Versatile Hypoxic Extracellular Vesicles Laden in an Injectable and Bioactive Hydrogel for Accelerated Bone Regeneration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as an appealing alternative to cell therapy in regenerative medicine. Unlike bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) cultured in vitro with normoxia, bone marrow in vivo is exposed to a hypoxic environment. To date, it remains unclear whether hypoxia preconditioning can improve the function of BMSC-derived EVs and be more conducive to bone repair. Herein, it is found that hypoxia preconditioned BMSCs secrete more biglycan (Bgn)-rich EVs via proteomics analysis, and these hypoxic EVs (Hypo-EVs) significantly promote osteoblast proliferation, migration, differentiation, and mineralization by activating the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Subsequently, an injectable bioactive hydrogel composed of poly(ethylene glycol)/polypeptide copolymers is developed to improve the stability and retention of Hypo-EVs in vivo. The Hypo-EVs-laden hydrogel shows continuous liberation of Hypo-EVs for 3 weeks and substantially accelerates bone regeneration in 5-mm rat cranial defects. Finally, it is confirmed that Bgn in EVs is a pivotal protein regulating osteoblast differentiation and mineralization and exerts its effects through paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, this study shows that hypoxia stimulation is an effective approach to optimize the therapeutic effects of BMSC-derived EVs and that injectable hydrogel-based EVs delivery is a promising strategy for tissue regeneration.     

Incombustible Polymer Electrolyte Boosting Safety of Solid-State Lithium Batteries: A Review

Lithium-ion batteries with their portability, high energy density, and reusability are frequently used in today's world. Under extreme conditions, lithium-ion batteries leak, burn, and even explode. Therefore, improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries has become a focus of attention. Researchers believe using a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one can solve the lithium battery safety issue. Due to the low price, good processability and high safety of the solid polymer electrolytes, increasing attention have been paid to them. However, polymer electrolytes can also decompose and burn under extreme conditions. Moreover, lithium dendrites are formed continuously due to the uneven charge distribution on the surface of the lithium metal anode. A short circuit caused by a lithium dendrite can cause the battery to thermal runaway. As a result, the safety of polymer solid-state batteries remains a challenge. In this review, the thermal runaway mechanism of the batteries is summarized, and the batteries abuse test standard is introduced. In addition, the recent works on the high-safety polymer electrolytes and the solution strategies of lithium anode problems in polymer batteries are reviewed. Finally, the development direction of safe polymer solid lithium batteries is prospected.     

Polyether-b-Amide Based Solid Electrolytes with Well-Adhered Interface and Fast Kinetics for Ultralow Temperature Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are highly desirable for energy storage because of the urgent need for higher energy density and safer batteries. However, it remains a critical challenge for stable cycling of SSLMBs at low temperature. Here, a highly viscoelastic polyether-b-amide (PEO-b-PA) based composite solid-state electrolyte is proposed through a one-pot melt processing without solvent to address this key process. By adjusting the molar ratio of PEO-b-PA to lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide (ethylene oxide:Li = 6:1) and adding 20 wt.% succinonitrile, fast Li⁺ transport channel is conducted within the homogeneous polymer electrolyte, which enables its application at ultra-low temperature (−20 to 25 °C). The composite solid-state electrolyte utilizes dynamic hydrogen-bonding domains and ion-conducting domains to achieve a low interfacial charge transfer resistance (<600 Ω) at −20 °C and high ionic conductivity (25 °C, 3.7 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹). As a result, the LiFePO₄|Li battery based on composite electrolyte exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with 81.5% capacity retention after 1200 cycles at −20 °C and high discharge specific capacities of 141.1 mAh g⁻¹ with high loading (16.1 mg cm⁻²) at 25 °C. Moreover, the solid-state SNCM811|Li cell achieves excellent safety performance under nail penetration test, showing great promise for practical application.     

