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2024 Vol. 3, No. 3

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Islet cell transplantation represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the management of diabetes. Nevertheless, the immune rejection and suboptimal survival rates of transplanted cells hinder its broader applications. In this study, we developed a distinctive vascularized artificial islet by incorporating a microvascular network with hydrogel microcarriers that encapsulate islet cells. This endeavor aimed to create a biomimetic artificial islet model, proposing a novel solution for diabetes treatment. The cover story draws inspiration from "Jingwei Filling the Sea", an ancient Chinese myth in which the goddess Jingwei persistently throws stones into the ocean. This parallels the function of biomimetic artificial islets, which consistently release insulin into the recipient following transplantation to treat diabetes effectively.


artificial islet model; microfluidics; vascularization; hydrogel; diabetes


DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad47ce



Topical Review
OPEN ACCESS
Recent advances of metal fluoride compounds cathode materials for lithium ion batteries: a review
Yanshen Gao, Jiaxin Li, Yumeng Hua, Qingshan Yang, Rudof Holze, Ewa Mijowska, Paul K Chu, Xuecheng Chen
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4572
Abstract(568) PDF(92)
Abstract:
AbstractAs the most successful new energy storage device developed in recent decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are ubiquitous in the modern society. However, current commercial LIBs comprising mainly intercalated cathode materials are limited by the theoretical energy density which cannot meet the high storing energy demanded by renewable applications. Compared to intercalation-type cathode materials, low-cost conversion-type cathode materials with a high theoretical specific capacity are expected to boost the overall energy of LIBs. Among the different conversion cathode materials, metal fluorides have become a popular research subject for their environmental friendliness, low toxicity, wide voltage range, and high theoretical specific capacity. In this review, we compare the energy storage performance of intercalation and conversion cathode materials based on thermodynamic calculation and summarize the main challenges. The common conversion-type cathode materials are described and their respective reaction mechanisms are discussed. In particular, the structural flaws and corresponding solutions and strategies are described. Finally, we discussed the prospective of metal fluorides and other conversion cathode materials to guide further research in this important field.
OPEN ACCESS
ICE optimization strategies of hard carbon anode for sodium-ion batteries: from the perspective of material synthesis
Huanbin Zheng, Jun Zeng, Xuanhong Wan, Xin Song, Chenxi Peng, Jiarui Wang, Luyi Sun, Hui Wang, Min Zhu, Jun Liu
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5d7f
Abstract(405) PDF(142)
Abstract:
AbstractWith the continuous exploration of researchers in the field of sodium-ion batteries, the performance of these batteries has been greatly improved, and they have a wide range of application prospects in large-scale energy storage, traffic power and other fields. Hard carbon is the most important anode material for sodium-ion batteries. Although it has the advantages of low cost, stable structure and performance, it still has the problems of low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor rate performance in application. In order to solve the problem of low ICE of hard carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries, in recent years the literature about hard carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries has been comprehensively reviewed. Based on the microstructure of hard carbon material, the causes of low ICE of hard carbon are analyzed. At the same time, from the point of view of material structure design and regulation, the current optimization strategies of hard carbon anode ICE are summarized, including the following aspects: optimization and improvement of the carbonization process, precursor screening and design, surface coating strategy, micro-pore structure control, catalytic carbonization strategy. We hope that this review will provide reference for further optimization of hard carbon properties and its large-scale application in sodium-ion batteries.
OPEN ACCESS
Microfluidics-derived microfibers in flexible bioelectronics
Chaoyu Yang, Xingyu Hou, Li Zhang
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad667b
Abstract(172) PDF(10)
Abstract:
AbstractFlexible electronics have attracted extensive attention across a wide range of fields due to their potential for preventive medicine and early disease detection. Microfiber-based textiles, encountered in everyday life, have emerged as promising platforms with integrated sensing capabilities. Microfluidic technology has been recognized as a promising avenue for the development of flexible conductive microfibers and has made significant achievements. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art advancements in microfiber-based flexible electronics fabricated using microfluidic platforms. Firstly, the fundamental strategies of the microfluidic fabrication of conductive microfibers with different structures and morphologies are introduced. Subsequently, attention is then directed towards the diverse applications of these microfibers in bioelectronics. Finally, we offer a forward-looking perspective on the future challenges about microfluidic-derived microfibers in flexible bioelectronics.
