Automatic Electrochemiluminescence Method for the Detection of Cancerous Exosomes Incorporating Specific Aptamer-Magnetic Beads and Signal Nanoprobes.

Exosomes, as an emerging biomarker, have exhibited remarkable promise in early cancer diagnosis. Here, a highly sensitive, selective, and automatic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for the detection of cancerous exosomes was developed. Specific aptamer-(EK)4 peptide-tagged magnetic beads (MBs-(EK)4-aptamer) were designed as a magnetic capture probe in which the (EK)4 peptide was used to reduce the steric binding hindrance of cancerous exosomes with a specific aptamer. One new universal ECL signal nanoprobe (CD9 Ab-PEG@SiO2ϵRu(bpy)32+) was designed and synthesized by using microporous SiO2 nanoparticles as the carrier for loading ECL reagent Ru(bpy)32+, polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer, and anticluster of differentiation 9 antibody (CD9 Ab). A "sandwich" biocomplex was formed on the surface of the magnetic capture probe after mixing the capture probe, target exosomes, and ECL signal nanoprobe, and then it was introduced into an automated ECL analyzer for rapid and automatic ECL measurement. It was found that the designed signal nanoprobe shows a 270-fold improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio than that of the ruthenium complex-labeled CD9 antibody signal probe. The relative ECL intensity was proportional to MCF-7 exosomes as a model in the range of 102 to 104 particle/µL, with a detection limit of 11 particle/µL. Furthermore, the ECL method was employed to discriminate cancerous exosomes based on fingerprint responses using the designed multiple magnetic capture probes and the universal ECL signal nanoprobe. This work demonstrates that the utilization of a designed automated ECL tactic using the MBs-(EK)4-aptamer capture probe and the CD9 Ab-PEG@SiO2ϵRu(bpy)32+ signal nanoprobe will provide a unique and robust method for the detection and discrimination of cancerous exosomes.

Mulberry Leaf Lipid Nanoparticles: a Naturally Targeted CRISPR/Cas9 Oral Delivery Platform for Alleviation of Colon Diseases.

Oral treatment of colon diseases with the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been hampered by the lack of a safe and efficient delivery platform. Overexpressed CD98 plays a crucial role in the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). In this study, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) derived from mulberry leaves are functionalized with Pluronic copolymers and optimized to deliver the CRISPR/Cas gene editing machinery for CD98 knockdown. The obtained LNPs possessed a hydrodynamic diameter of 267.2 nm, a narrow size distribution, and a negative surface charge (-25.6 mV). Incorporating Pluronic F127 into LNPs improved their stability in the gastrointestinal tract and facilitated their penetration through the colonic mucus barrier. The galactose end groups promoted endocytosis of the LNPs by macrophages via asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated endocytosis, with a transfection efficiency of 2.2-fold higher than Lipofectamine 6000. The LNPs significantly decreased CD98 expression, down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), up-regulated anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10), and polarized macrophages to M2 phenotype. Oral administration of LNPs mitigated UC and CAC by alleviating inflammation, restoring the colonic barrier, and modulating intestinal microbiota. As the first oral CRISPR/Cas9 delivery LNP, this system offers a precise and efficient platform for the oral treatment of colon diseases.

The seahorse genome and the evolution of its specialized morphology.

Seahorses have a specialized morphology that includes a toothless tubular mouth, a body covered with bony plates, a male brood pouch, and the absence of caudal and pelvic fins. Here we report the sequencing and de novo assembly of the genome of the tiger tail seahorse, Hippocampus comes. Comparative genomic analysis identifies higher protein and nucleotide evolutionary rates in H. comes compared with other teleost fish genomes. We identified an astacin metalloprotease gene family that has undergone expansion and is highly expressed in the male brood pouch. We also find that the H. comes genome lacks enamel matrix protein-coding proline/glutamine-rich secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein genes, which might have led to the loss of mineralized teeth. tbx4, a regulator of hindlimb development, is also not found in H. comes genome. Knockout of tbx4 in zebrafish showed a 'pelvic fin-loss' phenotype similar to that of seahorses.

Novel hollow α-Fe2O3 nanofibers with robust performance enabled multi-functional applications.