Polar Perturbations in Functional Oxide Heterostructures

Growth and characterization of metal-oxide thin films foster successful development of oxide-material-integrated thin-film devices represented by metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET), drawing enormous technological and scientific interest for several decades. In recent years, functional oxide heterostructures have demonstrated remarkable achievements in modern technologies and provided deeper insights into condensed-matter physics and materials science owing to their versatile tunability and selective amplification of the functionalities. One of the most critical aspects of their physical properties is the polar perturbation stemming from the ionic framework of an oxide. By engineering and exploiting the structural, electrical, magnetic, and optical characteristics through various routes, numerous perceptive studies have clearly shown how polar perturbations advance functionalities or drive exotic physical phenomena in complex oxide heterostructures. In this review, both intrinsic (engraved by thin-film heteroepitaxy) and extrinsic (reversibly controllable defect-mediated disorder and polar adsorbates) elements of polar perturbations, highlighting their abilities for the development of highly tunable functional properties are summarized. Scientifically, the recent approaches of polar perturbations render one to consolidate a prospect of atomic-level manipulation of polar order in epitaxial oxide thin films. Technologically, this review also offers useful guidelines for rational design to heterogeneously integrated oxide-based multi-functional devices with high performances.     

In Situ Polymerizing Internal Encapsulation Strategy Enables Stable Perovskite Solar Cells toward Lead Leakage Suppression

Despite the outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieved over the years, unsatisfactory stability and lead toxicity remain obstacles that limit their competitiveness and large-scale practical deployment. In this study, in situ polymerizing internal encapsulation (IPIE) is developed as a holistic approach to overcome these challenges. The uniform polymer internal package layer constructed by thermally triggered cross-linkable monomers not only solidifies the ionic perovskite crystalline by strong electron-withdrawing/donating chemical sites, but also acts as a water penetration and ion migration barrier to prolong shelf life under harsh environments. The optimized MAPbI₃ and FAPbI₃ devices with IPIE treatment yield impressive efficiencies of 22.29% and 24.12%, respectively, accompanied by remarkably enhanced environmental and mechanical stabilities. In addition, toxic water-soluble lead leakage is minimized by the synergetic effect of the physical encapsulation wall and chemical chelation conferred by the IPIE. Hence, this strategy provides a feasible route for preparing efficient, stable, and eco-friendly PSCs.     

Bio-Inspired Artificial Fast-Adaptive and Slow-Adaptive Mechanoreceptors With Synapse-Like Functions

Development of artificial mechanoreceptors capable of sensing and pre-processing external mechanical stimuli is a crucial step toward constructing neuromorphic perception systems that can learn and store information. Here, bio-inspired artificial fast-adaptive (FA) and slow-adaptive (SA) mechanoreceptors with synapse-like functions are demonstrated for tactile perception. These mechanoreceptors integrate self-powered piezoelectric pressure sensors with synaptic electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGFETs) featuring a reduced graphene oxide channel. The FA pressure sensor is based on a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) thin film, while the SA pressure sensor is enabled by a piezoelectric ionogel with the piezoelectric-ionic coupling effect based on P(VDF-TrFE) and an ionic liquid. Changes in post-synaptic current are achieved through the synaptic effect of the EGFET by regulating the amplitude, number, duration, and frequency of tactile stimuli (pre-synaptic pulses). These devices have great potential to serve as artificial biological mechanoreceptors for future artificial neuromorphic perception systems.     