OPEN ACCESS
Silk fibroin-based flexible pressure sensors: processing and application
Muhan Chen, Junhong Liu, Yidi Hu, Yujie Wu, Chun-Yan Tang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5f48
Abstract(206) PDF(52)
Abstract:
AbstractWith the advent of the internet of things and artificial intelligence, flexible and portable pressure sensors have shown great application potential in human-computer interaction, personalized medicine and other fields. By comparison with traditional inorganic materials, flexible polymeric materials conformable to the human body are more suitable for the fabrication of wearable pressure sensors. Given the consumption of a huge amount of flexible wearable electronics in near future, it is necessary to turn their attention to biodegradable polymers for the fabrication of flexible pressure sensors toward the development requirement of green and sustainable electronics. In this paper, the structure and properties of silk fibroin (SF) are introduced, and the source and research progress of the piezoelectric properties of SF are systematically discussed. In addition, this paper summarizes the advance in the studies on SF-based capacitive, resistive, triboelectric, and piezoelectric sensors reported in recent years, and focuses on their fabrication methods and applications. Finally, this paper also puts forward the future development trend of high-efficiency fabrication and corresponding application of SF-based piezoelectric sensors. It offers new insights into the design and fabrication of green and biodegradable bioelectronics for in vitro and in vivo sensing applications.
Perspective
OPEN ACCESS
Ionogels and eutectogels for stable and long-term EEG and EMG signal acquisition
Asmita Veronica, Hnin Yin Yin Nyein, I-Ming Hsing
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5c84
Abstract(231) PDF(28)
Abstract:
AbstractNeurological injuries and disorders have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life, often resulting in motor and sensory loss. To assess motor performance and monitor neurological disorders, non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) are commonly used. Traditionally employed wet electrodes with conductive gels are limited by lengthy skin preparation time and allergic reactions. Although dry electrodes and hydrogel-based electrodes can mitigate these issues, their applicability for long-term monitoring is limited. Dry electrodes are susceptible to motion artifacts, whereas hydrogel-based electrodes face challenges related to water-induced instability. Recently, ionogels and eutectogels derived from ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have gained immense popularity due to their non-volatility, ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and tunability. Eutectogels, in particular, exhibit superior biocompatibility. These characteristics make them suitable alternatives for the development of safer, robust, and reliable EEG and EMG electrodes. However, research specifically focused on their application for EEG and EMG signal acquisition remains limited. This article explores the electrode requirements and material advancements in EEG and EMG sensing, with a focus on highlighting the benefits that ionogels and eutectogels offer over conventional materials. It sheds light on the current limitations of these materials and proposes areas for further improvement in this field. The potential of these gel-based materials to achieve a seamless interface for high-quality and long-term electrophysiological signal acquisition is emphasized. Leveraging the unique properties of ionogels and eutectogels holds promise for future advancements in EEG and EMG electrode materials, leading to improved monitoring systems and enhanced patient outcomes.
