Flexible fibre-shaped fuel cells with gel-mediated internal pressure encapsulation.

The development of flexible fuel cells has been hindered by the rigid components and stringent requirements for pressure encapsulation and fuel sealing. Here we report an adaptive internal pressure encapsulation strategy that leverages the dynamic swelling behaviour of woven cotton fibres enclosed in a gel matrix in methanol. This strategy achieves simultaneous interfacial self-reinforcement and pressure modulation, enabling the fabrication of fibre-shaped direct methanol fuel cells.

Evaluation and identification of reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis in bermudagrass roots under alkaline salt stress.

Unlabelled: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a potent technique for gene expression analysis, but its accuracy relies heavily on the selection of stable reference genes. In bermudagrass () roots under alkaline salt stress, we sought to identify suitable reference genes. Seven candidates-, , , , , , and -were assessed for specificity, amplification efficiency, and expression stability using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder.

A Single-Sector Higher Throughput Sedimentation Velocity Analytical Ultracentrifugation Method for Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Empty and Full Ratio Analysis.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has emerged as one of the most important gene delivery vectors in the field of gene therapy due to its unique advantages and characteristics. The empty and full ratio is a critical quality attribute in the quality control (QC) of rAAV, and its accurate evaluation is crucial for ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and consistency of gene therapy products. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) technology, with its high resolution and accuracy, is widely recognized by the industry as the gold standard for identifying the empty and full ratio of rAAV.

Machine Learning-Aided Design of Highly Conductive Anion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers.

Alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) are vital for enabling the efficient and large-scale utilization of hydrogen energy. However, the performance of such energy devices is impeded by the relatively low conductivity of AEMs. The conventional trial-and-error approach to designing membrane structures has proven to be both inefficient and costly.

Methodological Validation of Sedimentation Velocity Analytical Ultracentrifugation Method for Adeno-Associated Virus and Collaborative Calibration of System Suitability Substance.

Currently, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the primary gene delivery vectors in gene therapy, facilitating long-term gene expression. Despite being imperative, it is incredibly challenging to precisely assess AAV particle distribution according to the sedimentation coefficient and identify impurities related to capsid structures. This study performed the systematic methodological validation of quantifying the AAV empty and full capsid ratio.

Genetically Encoded RNA-Based Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) Sensors.

RNA-based nanostructures and molecular devices have become popular for developing biosensors and genetic regulators. These programmable RNA nanodevices can be genetically encoded and modularly engineered to detect various cellular targets and then induce output signals, most often a fluorescence readout. Although powerful, the high reliance of fluorescence on the external excitation light raises concerns about its high background, photobleaching, and phototoxicity.

Efficient and selective DNA modification on bacterial membranes.

With highly precise self-assembly and programmability, DNA has been widely used as a versatile material in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. Recently, DNA-based nanostructures and devices have been engineered onto eukaryotic cell membranes for various exciting applications in the detection and regulation of cell functions. While in contrast, the potential of applying DNA nanotechnology for bacterial membrane studies is still largely underexplored, which is mainly due to the lack of tools to modify DNA on bacterial membranes.

Rational Design of Allosteric Fluorogenic RNA Sensors for Cellular Imaging.

Fluorescence-based tools are invaluable in studying cellular functions. Traditional small molecule or protein-based fluorescent sensors have been widely used for the cellular imaging, but the choice of targets is still limited. Recently, fluorogenic RNA-based sensors gained lots of attention.

Genetically encoded RNA nanodevices for cellular imaging and regulation.

Nucleic acid-based nanodevices have been widely used in the fields of biosensing and nanomedicine. Traditionally, the majority of these nanodevices were first constructed in vitro using synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides and then delivered into cells. Nowadays, the emergence of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices has provided a promising alternative approach for intracellular analysis and regulation.

Paper-based fluorogenic RNA aptamer sensors for label-free detection of small molecules.

Sensors based on fluorogenic RNA aptamers have emerged in recent years. These sensors have been used for in vitro and intracellular detection of a broad range of biological and medical targets. However, the potential application of fluorogenic RNA-based sensors for point-of-care testing is still little studied.

A Genetically Encoded RNA Photosensitizer for Targeted Cell Regulation.

Genetically encoded RNA devices have emerged for various cellular applications in imaging and biosensing, but their functions as precise regulators in living systems are still limited. Inspired by protein photosensitizers, we propose here a genetically encoded RNA aptamer based photosensitizer (GRAP). Upon illumination, the RNA photosensitizer can controllably generate reactive oxygen species for targeted cell regulation.

Genetically Cascaded Amplification for Imaging RNA Subcellular Locations.

amplification methods, such as hybridization chain reaction, are valuable tools for mapping the spatial distribution and subcellular location of target analytes. However, the live-cell applications of these methods are still limited due to challenges in the probe delivery, degradation, and cytotoxicity. Herein, we report a novel genetically encoded amplification method to noninvasively image the subcellular location of RNA targets in living cells.

Genetically encoded RNA-based sensors for intracellular imaging of silver ions.

Silver has been widely used for disinfection. The cellular accumulation of silver ions (Ag+) is critical in these antibacterial effects. The direct cellular measurement of Ag+ is useful for the study of disinfection mechanisms.

Genetically Encoded Catalytic Hairpin Assembly for Sensitive RNA Imaging in Live Cells.

DNA and RNA nanotechnology has been used for the development of dynamic molecular devices. In particular, programmable enzyme-free nucleic acid circuits, such as catalytic hairpin assembly, have been demonstrated as useful tools for bioanalysis and to scale up system complexity to an extent beyond current cellular genetic circuits. However, the intracellular functions of most synthetic nucleic acid circuits have been hindered by challenges in the biological delivery and degradation.