Continuous Preparation of Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles with Varied Sizes for Online Fluorescence Sensing via a Laser-Tailored 3D Microfluidic Chip.

Microfluidic chips are in critical demand for emerging applications in material synthesis and biosensing. Herein, we relied on ultrafast laser-processing technology to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic chip, in which semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) were continuously synthesized with tunable size and SPN-involved online fluorescence sensing was implemented. A homogeneous distribution of SPNs can be readily realized due to the efficient mixing and powerful vortices of the 3D microfluidic chip, which prevents SPNs from aggregating throughout the synthesis process. Moreover, in the optimized conditions, we unveiled unique SPNs with an ultrasmall particle size (<3 nm) and good monodispersity. By integrating with the high-performance fluorescence of SPNs and 3D microfluidic chip, we further developed an online sensing platform for ratiometric fluorescence assays of H2O2 and oxidase-catalyzed substrates (e.g., glucose), in which a composite of SPNs and neutral red (NR) (SPNs/NR) was used as the mediator. The limit of detection (LOD) for H2O2 is 0.48 µM, and the LOD for glucose is 3.33 µM via the presented platform. This 3D microfluidic synthesis-and-sensing platform provides a new avenue for the facile production of nanoparticles and offers exciting prospects in the field of online sensing biomarkers.

Debonding-On-Demand Polymeric Wound Patches for Minimal Adhesion and Clinical Communication.

Herein, a multifunctional bilayer wound patch is developed by integrating a debonding-on-demand polymeric tissue adhesive (DDPTA) with an ionic conducting elastomer (ICE). As a skin adhesive layer, the DDPTA is soft and adherent at skin temperature but hard and non-tacky when cooled, so it provides unique temperature-triggered quick adhesion and non-forced detachment from the skin. During use, the dense surface of the DDPTA prevents blood infiltration and reduces unnecessary blood loss with gentle pressing. Moreover, its hydrophobic matrix helps to repel blood and prevents the formation of clots, thus precluding wound tearing during its removal. This unique feature enables the DDPTA to avoid the severe deficiencies of hydrophilic adhesives, providing a reliable solution for a wide range of secondary wound injuries. The DDPTA is versatile in that it can be covered with ICE to configure a DDPTA@ICE patch for initiating non-verbal communication systems by the fingers, leading toward sign language recognition and a remote clinical alarm system. This multifunctional wound patch with debonding-on-demand can promote a new style of tissue sealant for convenient clinical communication.

Evaluating Commercially Available Mobile Apps for Depression Self-Management.

Clinical depression affects 17.3 million adults in the U.S. However, 37% of these adults receive no treatment, and many symptoms remain unmanaged. Mobile health apps may complement in-person treatment and address barriers to treatment, yet their quality has not been systematically appraised. We conducted a systematic review of apps for depression by searching in three major app stores. Apps were selected using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final apps were downloaded and independently evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality score, and six features specific to depression self-management. Mobile health apps for depression self-management exhibit a wide range of quality, but more than half (74%) of the apps had acceptable quality, with 32% having MARS scores ≥ 4.0 out of 5.0. These high scoring apps indicate that mobile apps have the potential to improve patient self-management, treatment engagement, and mental health outcomes.