Paper
OPEN ACCESS
Synergistic effect between Co single atoms and Pt nanoparticles for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution
Chengyong Shu, Jingwen Cao, Zhuofan Gan, Peixi Qiu, Zhixu Chen, Lian Guanwu, Zhongxin Chen, Chengwei Deng, Wei Tang
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad521f
Abstract(335) PDF(68)
Abstract:
AbstractIn the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions has been a significant challenge, primarily due to the sluggish dissociation of water molecules on platinum (Pt) catalysts. Addressing this critical issue, our study introduces an innovative Pt-Co@NCS catalyst. This catalyst synergistically combines Pt nanoparticles with Co single atoms on a nitrogen-doped carbon scaffold, overcoming the traditional bottleneck of slow water dissociation. Its unique porous concave structure and nitrogen-enriched surface not only provide abundant anchoring sites for Co atoms but also create a conducive hydrophilic environment around the Pt particles. This design leads to a drastic improvement in the water dissociation process, as demonstrated by CO stripping and deuterium labeling experiments. Achieving an outstanding current density of 162.8 mA cm-2 at -0.1 V versus RHE, a Tafel slope of 26.2 mV dec-1, and a superior nominal mass activity of 15.75 mA μgPt-1, the Pt-Co@NCS catalyst represents a significant step forward in enhancing alkaline HER efficiency, indicating promising advancements in the field.
OPEN ACCESS
Enhancing performance and longevity of solid-state zinc-iodine batteries with fluorine-rich solid electrolyte interphase
Yongxin Huang, Yiqing Wang, Xiyue Peng, Tongen Lin, Xia Huang, Norah S Alghamdi, Masud Rana, Peng Chen, Cheng Zhang, Andrew K Whittaker, Lianzhou Wang, Bin Luo
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad50f1
Abstract(399) PDF(73)
Abstract:
AbstractRechargeable zinc-iodine (ZnI2) batteries have gained popularity within the realm of aqueous batteries due to their inherent advantages, including natural abundance, intrinsic safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, challenges persist in their practical applications, notably battery swelling and vulnerability in aqueous electrolytes, primarily linked to the hydrogen evolution reaction and zinc dendrite growth. To address these challenges, this study presents an innovative approach by designing a solid-state ZnI2 battery featuring a solid perfluoropolyether based polymer electrolyte. The results demonstrate the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase layer on zinc, promoting horizontal zinc growth, mitigating dendrite penetration, and enhancing battery cycle life. Moreover, the solid electrolyte hinders the iodine ion shuttle effect, reducing zinc foil corrosion. Symmetric batteries employing this electrolyte demonstrate excellent cycle performance, maintaining stability for approximately 5000 h at room temperature, while solid-state ZnI2 batteries exhibit over 7000 cycles with a capacity retention exceeding 72.2%. This work offers a promising pathway to achieving reliable energy storage in solid-state ZnI2 batteries and introduces innovative concepts for flexible and wearable zinc batteries.
OPEN ACCESS
Improving cycling performance of the NaNiO2 cathode in sodium-ion batteries by titanium substitution
Siyu An, Leonhard Karger, Sören L Dreyer, Yang Hu, Eduardo Barbosa, Ruizhuo Zhang, Jing Lin, Maximilian Fichtner, Aleksandr Kondrakov, Jürgen Janek, Torsten Brezesinski
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5faa
Abstract(209) PDF(62)
Abstract:
AbstractO3-type layered oxide cathodes, such as NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2, have garnered significant attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity while using abundant and low-cost sodium as intercalation species. Unlike the lithium analog (LiNiO2), NaNiO2 (NNO) exhibits poor electrochemical performance resulting from structural instability and inferior Coulomb efficiency. To enhance its cyclability for practical application, NNO was modified by titanium substitution to yield the O3-type NaNi0.9Ti0.1O2 (NNTO), which was successfully synthesized for the first time via a solid-state reaction. The mechanism behind its superior performance in comparison to that of similar materials is examined in detail using a variety of characterization techniques. NNTO delivers a specific discharge capacity of ∼190 mAh g-1 and exhibits good reversibility, even in the presence of multiple phase transitions during cycling in a potential window of 2.0‒4.2 V vs. Na+/Na. This behavior can be attributed to the substituent, which helps maintain a larger interslab distance in the Na-deficient phases and to mitigate Jahn-Teller activity by reducing the average oxidation state of nickel. However, volume collapse at high potentials and irreversible lattice oxygen loss are still detrimental to the NNTO. Nevertheless, the performance can be further enhanced through coating and doping strategies. This not only positions NNTO as a promising next-generation cathode material, but also serves as inspiration for future research directions in the field of high-energy-density Na-ion batteries.
