Search Results (123)

The von Neumann architecture, due to the physical separation between memory and processor, has limited the development of data-intensive applications. Neuromorphic computing technologies inspired by the brain’s parallel and event-driven operation mechanisms have enabled low-power in-memory computing. Memristors with tunable conductance can emulate biological synapses, while flexible memristors further offer mechanical flexibility, making them suitable for wearable electronics and intelligent sensing systems. This review systematically summarizes the switching mechanisms of flexible neuromorphic memristors, including conductive filaments, interface effects, ferroelectricity, phase change, and multiple synergistic mechanisms. It categorically discusses natural and bio-derived materials, synthetic organic/polymer materials, and inorganic functional materials, and introduces strategies for enhancing flexibility. The article also covers device architectures such as sandwich structures, crossbar arrays, and fiber-based textile structures, along with low-temperature fabrication techniques. Finally, it reviews recent advances in neuromorphic computing, in-memory computing, biomimetic sensing, and biomedical wearable systems. Challenges related to mechanical stability and device uniformity are analyzed, and future directions toward self-healing materials and integrated sensing-storage-computing systems are outlined. This comprehensive review bridges the gap between material innovation and system-level integration in flexible neuromorphic memristors, providing a valuable roadmap for accelerating the development of next-generation wearable artificial intelligence, edge computing, and bio-integrated electronic technologies. Full article

Polymer coatings are integral to nearly every modern cardiovascular and endovascular device, including drug-eluting stents (DESs) and drug-coated balloons (DCBs), bioabsorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs), occluders, grafts, and catheter and guidewire hydrophilic surfaces. Persistent complications, including late stent thrombosis, delayed endothelialization, hypersensitivity, and restenosis, show that coatings actively shape biological responses rather than acting as inert drug carriers. Their surface chemistry, drug release kinetics, and degradation behavior are upstream determinants of blood– and tissue–material responses that govern healing and failure. This review frames coating selection as a structure–property–biological response problem. It surveys the major classes of synthetic polymer coatings and the defining surface and bulk properties. This review also examines how composition and architecture control drug release, and traces the interfacial cascade of protein adsorption, coagulation and complement activation, platelet and leukocyte responses, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. These mechanisms are linked to contemporary design strategies that improve hemocompatibility, limit thrombosis, promote endothelial recovery, and tune degradation, and to the standardization and translation gaps that remain. The central message is that polymer coatings are not biologically equivalent. Their surface chemistries and degradation profiles determine the thrombo-inflammatory outcomes. Therefore, coating design should be guided by intended biological response, not drug release alone. Full article

Bionic sensors are emerging as powerful analytical platforms driving the development of next-generation detection technologies, particularly for small molecule sensing in complex environmental and biological systems. However, accurate and selective detection of small molecules remains fundamentally challenging due to their low molecular weight, limited structural specificity, and strong interference from complex matrices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in bionic sensor technologies, focusing on how the integration of synthetic biology, nanomaterials, and artificial intelligence (AI) addresses these limitations. Key biorecognition elements, including enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers, are examined for their suitability in small molecule sensing applications. Advances in nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and MXenes are discussed in relation to signal transduction enhancement, sensitivity improvement, and device miniaturization. In parallel, the roles of AI and machine learning in signal denoising, adaptive calibration, and molecular fingerprinting for complex datasets are highlighted. Applications in wearable and implantable biosensors, environmental monitoring, and food safety are analyzed, emphasizing real-time detection of metabolites, pollutants, and toxins. Key challenges associated with AI-driven systems, including scalability, cost, data reliability, and ethical concerns, are also discussed. Emerging trends such as hybrid sensing platforms, self-powered biosensors, and secure data integration frameworks are presented as future directions. This review aims to provide a problem-driven perspective on how next-generation bionic sensors can overcome current limitations and enable robust small molecule detection in real-world applications. Full article

Chirality is a cornerstone of biological systems and pharmaceutical activity, driving a critical need for rapid and sensitive enantioselective analytical methods. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as versatile porous materials, and their chiral counterparts, chiral COFs (CCOFs), uniquely combine high surface area, pre-designable pores, and a confined chiral microenvironment, making them exceptional platforms for enantioselective fluorescence sensing. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the construction and application of CCOFs for enantioselective fluorescence sensing. We first outline the primary synthetic strategies for CCOFs, including direct synthesis, post-synthetic modification, and chiral induction. Subsequently, based on the direction of fluorescence signal change upon analyte binding, we classify the sensing mechanisms into three categories: “turn-off” (quenching via static complexation or photoinduced electron transfer), “turn-on” (enhancement through rigidification or suppression of electron transfer), and ratiometric (self-calibrating dual-emission response). Representative examples for the detection of amino acids, amino alcohols, terpenes, and saccharides are highlighted for each mode. Special emphasis is placed on structure–property relationships, such as the synergistic roles of hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and framework confinement in amplifying enantioselectivity. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives, including the rational design of ratiometric sensors, integration into practical devices, and the convergence with machine learning to advance the field of smart chiral sensing. Full article

Biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Among them, natural biomaterials offer important advantages over many synthetic polymers, including intrinsic biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Silk fibroin, a fibrous protein derived mainly from Bombyx mori cocoons, has re-emerged as a particularly versatile platform because it combines favourable mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties with aqueous processing and tuneable degradation. In this review, we first summarise the key structural, physicochemical and functional properties of regenerated silk fibroin, including its mechanical behaviour, thermal stability, dielectric and piezoelectric response, optical transparency and low autofluorescence. We then describe how extraction and regeneration protocols are used to produce defined material formats—fibres and nanofibrous mats, porous 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, sub-micron particles, thin films and microstructured devices—and outline major functionalisation strategies, ranging from physical blending and encapsulation to covalent chemistry, genetic engineering of recombinant silk variants, and enzyme-mediated conjugation approaches. Building on this foundation, we critically examine biomedical applications of silk fibroin with a particular emphasis on (i) hybrid silk–fluorophore systems for bioimaging and biosensing (nanodiamonds, quantum dots and organic dyes), (ii) optical fibre, wearable and edible sensors for health and food monitoring, (iii) wound dressings and wound-sensing platforms, and (iv) tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-delivery depots. Finally, we discuss current limitations, including process variability, the trade-offs introduced by blending and cross-linking, and the challenges posed by non-degradable inorganic fillers and clinical translation. Together, these perspectives highlight silk fibroin’s potential and constraints as a multifunctional biomaterial for next-generation biomedical devices and theranostic systems. Full article

Surface fouling remains a critical challenge for medical devices and chemosensor systems operating in biological environments, where nonspecific adsorption of proteins, cells, and microorganisms can lead to signal drift, reduced sensitivity, and shortened device lifetime. Conventional antifouling strategies rely primarily on synthetic hydrophilic polymer coatings, such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which are effective but face limitations related to long-term stability, thickness, and compatibility with surface-sensitive sensing modalities. In this review, we focus on hydrophobins derived from mushroom-forming and filamentous fungi as a bio-based alternative for antifouling and anti-wetting surface modification. Mushroom-derived hydrophobins are small amphiphilic proteins capable of spontaneous self-assembly into nanometer-scale films that modulate surface energy, wettability, and interfacial friction without requiring covalent functionalization. The current state of research on hydrophobin structure, classification, and self-assembly is reviewed, followed by a synthesis of reported antifouling and tribological behaviors relevant to medical and sensor-adjacent surfaces. Representative experimental observations are discussed to illustrate trends consistent with the literature, without establishing new performance benchmarks. The implications of mushroom-derived hydrophobin coatings for chemosensors and biosensors are examined, particularly with respect to signal stability, surface accessibility, and durability. Limitations and future research directions are outlined to support translation into practical sensing technologies. Full article

The aetiology of invasive candidiasis is undergoing substantial changes; traditionally, these mycoses have been considered to originate from endogenous reservoirs; however, the increasing prevalence of non-Candida albicans species, such as Candida parapsilosis and Candida auris (also named Candidozyma auris), is a cause of concern as they demonstrate significant exogenous transmission. This challenges the long-standing paradigm of endogenous origin in hospital settings. Unlike previous reviews primarily focused on clinical epidemiology, this work adopts a multidisciplinary perspective combining microbiological evidence with biomaterials science. We analyse how surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and polymer composition within the hospital “plastisphere” influence Candida adhesion and the formation of dry surface biofilms (DSBs). In this specific context, in contrast to C. albicans, primarily associated with mucosal colonisation, C. auris and C. parapsilosis exhibit distinctive adaptations that promote survival in healthcare environments, including pronounced cell surface hydrophobicity and the capacity to form dense cellular aggregates, which facilitate prolonged adherence to synthetic polymers used in medical devices. We also explore the biological mechanisms underlying this resilience, with particular emphasis on the development of dry surface biofilms and viable but non-culturable states. These phenotypic traits confer tolerance to desiccation and resistance to conventional disinfectants, raising concerns that standard hygiene and decontamination protocols may be inadequate to prevent transmission. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for designing effective infection control strategies and mitigating the risk of invasive disease caused by these highly persistent species. Full article