基于改进的CKF低轨卫星多普勒定位解算

针对低轨卫星多普勒定位中最小二乘法(the least squar method, LSM)和扩展卡尔曼滤波(extended Kalman filter, EKF)带来的解算误差,采用容积卡尔曼滤波(cubature Kalmanfilter, CKF)算法的思想来进行定位解算。首先设计了一种基于GeoSOT剖分网格的初值搜索方法进行粗定位,避免迭代发散;在解算过程中,对CKF进行改进,用QR分解代替其中的Cholesky分解,防止误差协方差矩阵非正定导致计算终止;最后以铱星星座对地面站的静态定位为例,通过STK 进行仿真验证算法的有效性。结果表明,改进的CKF(improvedCKF, ICKF)算法对于目标的定位误差在百米以内;且相较于LSM 和EKF,定位精度大约可以提高17%。     

Defect Engineering of MOF-Based Membrane for Gas Separation

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile materials that have been identified as promising candidates for membrane-based gas separation applications due to their uniformly narrow pore windows and virtually unlimited structural and chemical features. Defect engineering of MOFs has opened new opportunities for manipulating MOF structures, providing a simple yet efficient approach for enhancing membrane separation. However, the utilization of this strategy to tailor membrane microstructures and enhance separation performance is still in its infancy. Thus, this summary aims to provide a guideline for tailoring defective MOF-based membranes. Recent developments in defect engineering of MOF-based membranes will be discussed, including the synthesis strategies for defective MOFs, the effects of defects on the gas adsorption properties, gas transport mechanisms, and recently reported defective MOF-based membranes. Furthermore, the emerging challenges and future prospects will be outlined. Overall, defect engineering offers an exciting opportunity to improve the performance of MOF-based gas membranes. However, there is still a long way to go to fully understand the influence of defects on MOF properties and optimize the design of MOF-based membranes for specific gas separation applications. Nonetheless, continued research in this field holds great promise for the development of next-generation membrane-based gas separation technologies.     

Metal Ions versus Protons: Tracking of Charge-Carrier Insertion into a Cathode Oxide in Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries

Protons in aqueous electrolytes can perform as an additional type of charge carrier for insertion/extraction in addition to the primary carrier cations in aqueous rechargeable batteries. Despite many diverse claims regarding the effect of protons, mutually conflicting experimental results and their interpretations without direct evidence have been reported over the last decade. Systematic examinations and analyses are thus imperative to clarify the conditions of proton insertion in aqueous rechargeable batteries. Utilizing V₂O₅ as a model cathode and beaker-type cells with a sufficient amount of ZnSO₄ aqueous electrolytes in this work, it is demonstrated that protons are inserted into the cathode prior to Zn-ions in low-pH conditions (pH ≤ 3.0). In stark contrast, the influence of protons on the discharge voltage and capacity is insignificant, when either the pH becomes higher (pH ≥ 4.0) or the electrolyte volume is considerably low in coin-type cells. Similar behavior of pH-dependent proton insertion is also verified in Na–, Mg–, and Al-ion electrolytes. Providing a resolution to the controversy regarding proton insertion, the present study emphasizes that the influence of protons substantially varies depending on the pH and relative volume of electrolytes in aqueous batteries.     

Skin-like Omnidirectional Stretchable Platform with Negative Poisson's Ratio for Wearable Strain–Pressure Simultaneous Sensor

Conventional elastomeric polymers used as substrates for wearable platforms have large positive Poisson's ratios (≈0.5) that cause a deformation mismatch with human skin that is multidirectionally elongated under bending of joints. This causes practical problems in elastomer-based wearable devices, such as delamination and detachment, leading to poorly reliable functionality. To overcome this issue, auxetic-structured mechanical reinforcement with glass fibers is applied to the elastomeric film, resulting in a negative Poisson's ratio (NPR), which is a skin-like stretchable substrate (SLSS). Several parameters for determining the materials and geometrical dimensions of the auxetic-structured reinforcing fillers are considered to maximize the NPR. Based on numerical simulation and digital image correlation analysis, the deformation tendencies and strain distribution of the SLSS are investigated and compared with those of the pristine elastomeric substrate. Owing to the strain-localization characteristics, an independent strain-pressure sensing system is fabricated using SLSS with a Ag-based elastomeric ink and a carbon nanotube-based force-sensitive resistor. Finally, it is demonstrated that the SLSS-based sensor platform can be applied as a wearable device to monitor the physical burden on the wrist in real time.