Electrical Properties Research Articles

Abstract 2981: Glioblastoma reduced sensitivity to tumor treating fields (TTFields) is associated with changes in electrical membrane properties of tumor cells

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is recognized as the most aggressive type of brain tumor, and current treatments generally fail to prevent recurrence. Tumor-treating fields (TTFields) is an innovative therapy that improves patients' life expectancy. Although the initial application of TTFields slows tumor progression, it typically does not prevent tumor relapse in most patients. To model tumor recurrence after surgical intervention, we exposed patient-derived GBM primary cultures to continuous electric field stimulation. Remarkably, three days of uninterrupted TTFields stimulation completely halted the proliferation of tumor cells. However, the surviving cells eventually become less sensitive to TTFields, and rescue proliferation at their maximum rate within 8 to 10 days. In this study, we analyzed transcripts of several patients’ tumor tissues derived from primary and secondary surgical resection. Eight of these patients received TTFields treatment between the two surgical interventions. Their transcriptomic profile was compared with those who received the standard therapy but not TTFields between the surgeries. The tumor samples collected during initial surgeries and untreated GBM cells displayed significant inter-heterogeneity in their transcript profiles. These differences were less pronounced following TTFields application, which unveiled several commonly altered cytosolic pathways including inhibition of proliferation. Many of the upregulated pathways are not viable therapeutic targets, as they involve positive or negative modulations of physiological cellular functions. In addition, RNA extracts from human glioblastoma primary cultures were matched with those of patients treated with TTFields. After the TTFields application, several stemness pathways were significantly upregulated in isolated cells and human biopsies. Previous studies demonstrate that glioblastoma stem cells are enriched in transmembrane Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (tmCLIC1) and its inhibition slows down tumor cell proliferation. CLIC1 transcript does not appear to be modulated in patients by electric field stimulation. However, following prolonged TTFields exposure in primary cell lines we observed a significant increase in the membrane protein activity. This indicates that tmCLIC1 could serve as a valuable target for a combined antitumoral therapy alongside TTFields to impair glioblastoma development. Citation Format: Michele Mazzanti, Francesca Cianci, Guido Rey, Sara Torabi, Elisa Meraviglia, Davide Ceresa, Paolo Malatesta, Kerem Wainer-Katsir, Tullio Florio, Dietmar Krex. Glioblastoma reduced sensitivity to tumor treating fields (TTFields) is associated with changes in electrical membrane properties of tumor cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2981.

Interface Engineering Assisted 3D Printing of Silicone Composites with Synergistically Optimized Impact Resistance and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness.

Silicone composites have been universally employed in smart devices, flexible electronics, and mechanical metamaterials. However, it remained challenging to develop 3D printable silicone composites with desirable mechanical and electrical properties. Here, an interface engineering strategy is reported, developing heterointerfacial silver-coated hollow glass microspheres (SHGMs), which are integrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for 3D printing of impact-resistant, highly conductive, and mechanically robust SHGMs-PDMS (SHP) composites. SHP simultaneously achieves high compression modulus (12.65MPa), substantial energy dissipation density (1.58 × 106 Nm-2 at 50% strain), excellent conductivity (2.55× 103 Sm-1), and long-period robustness. SHP presents extraordinary impact resistance under dynamic impacts, reaching a considerable energy dissipation of 1.91kJ m-1 at an incident velocity of 192.3m s-1. More importantly, SHP with 2mm in thickness achieves an ultraefficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) effectiveness of 92.5dB, which is among that of state-of-the-art silicone and its derivatives, and can maintain favorable shielding efficiency (>70dB) after undergoing mechanical excitations. Moreover, the formability enables it to fabricate delicate structures with a negative Poisson's ratio, ensuring adaptive fit and thus providing complete protection for individuals. This work paves an effective way to rapidly manufacture silicone composites with expected functions for new-generation protective devices.