The interface between synthetic materials and biological systems is a critical determinant of performance in medical devices and biosensors. This review examines the evolution of biointerface science through the lens of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiols on gold, a model system that offers atomic-level control over surface chemistry. We trace the field from the foundational structural characterization to the establishment of empirical design rules for bio-inertness. While early theoretical models attributed protein resistance to steric repulsion forces in polymer brushes, contemporary understanding has shifted toward the “water barrier” hypothesis, which posits that tightly bound interfacial water prevents direct biomolecular contact. We highlight recent studies that extend these concepts into “realistic” crowded biological environments. Their work reveals that fouling surfaces in crowded media generate a “viscous interphase layer” (VIL) that extends tens of nanometers into solution, whereas zwitterionic surfaces maintain a robust hydration shell that prevents this accumulation. Furthermore, this hydration barrier is shown to fundamentally alter bacterial mechanics, forcing microorganisms into a reversible, tethered “hovering” state at a significant biological interaction distance (>100 nm) from the surface, effectively precluding biofilm nucleation. These insights underscore that the future of antifouling material design lies in the precise engineering of interfacial hydration structures. Full article

Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality despite advances in pharmacological and interventional therapies. Current treatment approaches face limitations including systemic side effects, inadequate local drug delivery, and restenosis following vascular interventions. Gel-based technologies offer unique advantages through tunable mechanical properties, controlled degradation kinetics, high drug-loading capacity, and potential for stimuli-responsive therapeutic release. This review examines gel platforms across multiple scales and applications in atherosclerosis research and intervention. First, gel-based in vitro models are discussed. These include hydrogel matrices simulating plaque microenvironments, three-dimensional cellular culture platforms, and microfluidic organ-on-chip devices. These devices incorporate physiological flow to investigate disease mechanisms under controlled conditions. Second, therapeutic strategies are addressed through macroscopic gels for localized treatment. These encompass natural polymer-based, synthetic polymer-based, and composite formulations. Applications include stent coatings, adventitial injections, and catheter-delivered depots. Natural polymers often possess intrinsic biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may contribute to therapeutic effects. Third, nano- and microgels for systemic delivery are examined. These include polymer-based nanogels with stimuli-responsive drug release responding to oxidative stress, pH changes, and enzymatic activity characteristic of atherosclerotic lesions. Inorganic–organic composite nanogels incorporating paramagnetic contrast agents enable theranostic applications by combining therapy with imaging-guided treatment monitoring. Current challenges include manufacturing consistency, mechanical stability under physiological flow, long-term safety assessment, and regulatory pathway definition. Future opportunities are discussed in multi-functional integration, artificial intelligence-guided design, personalized formulations, and biomimetic approaches. Gel technologies demonstrate substantial potential to advance atherosclerosis management through improved spatial and temporal control over therapeutic interventions. Full article

Collagen type I has become a practical cornerstone for constructing biologically meaningful barrier interfaces in microfluidic systems. Its fibrillar architecture, native ligand display, and susceptibility to cell-mediated remodeling support epithelial and endothelial polarization, tight junctions, and transport behaviors that are difficult to achieve with purely synthetic barrier interfaces. Recent advances pair these biological strengths with tighter engineering control. For example, ultrathin collagen barriers (tens of micrometers or less) enable faster molecular exchange and short-range signaling; gentle crosslinking and composite designs limit gel compaction and delamination under flow; and patterning/bioprinting introduce alignment, graded porosity, and robust integration into device geometries. Applications now span intestine, vasculature, skin, airway, kidney, and tumor–stroma interfaces, with readouts including transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), tracer permeability, and image-based quality control of fiber architecture. Persistent constraints include batch variability, long-term mechanical drift, limited standardization of fibrillogenesis conditions, and difficulties scaling fabrication without loss of bioactivity. Priorities include reporting standards for microstructure and residual crosslinker, chips for continuous monitoring, immune-competent co-cultures, and closer collaboration across materials science, microfabrication, computational modelling, and clinical pharmacology. Thus, this review synthesizes the state-of-the-art and offers practical guidance on technological readiness and future directions for using collagen type I as a biological barrier interface in biomimetic microfluidic systems. Full article