OPEN ACCESS
Synthesis, disorder and Ising anisotropy in a new spin liquid candidate PrMgAl11O19
Yantao Cao, Huanpeng Bu, Zhendong Fu, Jinkui Zhao, Jason S Gardner, Zhongwen Ouyang, Zhaoming Tian, Zhiwei Li, Hanjie Guo
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4a93
Abstract(390) PDF(29)
Abstract:
AbstractHere we report the successful synthesis of large single crystals of triangular frustrated PrMgAl11O19 using the optical floating zone technique. Single crystal x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements unveiled the presence of quenched disorder within the mirror plane, specifically ~7% of Pr ions deviating from the ideal 2d site towards the 6h site. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed an Ising anisotropy with the c-axis being the easy axis. Despite a large spin-spin interaction that develops below ~10 K and considerable site disorder, the spins do not order or freeze down to at least 50 mK. The availability of large single crystals offers a distinct opportunity to investigate the exotic magnetic state on a triangular lattice with an easy axis out of the plane.
OPEN ACCESS
Biomimetic artificial islet model with vascularized microcapsule structures for durable glycemic control
Jingbo Li, Yile Fang, Zhuhao Wu, Luoran Shang, Ling Li
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad47ce
Abstract(337) PDF(41)
Abstract:
AbstractIslet transplantation is a promising strategy for diabetes mellitus treatment as it can recapitulate endogenous insulin secretion and provide long-term glycemic control. Islet models constructed in biomaterial scaffolds that reproduce biological characteristics of native islets is a feasible option to circumvent the dilemma of donor shortage and the requirement of chronic immunosuppression. Herein, we developed bioinspired artificial microcapsule-based islet models with microvessels for glycemic control using microfluidic electrospray strategy. Microfluidic electrospray can generate uniform hydrogel microcapsules with core-shell structure for encapsulating islet cells. The cell-laden microcapsules enabled the efficient transportation of nutrient, oxygen, and insulin; as well as the incorporation with microvessels for prompting glucose responsiveness and molecular exchange. We demonstrated by in vivo experiments that the blood glucose, food intake, and body weight of diabetic mouse models were alleviated, and the glucose tolerance was promoted after the engraftment of islet microcapsules. We further demonstrated the improved functionality of transplanted islet model in insulin secretion, immune escape, and microcirculation using standard histological and molecular analysis. These results indicated that the microcapsules with microvessels are promising artificial islet models and are valuable for treating diabetes.
OPEN ACCESS
Tailoring esophageal tumor spheroids on a chip with inverse opal scaffolds for drug screening
Ruolin Shi, Xiangyi Wu, Yuanjin Zhao, Shegan Gao, Gaofeng Liang
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5f47
Abstract(99) PDF(30)
Abstract:
AbstractEsophageal cancer (EC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and chemotherapy has become an indispensable means for comprehensive treatment. However, due to the limitation of the effective in vitro disease model, the development of chemotherapeutic agents still faces great challenges. In this paper, we present a novel tumor spheroid on a chip platform based on inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds to screen chemotherapeutic agents for EC treatment. With the microfluidic emulsion approach, the inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds were generated with tunable and organized pores, which could provide spatial confinement for cell growth. Thus, the suspended KYSE-70 cells could successfully form uniform cell spheroids on the inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds. It was demonstrated that the tumor cell spheroids could recapitulate 3D growth patterns in vivo and exhibited higher sensitivity to the chemotherapy agents compared with monolayer cells. Besides, by employing the scaffolds into a microfluidics to construct esophageal tumor on a chip, the device could realize high-throughput tumor cell spheroids generation and drug screening, indicating its promising role in chemotherapy drug development.