Layer modulating and electrical properties in acceptor-doped Sr5Nb5O17 ceramic with perovskite layer structure

Perovskite layer structured (PLS) oxides exhibit some novel physical properties, such as ultrahigh-temperature piezoelectricity, semiconductivity, and oxygen ionic transport. However, synthesizing 5-layer PLS oxides, such as Sr5Nb5O17 ceramics, using traditional solid-state reaction methods is challenging due to their low phase stability. In this study, we propose a new strategy to construct a 5-layer structure from a 4-layer structure. Specifically, Ga-doped Sr5Nb4.444Ga0.556O16.944 (5-SNGO), an iso-structural material to Sr5Nb5O17, was synthesized via a solid-phase reaction. The original design involved co-doping Ga and Mo at the Nb site of the 4-layer parent material Sr2Nb2O7 (4-SNO). However, it was found that only Ga was successfully incorporated into the structure, while Mo remained as SrMoO4, which was subsequently removed by washing with dilute sulfuric acid. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and second-harmonic generation analysis confirmed that the synthesized 5-SNGO ceramic exhibits a 5-layer structure with a noncentrosymmetric space group. The material demonstrated a frequency-independent dielectric permittivity of 60 above 1 kHz. Impedance spectroscopy revealed a very high resistivity of 1.95 × 105 Ω·cm at 900 °C, along with Debye-like dielectric relaxation exhibiting thermal activation behavior. This study presents a novel synthesis approach for constructing 5-layer PLS oxides from a 4-layer structure and provides insights into their structural evolution and electrical properties.

Excellent anisotropic magnetoresistance in polycrystalline La0.7Ca0.3Mn1−xCoxO3 under 1 T moderate magnetic fields

The distorted perovskite La–Ca–Mn–O system (ABO[Formula: see text] is emerging as a promising candidate for next-generation magnetic sensors, given its remarkable structural flexibility and superior electrical transport properties, which surpass those of traditional ferromagnetic metal materials. Recent research has focused on significantly altering its magnetoresistance properties by modulating the MnO octahedra and Jahn-Teller distortion through adjustments at the A/B sites. Based on previous achievements in enhancing anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) through A-sites modification of MnO6, this study aims to further improve AMR performance by optimizing the B-sites. The sol–gel method was employed to synthesize highly crystalline La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]CoxO3, with the best AMR performance occurring at [Formula: see text]. This optimal result is linked to the incorporation of Co[Formula: see text], leading to the minimal octahedral volume and the formation of a Q2 mode Jahn–Teller distortion. Under moderate magnetic fields, a strong connection exists between the fluctuations in spin-orbit coupling and the pronounced anisotropic transport phenomena.

Influence of processing methods on dispersion, electrical and mechanical properties of MWCNTs/PVC composites

Influence of processing methods on dispersion, electrical and mechanical properties of MWCNTs/PVC composites

Toward Rational Design of Carbon-Based Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors are electrical energy storage devices renowned for their high power density and long cycle life. However, their low energy density has limited their broader application, particularly in electric vehicles. Carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene, are among the most promising electrode materials for enhancing energy density due to their unique structures, excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, large specific surface area, and chemical inertness in both acidic and alkaline environments. Significant progress has been made in the development of high-performance carbon-based supercapacitors. In this Review, we begin by exploring the origin and mechanisms of charge storage in supercapacitors. We then summarize the current advancements in enhancing the capacitive performance. The theory and primary strategies for designing high-performance supercapacitors are discussed to provide guidance on electrode material selection and design. Finally, future research directions and perspectives are presented with the aim of advancing the development of efficient carbon-based supercapacitors.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF TiN FILMS BY MAGNETRON SPUTTERING

