Yellow 2', which may result in the alternative splicing of the transcript and an amino acid change in the respective protein, from proline to glutamine, respectively. Moreover, marker SNP687014-G/A was developed and co-segregated with the spotted rind trait. Therefore, it is speculated that the CmAPRR2 gene may be involved in the regulation of the spotted rind trait in melon. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the gene regulatory mechanism of the rind color in melon.

Performance Enhancement of Tin-Based Perovskite Photodetectors through Bifunctional Cesium Fluoride Engineering.

Tin halide perovskites are rising as promising candidates for next-generation optoelectronic materials due to their good optoelectronic properties and relatively low toxicity. However, the high defect density and the easy oxidation of Sn2+ have limited their optoelectronic performance. Herein, we report the treatment of the FASnI3 (formamidinium tin, FA) perovskite film by a bifunctional cesium fluoride (CsF) additive, which improves the film quality and significantly enhances the photoelectric performance. The responsivity of the perovskite-based photodetector (PD) with an optimal CsF concentration of 15% is over 60 times larger than that of the PD without CsF. It indicates that both the Cs substitution and the fluoride anion additive from CsF inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+, optimize the crystal growth, and passivate the defects, demonstrating the dual roles of the CsF additive in improving the photoelectric performance. This work offers valuable insights into the additive selection for developing high-quality tin-based perovskite films and devices.

Strontium-Containing Piezoelectric Biofilm Promotes Dentin Tissue Regeneration.

It remains an obstacle to induce the regeneration of hard dentin tissue in clinical settings. To overcome this, a P(VDF-TrFE) piezoelectric film with 2 wt% SrCl2 addition is designed. The biofilm shows a high flexibility, a harmonious biocompatibility, and a large piezoelectric d33 coefficient of 14 pC N-1, all contributing to building an electric microenvironment that favor the recruitment of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and their differentiation into odontoblasts during normal chewing, speaking, etc. On the other hand, the strontium ions can be gradually released from the film, thus promoting DPSC odonto-differentiation. In vivo experiments also demonstrate that the film induces the release of dentin minerals and regeneration of dentin tissue. In the large animal dentin defect models, this piezoelectric film induces in situ dentin tissue formation effectively over a period of three months. This study illustrates a therapeutic potential of the piezoelectric film to improve dentin tissue repair in clinical settings.

Simple and Effective Squash-PCR for Rapid Genotyping of Industrial Microalgae.

Microalgae are recognized for their versatility in providing renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, attributed to their sustainable, renewable, and cost-effective nature. Genetic engineering has proven highly effective in enhancing microalgae production. PCR-based genotyping is the primary method for screening genetically transformed microalgae cells. Recently, we developed a novel PCR method, namely Squash-PCR, and employed it for the molecular analysis of industrially important fungi and yeasts. In this study, we successfully implemented the Squash-PCR technique in 12 industrially significant algae species. This approach offers a quick and reliable means of obtaining DNA templates directly from squashed algal cells, eliminating the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive cultivation and genomic DNA extraction steps. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of Squash-PCR in detecting and characterizing target genes of interest in 12 different algae species. Overall, this study establishes the Squash-PCR method as a valuable tool for molecular studies in algae, enabling researchers to rapidly screen and manipulate genetic traits in diverse algal species.