OPEN ACCESS
rADSC-loaded tubular units composed of multilayer electrospun membranes promoted bone regeneration of critical-sized skull defects
Huamin Jiang, Zhaoyi Lin, Jinze Li, Ting Song, Hongyun Zang, Pengwen Li, Jiarun Li, Wenyi Hou, Jianhua Zhou, Yan Li
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad66ea
Abstract(67) PDF(31)
Abstract:
AbstractAdipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have considerable potential for bone regeneration. However, their performance is limited by a lack of scaffolds that adequately mimic the hierarchical structure of bone to promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. In this study, nanofiber membranes composed of polycaprolactone, poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and hydroxyapatite (HAp) were prepared via electrospinning, and the membranes curled after responding to temperature stimuli in an aqueous solution. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that needle-like HAp nanoparticles with an average diameter of 57 ± 39 nm and a length-diameter ratio of 7.4 ± 1.56 were entrapped in the nanofiber matrix and did not affect the surface morphology of fibers. After cutting and deformation, the nanofibers changed from straight to bent, and the diameters increased; they were 1105 ± 200 nm for BPLG85-H and 1120 ± 199 nm for BPLG80-H. Additionally, tubular units with a single layer (BPLG-H(1.5)) or multiple layers (BPLG-H(3.5)) were obtained by controlling the initial shape and size of the membranes. rADSCs on the concave surface of BPLG-H(3.5) proliferated faster and exhibited better osteogenic activity than those on the convex side of BPLG-H(3.5) and both surfaces of BPLG-H(1.5), which was correlated with the higher expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 2. Additionally, rADSCs on both units maintained osteogenic activity after storage at -80 °C for 20 d. In rat skull defect (diameter of 8 mm) models, rADSC-loaded BPLG-H(3.5) units fixed using gelatin hydrogel (ADSC@BHM) exhibited 84.1 ± 6.6% BV/TV after implantation for 12 weeks, which was 155.6% higher than that of the Blank group. H&E and Masson’s staining results demonstrated that there was more bone regeneration at the defect center of ADSC@BHM than in the BHM and Blank groups. In conclusion, rADSC-loaded BPLG-H(3.5) with an osteon-mimic structure provides a potential strategy to repair bone defects.
OPEN ACCESS
Evidence for reversible oxygen ion movement during electrical pulsing: enabler of emerging ferroelectricity in binary oxides
Huan Liu, Fei Yu, Bing Chen, Zheng-Dong Luo, Jiajia Chen, Yong Zhang, Ze Feng, Hong Dong, Xiao Yu, Yan Liu, Genquan Han, Yue Hao
2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad3bd5
Abstract(284) PDF(48)
Abstract:
AbstractFerroelectric HfO2-based materials and devices show promising potential for applications in information technology but face challenges with inadequate electrostatic control, degraded reliability, and serious variation in effective oxide thickness scaling. We demonstrate a novel interface-type switching strategy to realize ferroelectric characteristics in atomic-scale amorphous binary oxide films, which are formed in oxygen-deficient conditions by atomic layer deposition at low temperatures. This approach can avoid the shortcomings of reliability degradation and gate leakage increment in scaling polycrystalline doped HfO2-based films. Using theoretical modeling and experimental characterization, we show the following. (1) Emerging ferroelectricity exists in ultrathin oxide systems as a result of microscopic ion migration during the switching process. (2) These ferroelectric binary oxide films are governed by an interface-limited switching mechanism, which can be attributed to oxygen vacancy migration and surface defects related to electron (de)trapping. (3) Transistors featuring ultrathin amorphous dielectrics, used for non-volatile memory applications with an operating voltage reduced to ±1 V, have also been experimentally demonstrated. These findings suggest that this strategy is a promising approach to realizing next-generation complementary metal-oxide semiconductors with scalable ferroelectric materials.

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