In the present field of materials science and engineering technology, thin-film materials have attracted considerable attention due to their distinctive properties and extensive range of potential applications. Among these, titanium nitride (TiN) thin films, renowned for their exceptional physical and chemical attributes, have been extensively employed in a multitude of industrial sectors. Magnetron sputtering, an advanced physical vapor deposition technique, offers significant advantages for the fabrication of TiN thin films, particularly in terms of controlling the film quality and tailoring the properties for specific applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in magnetron sputtering of TiN thin films, with a particular focus on the fundamentals of sputtering, the various techniques employed in magnetron sputtering, and the effects of key process parameters (e.g. sputtering power, substrate bias, deposition temperature, and nitrogen-argon ratio) on the microstructural, electrical, mechanical, and corrosion-resistant properties of the films. Furthermore, the review elucidates the impact of annealing, substrate material, and target selection on the film properties, with particular emphasis on the correlation between the electrical properties of TiN films and the magnetron sputtering process parameters. Additionally, it explores the potential applications of TiN films in supercapacitor electrode materials and on-chip micro-supercapacitors. Furthermore, the current challenges and future directions for optimizing TiN thin film deposition for advanced applications are subjected to a systematic analysis.

Advanced biopolymer films for sustainable applications: Integrating Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticles into pea protein isolate-alginate matrices.

Advanced biopolymer films for sustainable applications: Integrating Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticles into pea protein isolate-alginate matrices.

A Label-Free Approach for Cell-Level Drug Dosage Response Tests With an Optimized Flow Cytometry Device.

Cancer is among the most significant health threats to humanity. As a critical front-line treatment in the early stages of the disease, chemotherapy drugs provide positive effects on more than one disease. Traditional analytical methods for screening these drugs are often marred by the need for intricate sample preparation and reliance on costly equipment or reagents. In this study, we profiled the biophysical properties of cancer cells (MCF-7) as they traversed a detection region using a high-throughput seven-electrode double-differential biochip. To ensure precise and reliable cell status assessment, we optimized both the electrode dimensions within the assay system and the buffer's conductivities. Our findings indicated that an electrode configuration of E:F:G=2:5:1 (E, F, and G stand for exciting/floating/gap, respectively), coupled with a conductivity setting of 1.6S/m, was optimal for probing the electrical properties of breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Utilizing this refined system, we achieved a live-dead cell differentiation accuracy of approximately 94.25%. Moreover, MCF-7 cells displayed distinct impedance signatures in response to varying drug concentrations. Changes in impedance signal characteristics, such as opacity and phase, stand for the physiological shifts within the cells under drug exposure. This research is of considerable importance, offering a novel and efficient methodology for drug dosage response testing. It paves the way for more precise and personalized cancer treatment strategies, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Recent Advancements in Rubber Composites for Physical Activity Monitoring Sensors: A Critical Review

This review provides the latest insight (2020 to 2025) for composite-based physical activity monitoring sensors. These composite materials are based on carbon-reinforced silicone rubber. These composites feature the use of composite materials, thereby allowing the creation of new generation non-invasive sensors for monitoring of sports activity. These physical sports activities include running, cycling, or swimming. The review describes a brief overview of carbon nanomaterials and silicone rubber-based composites. Then, the prospects of such sensors in terms of mechanical and electrical properties are described. Here, a special focus on electrical properties like resistance change, response time, and gauge factor are reported. Finally, the review reports a brief overview of the industrial uses of these sensors. Some aspects are sports activities like boxing or physical activities like walking, squatting, or running. Lastly, the main aspect of fracture toughness for obtaining high sensor durability is reviewed. Finally, the key challenges in material stability, scalability, and integration of multifunctional aspects of these composite sensors are addressed. Moreover, the future research prospects are described for these composite-based sensors, along with their advantages and limitations.