The synthetic strategies of achieving low-cost and high-performance nanofibers are of great significance in the field of catalysis and detection. In this work, a series of electrospun α-Fe2O3 nanofibers with hollow structure were prepared via combination technology of electrospinning, hydrothermal synthesis, and controlled calcination process. Especially, the influences of the crystal structure and morphology on the comprehensive properties of nanofibers have been explored in detail. The results indicated that α-Fe2O3 nanofibers could be obtained via the calcination at 600-800 °C. Rice-like α-Fe2O3 particles were observed to assemble a stable exoskeleton, supporting a robust tubular cavity. And this tubular structure turned gradually into groove-like structure as the calcination temperature increased, accompanied by tunable crystallization, specific surface area and magnetic property. Finally, combined with series of validation tests, including dye decolorization, electrochemical detection of trace cadmium ions and Fenton degradation of polyvinyl alcohol, the resultant α-Fe2O3 nanofibers have been demonstrated to show the potential application prospects.

Amidoxime functionalized PVDF-based chelating membranes enable synchronous elimination of heavy metals and organic contaminants from wastewater.

Aiming at the synchronous elimination of heavy metals and organic contaminants from wastewater, the amidoxime functionalized PVDF-based chelating membrane was fabricated in this study. The structure and morphology of the chelating membrane were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM results show that the chemical modification with amidoxime groups did not damage the structure of the PVDF-based membrane. The chelating membrane has a high removal efficiency for Cu2+ (77.33%) and Pb2+ (79.23%) owing to the chemisorption through coordination bonds. However, the chelating membrane exhibits a low removal efficiency for Cd2+ (29.88%) due to the physical adsorption. The chelating membrane has a high rejection efficiency of BSA (95.17%) and lysozyme (70.09%), which is attributed to the sieving effect and increased hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the membrane performance for simultaneously removing metals and proteins from simulated wastewater was examined. The interaction of metal ions with proteins (BSA and lysozyme) can enhance the ion removal efficiency of the chelated membrane, but decrease the protein rejection efficiency due to the destructive effect. The amidoxime functionalized PVDF-based chelating membrane has a high potential for application in wastewater treatment.

Lateral flow immunostrips for the sensitive and rapid determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine using upconversion nanoparticles.

Lateral flow immunostrips were newly designed and a sensitive and rapid fluorometric method for the determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a model target of small biomarker molecules was developed. The upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Yb/Er core, and polyacrylic acid (PAA)-modified shell, size ~ 39 nm, excitation wavelength = 980 nm; emission wavelength = 540 nm) were employed as fluorescence signal material. The 8-OHdG antibody (Ab) was taken as the recognition probe while UCNP-labeled Ab was taken as the signal probe. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was designed as carrier protein for 8-OHdG to form 8-OHdG-BSA conjugate as the capture probe. The lateral flow immunostrips were prepared by laminating a sample pad (glass fiber membrane), a test pad (nitrocellulose membrane), and adsorption pad (filter paper) on PVP backing. The capture probe was immobilized on the test zone while an IgG antibody taken as the control probe was immobilized on the control zone. When the signal probe and the sample were in sequence loaded on the sample pad, 8-OHdG analyte bound with the signal probe, and then the excess of the signal probe move along the strip and is collected by the capture probe on the test zone while the remnant signal probe is collected by the control probe on the control zone. The signal probe and capture probe were synthesized and characterized. The fluorescence intensity on the test zone was inversely proportional to the concentration of 8-OHdG for the quantitative determination while the fluorescence emission on the control zone was observed to validate the assay. The developed method showed a wide linear range from 0.10 to 10 nM, a quite low detection limit of 0.05 nM, small sample volume requirement (100 µL), short assay time (15 min), and good method reproducibility (RSD = 4.4%, nine immunostrips). Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of the configuration and measurement principle of lateral flow fluorescence immunostrip for 8-OHdG: (a) configuration; (b) preparation: load of capture probe (BSA-8-OHdG, 2 µL) on test zone; load of control probe (IgG Ab, 2 µL) on control zone; load of signal probe (UCNP-Ab, 16 µL) on sample pad; (c) measurement: load of sample (8-OHdG, 100 µL) on sample pad, collection, and measurement.

Potency of a Scalable Nanoparticulate Subunit Vaccine.