Nanoparticle-mediated photothermal conversion exploits the unique light-to-heat transduction properties of engineered nanomaterials to address challenges in energy, water, and healthcare. This review first examines fundamental mechanisms—localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in plasmonic metals and broadband interband transitions in semiconductors—demonstrating how tailored nanoparticle compositions can achieve >96% absorption across 250–2500 nm and photothermal efficiencies exceeding 98% under one-sun illumination (1000 W·m⁻², AM 1.5G). Next, we highlight advances in solar steam generation and desalination: floating photothermal receivers on carbonized wood or hydrogels reach >95% efficiency in solar-to-vapor conversion and >2 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ evaporation rates; three-dimensional architectures recapture diffuse flux and ambient heat; and full-spectrum nanofluids (LaB₆, Au colloids) extend photothermal harvesting into portable, scalable designs. We then survey photothermal-enhanced thermal energy storage: metal-oxide–paraffin composites, core–shell phase-change material (PCM) nanocapsules, and MXene– polyethylene glycol—PEG—aerogels deliver >85% solar charging efficiencies, reduce supercooling, and improve thermal conductivity. In biomedicine, gold nanoshells, nanorods, and transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets enable deep-tissue photothermal therapy (PTT) with imaging guidance, achieving >94% tumor ablation in preclinical and pilot clinical studies. Multifunctional constructs combine PTT with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or gene regulation, yielding synergistic tumor eradication and durable immune responses. Finally, we explore emerging opto-thermal nanobiosystems—light-triggered gene silencing in microalgae and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)–gold nanoparticle (AuNP) membranes for microfluidic photothermal filtration and control—demonstrating how nanoscale heating enables remote, reversible biological and fluidic functions. We conclude by discussing challenges in scalable nanoparticle synthesis, stability, and integration, and outline future directions: multicomponent high-entropy alloys, modular photothermal–PCM devices, and opto-thermal control in synthetic biology. These interdisciplinary innovations promise sustainable solutions for global energy, water, and healthcare demands. Full article

Mating disruption (MD) is an environmentally friendly pest management approach that uses synthetic pheromones to interfere with insect mate location and reproduction. This review summarizes current progress in the application of MD for stored-product pests, with emphasis on Lepidoptera (Plodia interpunctella Hübner and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Pyralidae)) and Coleoptera (Sitophilus spp. (Curculionidae)). For moth pests, numerous studies have demonstrated substantial suppression of mating and population growth under both laboratory and field conditions, particularly when MD is integrated with sanitation, monitoring and other IPM measures. Conversely, MD applications against beetles have been less successful due to their aggregation-based communication and lower volatility of their pheromones. Advances in pheromone formulation technology, including polymer dispensers, microencapsulated sprays and aerosol emitters, have improved pheromone stability and controlled release, although achieving uniform coverage in large and aerated storage environments remains challenging. The integration of MD with biological control, temperature management and reduced fumigant use offers promising directions for sustainable pest suppression. Continued development of smart-release devices, long-term field validation and integration with automated monitoring systems will further enhance the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of MD. Overall, MD represents a key behavioral component in reducing pesticide reliance and promoting sustainable management of stored-product pests. Full article

The accurate monitoring of metal ions is essential for applications that include environmental protection, food safety, and biomedical diagnostics. These areas depend on highly sensitive and selective methods for detecting both toxic and biologically relevant ions. Electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising devices due to their excellent sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Within these sensor systems, ionophores, either synthetic or natural ligands that exhibit selective ion binding, are fundamental in boosting analytical performance. This review outlines the current progress of ionophore-based electrochemical sensors for metal-ion analysis, emphasizing material selection, architectural strategies, and practical applications. Key classes of ionophores, such as crown ethers, calixarenes, Schiff bases, porphyrins, and oxime derivatives, are discussed with an emphasis on their recognition mechanisms. We also examine strategies for incorporating ionophores into diverse electrochemical sensor configurations and explore recent advances in technologies, such as all-solid-state sensor construction and the development of portable analytical devices. This review bridges the chemistry of ionophores with sensor engineering and serves as a resource for the rational development of advanced platforms for metal-ion sensing. Full article

Cortisol and testosterone are key digital biomarkers reflecting neuroendocrine activity across the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axes, encoding stress adaptation and behavioral regulation. Continuous real-world monitoring remains challenging due to the sparsity of sensing and the complexity of multimodal data. This study introduces a synthetic sensor-driven computational framework that models hormone variability through data-driven simulation and predictive learning, eliminating the need for continuous biosensor input. A hybrid deep ensemble integrates biological, behavioral, and contextual data using bidirectional multitask learning with one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) branches, meta-gated expert fusion, Bayesian variational layers with Monte Carlo Dropout, and adversarial debiasing. Synthetically derived longitudinal hormone profiles that were validated by Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS), Wasserstein, maximum mean discrepancy (MMD), and dynamic time warping (DTW) metrics account for class imbalance and temporal sparsity. Our framework achieved up to 99.99% macro F1-score on augmented samples and more than 97% for unseen data with ECE below 0.001. Selective prediction further maximized the convergence of predictions for low-confidence cases, achieving 99.9992–99.9998% accuracy on 99.5% of samples, which were smaller than 5 MB in size so that they can be employed in real time when mounted on wearable devices. Explainability investigations revealed the most important features on both the physiological and behavioral levels, demonstrating framework capabilities for adaptive clinical or organizational stress monitoring. Full article