Anisotropy of Voltage Sensitivity of Bow-Tie Microwave Diodes Containing 2DEG Layer

Microwave Bow-Tie Diodes operate across a broad frequency range, including THz radiation detection and THz imaging applications. When fabricated using modulation-doped structures, these diodes exhibit enhanced detection properties that are best characterized by voltage sensitivity. The sensitivity is influenced by multiple factors, including diode design, semiconductor material quality, and the characteristics of the ohmic contacts. In this study, we examine how the electrical properties of modulation-doped bow-tie diodes are affected by their orientation relative to the crystallographic axes. Extensive investigations on various bow-tie diodes exposed to broadband microwave radiation, both in darkness and under white and infrared light illumination, enabled us to identify the optimal diode designs and illumination conditions for maximizing sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for diode design and illumination conditions to enhance the diode’s sensitivity to microwave radiation while minimizing illumination-induced effects on electrical properties.

Reversible phase transitions and enhanced electrostrain in BNST-xFN ceramics under electric and thermal stimuli

Ferroelectric materials based on (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 are well-known for their outstanding chemical stability and exceptional electrical properties, particularly their large electrostrain response under applied electric fields, positioning them as promising candidates for precision actuator applications. In this study, we investigate the electrical and structural responses of lead-free (Bi0.38Na0.38Sr0.24)Ti1-x (Fe0.5Nb0.5)x O3 (BNST-x FN) ferroelectric ceramics under the combined effects of temperature and electric field. Using in-situ electric field and variable-temperature Raman spectroscopy, piezoelectric force microscopy, and comprehensive dielectric and ferroelectric property evaluations, we explore the evolution of structural transformations, polarization behavior, and macroscopic property changes in ceramics with different initial phase structures under thermal and electrical stimuli. Notably, the BNST-0.01FN composition, located near the boundary between the non-ergodic relaxor and ergodic relaxor phases, exhibits a remarkable room-temperature electrostrain of 0.37%, driven by a reversible electric field-induced nonpolar-to-polar phase transition. Upon heating, as the BNST ceramic approaches the phase boundary, a prominent electrostrain (~0.38%) is observed near the temperature of the ferroelectric-to-relaxor phase transition (T FR, ~60 °C) under the electric field. This study combines in-situ microstructural analysis with macroscopic ferroelectric characterization, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamic coupling between microscopic fields and macroscopic electrical properties, and offering valuable insights for the design of high-performance lead-free ferroelectric ceramics.

High-pressure high-temperature synthesis of magnetic perovskite BiCu0.4Mn0.6O3

Complex perovskite oxides stabilized under high-pressure conditions constitute a rich playground for material science thanks to their multifunctional properties. Here we present the synthesis of BiCu0.4Mn0.6O3, obtained under isotropic high-pressure/high-temperature conditions. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbam space group with a = 5.57960(16) Å, b = 11.2374(3) Å, c = 7.6603(2) Å. Disorder between Cu and Mn cations at the B site causes a significant interplay between electric and magnetic properties. Although a long-range magnetic order is not observed in neutron diffraction, BiCu0.4Mn0.6O3 displays a ferromagnetic-like transition at 330 K confined at the local scale and thermal-activated semiconductive behavior. At lower temperatures, the partial electronic localization on the Mn site changes the transport mechanism leading to 3D variable range hopping conductivity and determines the formation of an antiferromagnetic ordering at about 30 K. The presence of ferromagnetic-like room temperature state makes this material intriguing as a starting point for advanced multifunctional devices.

Magnetic, Thermoelectric, and Electrical Transport Properties of CsMn₄As₃.

The present investigation utilized first-principles methodologies to elucidate the electronic and magnetic characteristics of bulk CsMn4As3. Our results validate the Mott insulator behavior of this compound, which is in agreement with the existing literature. Through the application of the Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian approach and energy mapping methods, we determined the exchange interactions, highlighting potential spin frustration in the material. Verification of the mechanical and dynamical stability of CsMn4As3was conducted, followed by an assessment of its thermoelectric attributes. The observed low lattice thermal conductivity along the c-axis of the compound significantly contributes to a substantial figure of merit (ZT) of 0.8 at 500 K. Leveraging the inherent layered architecture of the material, we modeled a monolayer device and verified its structural integrity through phonon and molecular dynamics analyses. The monolayer exhibited metallic characteristics, prompting an investigation into its I-V response, which uncovered subtle negative differential conductance (NDC) phenomena. These results underscore the imperative for continued experimental validation to unlock the potential for advanced electronic applications.&#xD.