Nanoparticulate vaccines can potentiate immune responses by site-specific drainage to lymph nodes (LNs). This approach may benefit from a nanoparticle engineering method with fine control over size and codelivery of antigen and adjuvant. Here, we applied the flash nanocomplexation (FNC) method to prepare nanovaccines via polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan and heparin to coencapsulate the VP1 protein antigen from enterovirus 71, which causes hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) or CpG as adjuvants. FNC allows for reduction of the nanovaccine size to range from 90 to 130 nm with relatively narrower size distribution and a high payload capacity. These nanovaccines reached both proximal and distal LNs via subcutaneous injection and subsequently exhibited prolonged retention in the LNs. The codelivery induced strong immune activation toward a Th1 response in addition to a potent Th2 response, and conferred effective protection against lethal virus challenge comparable to that of an approved inactivated viral vaccine in mouse models of both passive and active immunization setting. In addition, these nanovaccines also elicited strong IgA titers, which may offer unique advantages for mucosal protection. This study addresses the issues of size control, antigen bioactivity retention, and biomanufacturing to demonstrate the translational potential of a subunit nanovaccine design.

Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of an enterovirus 71 vaccine in China.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative agents of outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina worldwide. This phase 3 trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of an EV71 vaccine. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in which 10,007 healthy infants and young children (6 to 35 months of age) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive two intramuscular doses of either EV71 vaccine or placebo, 28 days apart. The surveillance period was 12 months. The primary end point was the occurrence of EV71-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina. RESULTS: During the 12-month surveillance period, EV71-associated disease was identified in 0.3% of vaccine recipients (13 of 5041 children) and 2.1% of placebo recipients (106 of 5028 children) in the intention-to-treat cohort. The vaccine efficacy against EV71-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina was 94.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.2 to 97.9; P<0.001) in this cohort. Vaccine efficacies against EV71-associated hospitalization (0 cases vs. 24 cases) and hand, foot, and mouth disease with neurologic complications (0 cases vs. 8 cases) were both 100% (95% CI, 83.7 to 100 and 42.6 to 100, respectively). Serious adverse events occurred in 111 of 5044 children in the vaccine group (2.2%) and 131 of 5033 children in the placebo group (2.6%). In the immunogenicity subgroup (1291 children), an anti-EV71 immune response was elicited by the two-dose vaccine series in 98.8% of participants at day 56. An anti-EV71 neutralizing antibody titer of 1:16 was associated with protection against EV71-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina. CONCLUSIONS: The EV71 vaccine provided protection against EV71-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease or herpangina in infants and young children. (Funded by Sinovac Biotech; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01507857.).

Structures of Coxsackievirus A16 Capsids with Native Antigenicity: Implications for Particle Expansion, Receptor Binding, and Immunogenicity.

UNLABELLED: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are the primary causes of the epidemics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) that affect more than a million children in China each year and lead to hundreds of deaths. Although there has been progress with vaccines for EV71, the development of a CVA16 vaccine has proved more challenging, and the EV71 vaccine does not give useful cross-protection, despite the capsid proteins of the two viruses sharing about 80% sequence identity. The structural details of the expanded forms of the capsids, which possess nonnative antigenicity, are now well understood, but high resolution information for the native antigenic form of CVA16 has been missing. Here, we remedy this with high resolution X-ray structures of both mature and natural empty CVA16 particles and also of empty recombinant viruslike particles of CVA16 produced in insect cells, a potential vaccine antigen. All three structures are unexpanded native particles and antigenically identical. The recombinant particles have recruited a lipid moiety to stabilize the native antigenic state that is different from the one used in a natural virus infection. As expected, the mature CVA16 virus is similar to EV71; however, structural and immunogenic comparisons highlight differences that may have implications for vaccine production. IMPORTANCE: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a serious public health threat to children in Asian-Pacific countries, resulting in millions of cases. EV71 and CVA16 are the two dominant causative agents of the disease that, while usually mild, can cause severe neurological complications, leading to hundreds of deaths. EV71 vaccines do not provide protection against CVA16. A CVA16 vaccine or bivalent EV71/CVA16 vaccine is therefore urgently needed. We report atomic structures for the mature CVA16 virus, a natural empty particle, and a recombinant CVA16 virus-like particle that does not contain the viral genome. All three particles have similar structures and identical antigenicity. The recombinant particles, produced in insect cells (a system suitable for making vaccine antigen), are stabilized by recruiting from the insect cells a small molecule that is different from that used by the virus in a normal infection. We present structural and immunogenic comparisons with EV71 to facilitate structure-based drug design and vaccine development.

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence peptide-based biosensor for the determination of prostate-specific antigen based on target-induced cleavage of peptide.

