Impact of vibrational strong coupling on liquid-liquid phase separation in supramolecular polymers.

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a universal phenomenon that plays a key role in many biological processes. Although LLPS is well known for (bio)macromolecular systems, we have recently demonstrated that supramolecular polymer systems can also undergo LLPS an entropy-driven pathway. This opens new avenues for engineering biomaterials with tailored properties and functionalities by modulating the pathways of supramolecular polymerization.

Region-specific modulation and predictive potential of the oscillatory dynamics in an ex vivo model of ictogenesis in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus.

The hippocampus, including the cornu ammonis (CA) and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions, is a brain area highly susceptible to seizure-like activity (SLA). Most studies conducted in vivo have been performed in a single hippocampal subregion. In our study, we used the high [K] (HK) model of SLA to investigate the role of oscillatory activity in predicting SLA and in its modulation by anti-epileptic drugs in the three hippocampal subregions (CA1, CA3 and DG).

Reinforced PHA/CNC Biocomposites in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biopolymer that can be 3D printed using the material extrusion method. Nevertheless, their mechanical properties are inferior to those of petroleum-derived polymers, which restricts their broader application. Herein, nanobiocomposites comprising naturally sourced PHA and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as fillers were successfully synthesized.

Advanced optical waveguide design encapsulation of 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium chloride in oxide glasses.

Pyrylium ion (CHO)-based salts exhibit distinctive optical properties that can be tuned by external stimuli such as temperature and pressure, making them suitable materials for various nanoscale optoelectronic applications. However, their practical use has been limited by their solid powder form, which poses challenges for integration into realistic devices. Herein, we present a low-temperature, post-melting encapsulation method for the incorporation of a 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium chloride salt within transparent phosphate glasses containing dispersed silver nanoparticles.

High- and Low-Fluorescent Photoinitiators for Multiphoton Lithography.

Multiphoton lithography (MPL), an additive manufacturing method, enables the fabrication of intricate three-dimensional micro- and nanostructures with high spatial resolution, crucial for applications in photonics, micro-optics, and biomedicine. Central to the performance of the MPL is the choice of photoinitiator (PI), which governs polymerization efficiency, resolution, and application-specific functionality. However, conventional PIs often suffer from drawbacks such as high autofluorescence and poor spectral selectivity, limiting their utility in fluorescence-sensitive applications.

Synergistic effect of porphyrin and NiO in chitosan/graphene oxide aerogels for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes.

The need for clean water has driven the search towards better ways to remove pollutants from wastewater, especially dyes from industrial sources. In this study, we introduce a novel multifunctional aerogel composite CPGNiO(5%)PyP(1%), that brings together five carefully selected components: chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, graphene oxide, nickel oxide nanoparticles, and a porphyrin-based photosensitizer. By combining these materials, we created a porous, light-responsive system that works exceptionally well under visible light.

Acoustoplasmonic Metasurfaces Based on Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles.

Nanocomposites assembled from polymer-grafted plasmonic nanoparticles (PGNs) can combine strong light-matter interactions with soft-matter functionalities and a high degree of translational symmetry. This work explored the potential of gold nanoparticles (16 nm diameter) grafted with polystyrene chains (degree of polymerization, ≈ 63) as building blocks for acoustoplasmonic metasurfaces. We have decorated inorganic surfaces─crystalline silicon and SiO glass─with PGN monolayers and explored their surface acoustic waves with micro-Brillouin Light Scattering (μ-BLS) at various photon energies.

In-chip critical plasma seeds for laser writing of reconfigurable silicon photonics systems.

Ultrafast laser three-dimensional writing has made breakthroughs in manufacturing technologies. However, it remains rarely adopted for semiconductor technologies due to in-chip propagation nonlinearities causing a lack of controllability for intense infrared light. To solve this problem, plasma-optics concepts are promising since ultrashort laser pulses, even if inappropriate for direct writing, can readily inject high-density free-carriers inside semiconductors.

On-Demand Photodegradable and Thermo-Reversible, Soft, Transparent Dithioacetal Hydrogels.