High-Performance Self-Powered Photodetector Enabled by Te-Doped GeH Nanostructures Engineering

Two-dimensional (2D) Xenes, including graphene where X represents C, Si, Ge, and Te, represent a groundbreaking class of materials renowned for their extraordinary electrical transport properties, robust photoresponse, and Quantum Spin Hall effects. With the growing interest in 2D materials, research on germanene-based systems remains relatively underexplored despite their potential for tailored optoelectronic functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and rapid chemical synthesis of tellurium-doped germanene hydride (Te-GeH) nanostructures (NSs), achieving precise atomic-scale control. The 2D Te-GeH NSs exhibit a broadband optical absorption spanning ultraviolet (UV) to visible light (VIS), which is a critical feature for multifunctional photodetection. Leveraging this property, we engineer photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors via a simple drop-casting technique. The devices deliver excellent performance, including a high responsivity of 708.5 µA/W, ultrafast response speeds (92 ms rise, 526 ms decay), and a wide operational bandwidth. Remarkably, the detectors operate efficiently at zero-bias voltage, outperforming most existing 2D-material-based PEC systems, and function as self-powered broadband photodetectors. This work not only advances the understanding of germanene derivatives but also unlocks their potential for next-generation optoelectronics, such as energy-efficient sensors and adaptive optical networks.

First-principles study of shear deformation on the photovoltaic properties of F-doped SnSe2

Abstract Based on the fundamentals of density functional theory (DFT), this work examines how shear deformation affects the optoelectronic characteristics of the F-doped SnSe2 system. First, the electronic structure of the SnSe2 system (X-SnSe2) doped with halogen X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) is computed. This calculation shows that the SnSe2 system changes from semiconductors to metal when doped with halogens. Following this, the formation and binding energies of the X-SnSe2 system are analyzed. The X-SnSe2 system's formation energy is between -0.598 and 0.143, while the F-SnSe2 system's is -0.598. No imaginary frequencies were found in the phonon spectrum of the F-SnSe2 system. It shows that the F-SnSe2 system is stable. Its electrical properties show that shear deformation can transform the F-SnSe2 system from metal to semiconductor. Furthermore, the system's optical properties demonstrate that shear deformation results in a blue shift of the absorption, reflection, and loss peaks, enhancing the F-SnSe2 system's light absorption and concurrently reducing its energy dissipation.

Sandwich-like electrochemical immunosensing of IL-17 based on silver nanoparticles/graphdiyne and methylene blue/UiO-66-NH2.

IL-17 (interleukin-17) is a common proinflammatory cytokine and can be adopted as an important biomarker for several diseases; it is thus very necessary to design an effective method for monitoring IL-17. Herein, by preparing silver nanoparticles/graphdiyne (Ag/GDY) with simple electroless deposition as the sensing platform and methylene blue/UiO-66-NH2 MOFs (MB/MOFs) as the signaling-amplifier, a highly efficient sandwich-like electrochemical immunosensing (SLEI) platform was designed for IL-17 detection. The superior electrical property, easy preparation, large surface area, and high stability of Ag/GDY make it a desirable substrate to immobilize primary antibody of IL-17. Meanwhile, the unique structure of UiO-66-NH2 is beneficial to immobilize MB probe and secondary antibody. By optimizing experimental conditions, the MB current obtained at the as-designed SLEI platform increases along with IL-17 increase, and the related linearity is 1.0pgmL-1-1.0ngmL-1 coupled with a low detection limit of 0.3pgmL-1. It is expected that the SLEI platform based on Ag/GDY and MB/MOFs shows some potential application for IL-17 detection.