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence peptide-based biosensor (ECL-PB) for the determination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was developed on the basis of target-induced cleavage of a specific peptide within Nafion film incorporated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and ECL emitting species. A specific peptide (CHSSKLQK) was used as a molecular recognition element; tris(2,2'-ripyridine) dichlororuthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) was used as ECL emitting species, and ferrocene carboxylic acid (Fc) was employed as ECL quencher. The ECL-PB biosensor was fabricated by casting the mixture of Nafion and AuNPs onto the surface of glassy carbon electrode to form AuNPs/Nafion film, and then, Ru(bpy)3(2+) was electrostatically adsorbed into the AuNPs/Nafion film; finally, the peptide-tagged with ferrocene carboxylic acid (Fc-peptide) was self-assembled onto the surface of the AuNPs. When PSA was present, it specifically cleaved the Fc-peptide, leading the quencher to leave the electrode and resulting in the increase of the ECL intensity obtained from the resulted electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) containing tri-n-propylamine. The results showed that the increased ECL intensity was directly linear to the logarithm of the concentration of PSA in the range from 5.0 × 10(-12) to 5.0 × 10(-9) g/mL. An extremely low detection limit of 8 × 10(-13) g/mL was achieved because of the signal amplification through AuNPs and the ECL background suppression through Fc as ECL quencher. This work demonstrates that the combination of the direct transduction of peptide cleavage events with the highly sensitive ECL method is a promising strategy for the design of enzymatic cleavage-based ECL biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Determination of fatty acids in soil samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry coupled with headspace solid-phase microextraction using a homemade sol-gel fiber.

Through the use of a homemade sol-gel-derived fiber, a headspace solid-phase microextraction technique coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of fatty acids with long, even-numbered carbon chains (C12 -C24 ) in soil samples. The experimental parameters such as reaction time, temperature, and ionic strength that might affect derivatization, extraction, and desorption were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the linearity of the method ranged from 0.1 to 100 mg/L with a correlation coefficient >0.997. The limit of detection values based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1 were determined with the concentration from 0.39 to 39.4 µg/L. The recoveries of the method for the soil samples were from 91.15 to 108.1%. This developed method using a homemade fiber showed a higher sensitivity than that using a commercial polydimethylsiloxane fiber and was also for the analysis of real soil samples from the Paomaling geological park of China.

Pulp cellulose-based core-sheath structure based on hyperbranched grafting strategy for development of reinforced soybean adhesive.

Formaldehyde adhesive is the primary source of indoor formaldehyde pollution, posing a serious threat to human health. Soybean meal (SM), as an abundant biomacromolecule and co-product of soybean oil industry, emerges as a promising alternative to formaldehyde adhesive. However, the SM adhesive exhibits inferior water resistance and unsatisfactory bonding strength. In this study, a novel core-sheath structure with an inexpensive pulp cellulose core and a hyperbranched polymer sheath is synthesized and introduced into SM to develop a robust bio-based adhesive. Specifically, aldehyde-functionalized pulp cellulose is grafted with hyperbranched polyamide, which is terminated via epoxy groups, to synthesize a core-sheath hybrid (APC@HBPA-EP). The core-sheath APC@HBPA-EP serves as both a crosslinker and an enhancer. The results show that the wet shear strength of the modified SM adhesive exhibits a remarkable 520 % increase to 0.93 MPa, and its dry shear strength reaches 2.10 MPa, meeting the established indoor use standards. The Young's modulus of the modified SM adhesive shows a significant 282 % increase to 19.27 GPa. Additionally, the modified SM adhesive exhibited superior impact toughness (7.48 KJ/m2), which increased by 24 times compared with pure SM adhesive. This study provides a versatile strategy for developing robust protein adhesives, hydrogel patch, and composite coatings.

Digital light processing printed hydrogel scaffolds with adjustable modulus.

Hydrogels are extensively explored as biomaterials for tissue scaffolds, and their controlled fabrication has been the subject of wide investigation. However, the tedious mechanical property adjusting process through formula control hindered their application for diverse tissue scaffolds. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a two-step process to realize simple adjustment of mechanical modulus over a broad range, by combining digital light processing (DLP) and post-processing steps. UV-curable hydrogels (polyacrylamide-alginate) are 3D printed via DLP, with the ability to create complex 3D patterns. Subsequent post-processing with Fe3+ ions bath induces secondary crosslinking of hydrogel scaffolds, tuning the modulus as required through soaking in solutions with different Fe3+ concentrations. This innovative two-step process offers high-precision (10 µm) and broad modulus adjusting capability (15.8-345 kPa), covering a broad range of tissues in the human body. As a practical demonstration, hydrogel scaffolds with tissue-mimicking patterns were printed for cultivating cardiac tissue and vascular scaffolds, which can effectively support tissue growth and induce tissue morphologies.

Ultrasensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence peptide-based method for the determination of cardiac troponin I incorporating amplification of signal reagent-encapsulated liposomes.

An ultrasensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence peptide-based (ECL-PB) method for the determination of cardiac troponin I (TnI) incorporating amplification of signal reagent-encapsulated liposome was reported for the first time. A synthesized short linear specific binding peptide (FYSHSFHENWPSK) was employed as a molecular recognition element for TnI, which was a reliable biomarker for detecting cardiac injury. Liposomes assembled using a standard sonication procedure were designed as the carrier of ECL signal reagents [bis(2,2'-bipyridine)-4,4'-dicarboxybipyridine ruthenium-di(N-succinimidyl ester) bis(hexafluorophosphate)] for signal amplification. The magnetic capture peptides for the enrichment of the target protein and magnetic separation were synthesized by covalently attaching the peptides to the surface of magnetic beads via an acylation reaction, and the liposome peptides were synthesized by covalently attaching the peptides to the signal reagent-encapsulated liposomes. In the presence of TnI, sandwich-type conjugates were generated in incubation of the magnetic capture peptides and the liposome peptides. After a magnetic separation, the sandwich-type conjugates were treated with ethanol and, thus, a great number of the ECL reagents were released and measured by the ECL method at a bare glassy carbon electrode with a potential pulse of +1.15 V versus Ag/AgCl in the presence of tri-n-propylamine. The increased ECL intensity has good linearity with the logarithm of the TnI concentration in the range from 10 pg/mL to 5.0 ng/mL, with an extremely low detection limit of 4.5 pg/mL. The proposed ECL-PB method was successfully applied to the detection of TnI in human serum samples. This work demonstrated that the employment of the magnetic capture peptides for the enrichment of the target proteins and magnetic separation and the liposome peptides for the signal amplification and polyvalent binding motifs may open a new door to ultrasensitive detection of proteins in clinical analyses.

Preparation of Strong and Thermally Conductive, Spider Silk-Inspired, Soybean Protein-Based Adhesive for Thermally Conductive Wood-Based Composites.

The development of formaldehyde-free functional wood composite materials through the preparation of strong and multifunctional soybean protein adhesives to replace formaldehyde-based resins is an important research area. However, ensuring the bonding performance of soybean protein adhesive while simultaneously developing thermally conductive adhesive and its corresponding wood composites is challenging. Taking inspiration from the microphase separation structure of spider silk, boron nitride (BN) and soy protein isolate (SPI) were mixed by ball milling to obtain a BN@SPI matrix and combined with the self-synthesized hyperbranched reactive substrates as amorphous region reinforcer and cross-linker triglycidylamine to prepare strong and thermally conductive soybean protein adhesive with cross-linked microphase separation structure. These findings indicate that mechanical ball milling can be employed to strip BN followed by combination with SPI, resulting in a tight bonded interface connection. Subsequently, the adhesive's dry and wet shear strengths increased by 14.3% and 90.5% to 1.83 and 1.05 MPa, respectively. The resultant adhesive also possesses a good thermal conductivity (0.363 W/mK). Impressively, because hot-pressing helps the resultant adhesive to establish a thermal conduction pathway, the thermal conductivity of the resulting wood-based composite is 10 times higher than that of the SPI adhesive, which shows a thermal conductivity similar to that of ceramic tile and has excellent potential for developing biothermal conductivity materials, geothermal floors, and energy storage materials. Moreover, the adhesive possessed effective flame retardancy (limit oxygen index = 36.5%) and mildew resistance (>50 days). This bionic design represents an efficient technique for developing multifunctional biomass adhesives and composites.

Genomic insight into domestication of rubber tree.

Understanding the genetic basis of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) domestication is crucial for further improving natural rubber production to meet its increasing demand worldwide. Here we provide a high-quality H. brasiliensis genome assembly (1.58 Gb, contig N50 of 11.21 megabases), present a map of genome variations by resequencing 335 accessions and reveal domestication-related molecular signals and a major domestication trait, the higher number of laticifer rings. We further show that HbPSK5, encoding the small-peptide hormone phytosulfokine (PSK), is a key domestication gene and closely correlated with the major domestication trait. The transcriptional activation of HbPSK5 by myelocytomatosis (MYC) members links PSK signaling to jasmonates in regulating the laticifer differentiation in rubber tree. Heterologous overexpression of HbPSK5 in Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) can increase rubber content by promoting laticifer formation. Our results provide an insight into target genes for improving rubber tree and accelerating the domestication of other rubber-producing plants.