Stimuli-reversible, chemically cross-linked polymers capable of altering their physicochemical and mechanical properties on demand, upon application of external stimuli (e.g., light, temperature), are highly desirable for the development of multifunctional materials.

Trends, Patterns, and Public Health Implications of Dietary Supplement Recalls: A Decade-Long Analysis from the Greek National Organization for Medicines (2015-2024).

This retrospective study examines dietary supplement recalls in Greece from 2015 to 2024, focusing on seasonal trends, reasons for recalls, and dosage forms. A total of 602 recalls were analyzed, with sexual enhancement products (39%), weight management supplements (21%), and bodybuilding supplements (10%) representing the majority of cases. Recalls were primarily attributed to adulterants (62%), quality control issues (15%), and violations related to novel food ingredients (9%).

ZnInS combined with a flower-like NiAl-layered double hydroxide with enhanced photocatalytic H production activity.

A novel ZnInS/NiAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Pt heterojunction was developed as a highly efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) under UV-vis and visible ( > 420 nm) irradiation. ZIS was decorated with NiAl-LDH microflowers using an oil bath at 80 °C, followed by modification through Pt photodeposition. Our results demonstrated that using an growth method for decorating ZIS with NiAl-LDH considerably enhanced PHE reactions.

Effect of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid Molecular Weight on the Properties of Whey Protein Isolate Hydrogels.

Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogel is a promising candidate as a biomaterial for tissue engineering. Previously, WPI hydrogels containing poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) with a molecular weight (MW) of 440 kDa demonstrated potential as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Here, the study compares different γ-PGA preparations of differing MW.

FmocFF Peptide Hydrogel Is a Promising Matrix for Encapsulation and Controlled Release of the Anticancer Peptide Drug Bortezomib.

One major public health issue is cancer chemotherapy; despite constant progress in the area, administration of anticancer drugs to patients is often associated with serious side effects. It is therefore imperative to develop vehicles for encapsulation and controlled delivery of such drugs. Anticancer drugs include small peptide drugs, such as Bortezomib (BTZ).

Whey Protein Isolate Hydrogels Containing Cannabidiol Support the Proliferation of Pre-Osteoblasts.

Bone-associated pathologies are major contributors to chronic pathology statistics. Current gold standard treatments present limitations such as the ability to act as scaffolds whilst effectively delivering medications to promote cellular proliferation. Recent advancements in biomaterials have suggested whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogel as a potential candidate to act as a scaffold with the capacity for drug delivery for bone regeneration.

Cyclic Economy-Driven Composites for Material Extrusion Three-Dimensional Printing: Poly(methyl methacrylate) from Recycled Scrap with Optimized Biomass-Derived Biochar Filler Content.

Environmentally friendly materials are emerging materials that find applications in an increasing number of cases when being three-dimensional printed (3D-P), as they can provide many possibilities and offer unique properties to fulfill industrial needs and requirements. As part of that effort, recycled (from sheet trimmings waste) poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and (nature-sourced) biochar were selected to be combined and examined herein. Composites with Biochar concentration in the 0.

Dye-sensitized nanoparticles for efficient solar hydrogen generation.

Dye-sensitized photocatalytic systems (DSPs) for hydrogen (H) evolution have garnered significant attention due to their ability to harness solar energy for efficient fuel production. In this feature article review, we discuss our recent advancements in DSPs, focusing on TiO-based systems and self-assembled nanostructures for H evolution. We explore the role of porphyrins as photosensitizers and catalysts in H evolving DSPs, highlighting strategies to enhance light absorption and charge transfer efficiency.

Double-Pulse Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Highly Ordered Periodic Structures on Au Thin Films Enabling Low-Cost Plasmonic Applications.

Periodic plasmonic arrays, making possible excitations of surface lattice resonances (SLRs) or quasi-resonant features, are of great importance for biosensing and other applications. Fabrication of such arrays over a large area is typically very costly and time-consuming when performed using conventional electron beam lithography and other methods, which reduce application prospects. Here, we propose a technique of double femtosecond pulse (∼170 fs) laser-assisted structuring of thin (∼32 nm) Au films deposited on a glass substrate and report a single-step fabrication of homogeneous and highly ordered Au-based laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) over a large area.

Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinted Gellan Gum/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Composite Bioinks Promote Bone Regeneration.

3D bioprinting is a versatile technology using bioinks comprising living cells mixed with biomaterials and biomolecules to biofabricate structures with precise spatial hierarchy. Based on this principle, novel 3D bioprinted constructs are designed, comprising the natural anionic polysaccharide gellan gum (GG), the synthetic polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and pre-osteoblastic cells. Moreover, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is included to the GG/PVA blend as an osteoinductive biomaterial.

Unveiling asymmetric topological photonic states in anisotropic 2D perovskite microcavities.

Photonic Rashba-Dresselhaus coupling in anisotropic microcavities offers a compelling platform for realizing unconventional topological states with non-zero Berry curvature. In this study, we explore a self-assembled two-dimensional hybrid structure composed of anisotropically oriented organic/inorganic halide perovskite layers confined within a microcavity. The strong optical anisotropies of these perovskite systems, driven by significant refractive index contrasts and robust excitonic resonances at room temperature, enable the emergence of synthetic magnetic fields that mediate photonic and polaritonic interactions.

Valorization of Polymethylmethacrylate Scrap Reinforced with Nano Carbon Black with Optimized Ratio in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing.

To promote environmental sustainability, this research investigated the potential of utilizing recycled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as raw material in material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM). To enhance its mechanical response, carbon black (CB) was employed as the filler in nanocomposite formation. Filament extrusion of the mixture at different concentrations produced printable feedstocks for MEX AM.

Inductively coupled Josephson junctions: A platform for rich neuromorphic dynamics.

Josephson junctions (JJs) are by nature neuromorphic hardware devices capable of mimicking excitability and spiking dynamics. When coupled together or combined with other superconducting elements, they can emulate additional behaviors found in biological neurons. From a technological point of view, JJ-based neuromorphic systems are particularly appealing since they present THz-speed processing and they operate with near-zero power dissipation.

Well-defined nanostructures of high entropy alloys for electrocatalysis.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention for electrocatalytic energy conversion by virtue of their promisingly high efficiency, stability, and low cost. Recently, encouraging progress has been made in tuning the structure and composition of HEAs used in electrolyzers and fuel cells. However, the understanding on the synthetic methods and the structure-property-performance relationship of well-defined HEAs nanostructures is still inadequate.

Microphase Separation of Poly(2-(Dimethylamino)Ethyl Methacrylate)-b-Poly(Tetrahydropyranyl Methacrylate) Diblock Copolymer Thin Films.

The microphase separation in diblock copolymer films comprising two chemically similar methacrylate blocks, poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and poly(tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate), is investigated. Four symmetric diblock copolymers, with M's ranging from 4300 to 109 700 g mol and narrow molecular weight distributions, are synthesized by group-transfer polymerization, are spin-coated from ethyl lactate solutions and are subsequently solvent vapor annealed. The two lower M copolymers dewet the silicon substrates after annealing, whereas the two higher M copolymers reveal the formation of holes and islands by optical microscopy, suggesting their microphase separation into lamellae structures orientated parallel to the substrate.

Assessment of aqueous graphene as a cancer therapeutics delivery system.

Graphene is a nanomaterial used in health and oncology settings. However, several reports have raised the alarm about potential toxicity. This study addressed this concern and determined the in vitro cytotoxicity of few-layer graphene (FLG) flakes produced in bespoke ultrasonic reactors using benign methods.

An Experimental Study of the Pull-In Voltage in RF MEMS Switches Fabricated by Au Electroplating and Standard Wet Release: Considering the Bridge Geometry.

Radio Frequency Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (RF MEMS) are devices showing exceptional potential to satisfy the demands of emerging RF electronic technologies, including those considered for high-power applications, such as for long distance communication systems. Operation in this regime requires an alternative way of thinking for these devices and, for example, a more accurate control of the pull-in voltage is of major importance due to the self-actuation effect. Therefore, the studies focusing on the features of the moving bridges are of great importance.