Effects of Re3+ radius on phase composition and thermal sensitivity of Ba4.5Re9Ti18O54 ceramics

AbstractTungsten‐bronze materials are widely used in the fields of electro‐optic, photorefractive, pyroelectric, millimeter‐wave, and piezoelectric devices. In particular, tungsten‐bronze Ba4.5Sm9Ti18O54 is believed to be useful for fabricating high‐temperature thermistors owing to its semiconductor properties. However, inherent shortcomings such as poor linearity (electrical properties deviate from the Arrhenius equation) and high aging coefficients limit the practical applications of these materials. Incorporating rare‐earth (Re) ions is an effective means of improving the electrical properties of thermistor materials. In this study, we explore the phase composition and thermosensitive properties of Ba4.5Re9Ti18O54 (Re = Y, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) ceramics with tungsten–bronze structures. The results indicate that the tungsten–bronze phase (Ba4.5Re9Ti18O54) is generated when the radius of the Re3+ ion exceeds 1.04 Å and the tolerance factor surpasses 0.82. Conversely, a pyrochlore phase (Re2Ti2O7) accompanied by a monoclinic impurity phase (BaTi2O5), is formed. Moreover, all Ba4.5Re9Ti18O54 ceramics with a tungsten‐bronze structure exhibit exceptional linear electrical properties (R2 ≥ 999.09‰) and high sensitivity coefficients (α1000°C ≥ −0.79%/K). In particular, after aging at 1100°C for 600 h, both the aging coefficient and drift rate of material constant are as low as 5.76% and 1.79%, respectively. These results indicate that Ba4.5Re9Ti18O54 ceramics are promising for high‐temperature and high‐accuracy temperature measurements.

High throughput characterization method of electrical and phonon properties by dielectric resonant spectroscopy

AbstractWith the advancement of Materials Genome Initiative, there is an urgent need for nondestructive, rapid characterization methods for obtaining electrical transport properties and phonon information of materials. In this article, we develop a method using the dielectric resonant spectroscopies of materials to derive critical parameters such as conduction electron frequency, quantum relaxation time, and phonon frequency for metals and semiconductors. As a typical example, based on the new approaches, we realized simultaneous extraction of carrier concentration n and electron‐phonon relaxation time , and establish a new relationship of for n‐type doped silicon, where the true electron‐phonon coupling constant is proposed for the first time. This innovative methodology offers significant potential for high‐throughput screening of materials, expediting the development of next‐generation electronic devices.

Stable Blue CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Near-Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield by Surface Ligand Engineering.

All-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites are emerging as a new promising candidate material in light-emitting diodes, photovoltaics, and photodetectors owing to their outstanding optical and electrical properties. However, blue perovskites still lag far behind the green and red analogues in terms of efficiency and stability. To avoid phase separation with mixed halide perovskite nanocrystals (e.g., CsPbBrxCl3-x), blue-emitting perovskites with a quantum confinement effect are very attractive. In this work, we designed a postsynthetic modification strategy with didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and lead bromide (PbBr2) to achieve blue-emitting CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) with nearly perfect surface passivation and excellent stability. The synergistic effect of DDAB and PbBr2 inhibited the possible perovskite phase transformation caused by DDA+, repaired the damaged [PbBr6]4- octahedra after purification, and created a halide-rich environment on the surface of NCs, thus maximizing the passivation of surface vacancy defects. In addition, the relatively short-chain, proton-free DDAB partially replaced the original organic ligands on the surface of NCs, resulting in near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and remarkable stability. After 14 days of continuous ultraviolet irradiation at 365 nm, the PLQY of NCs was close to 100% and the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum remained almost unchanged. The PLQY of NCs remained greater than 90% after either continuous heating in an oil bath at 80 °C for 14 days or storage in the air for 2 months. This study demonstrates an effective approach to obtaining highly bright and stable blue perovskite NCs, which is expected to be used in optoelectronic devices, and provides strategies for future surface ligand engineering of perovskites.