Biomimetic lignin-protein adhesive with dynamic covalent/hydrogen hybrid networks enables high bonding performance and wood-based panel recycling.

Exploring the reusability of wood-based panels is imperative in the wood industry for sustainable development and carbon balance. Non-reusable adhesives make wood-based panel recycling difficult. In this study, inspired by the adhesion and de-adhesion behavior of snail slime, we built dynamic covalent/hydrogen hybrid networks into adhesive system for achieving both high bonding performance and reusability. Specifically, the softwood lignin was purified and pretreated by ultrasonication to form a catechol structure (UAL) and then combined with soybean protein to develop a 100 % bio-based wood adhesive. The catechol structure of UAL formed dynamic covalent bonds (CN) with the amino groups of the protein to improve the water resistance and formed multiple hydrogen bonds as a sacrificial network to improve the toughness of the adhesive. Thus, the wet shear strength of plywood bonded by the resultant adhesive improved by 101.4 % to 1.37 MPa. The adhesive also exhibited flame retardancy (LOI = 37.7 %), mildew resistance (60 h), and antibacterial performance (inhibition zone = 8 mm). Notably, owing to the rearrangement of dynamic covalent/hydrogen hybrid networks and the thermoplastic property of UAL, the resultant adhesive was reusable (3 cycles) and degradable (2 months), which provides a potential method for the reuse of wood-based panels.

Recyclable, Self-Healing Solid Polymer Electrolytes by Soy Protein-Based Dynamic Network.

Compared to traditional organic liquid electrolytes, which often present leakage, flammability, and chemical stability problems, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are widely regarded as one of the most promising candidates for the development of safer lithium-ion batteries. Vitrimers are a new class of polymer materials consisting of dynamic covalent networks that can change their topology by thermally activated bond-exchange reactions. Herein, the recyclable and self-healing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with a soy protein isolate (SPI)-based imine bond dynamic network are reported. This malleable covalent cross-linked network polymer can be reshaped and recycled at high temperature (100 °C) or only with water at ambient temperature (25 °C), which may realize the green processing of energy materials. The introduction of bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium (LiTFSI) significantly reinforces the conductivity of the dynamic network to a maximum of 3.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 . This simple and applicable method establishes new principles for designing scalable and flexible strategies for fabricating polymer electrolytes.

Anti-smudge and self-cleaning characteristics of waterborne polyurethane coating and its construction.

A novel anti-smudge coating, based on waterborne polyurethane (WPU), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) was constructed. Specifically, hydroxyl capped WPU emulsions grafted with PDMS (WPU-g-PDMSX) were prepared firstly, then the Hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) was used as the crosslinking agent to block the polar hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and the carboxyl groups in WPU-g-PDMSX and increase the cross-linking density of the coating. Oily markers, water, hexadecane, fingerprint liquid, and common liquids in life (milk, coffee, ink and cooking oil) were utilized to demonstrate the anti-graffiti and self-cleaning characteristics of coatings. Aside from having great transparency and exceptional resistance to liquid corrosion, the coating still retains its anti-smudge capabilities even when bent or impacted, and they also exhibit 5B adhesion and 5H pencil hardness. This work provides novel idea and strategy for the preparation of WPU anti-smudge coatings.

Ultralight Heat-Insulating, Electrically Conductive Carbon Fibrous Sponges for Wearable Mechanosensing Devices with Advanced Warming Function.

Ultralight highly porous sponges are attractive for electronic devices due to superelasticity, outstanding resilience, and thermal insulation. However, fabricating an ultralight conductive sponge with low thermal conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and piezoresistivity, as well as adjustable heating behavior, is still a challenge. Here, an ultralight carbon nanofibrous sponge fabricated by pyrolyzing a graphene oxide coated polyimide sponge is reported. The resulting carbon sponge demonstrates a high electrical conductivity of 0.03-4.72 S m-1 and a low thermal conductivity of 0.027-0.038 W m-1 K-1 (20 °C, in ambient air), as well as a low density to ∼6 mg cm-3. Additionally, the sponge exhibits mechanical flexibility, stability, excellent piezoresistivity, and an adjustable heating behavior. Hence, it could be utilized as a sensing device, including thermal management, making them promising for use in smart sportswear, human-machine interfaces, and wearable healthcare devices.