A modular platform for surface-bound biosensing: SpyCatcher-Mediated functionalization of antifouling polypeptide brushes on gold and polystyrene.

Tailored functional coatings on metal surface using silane-nanoparticle composite colloid

Abstract Functional Cu–TiO₂ thin films were fabricated on glazed ceramic surfaces using an oxalate-assisted sol–gel spray technique, followed by thermal treatment at 550 °C. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline anatase TiO₂ with homogeneous Cu incorporation at a nominal concentration of ~3 wt% and strong adhesion to the ceramic glaze. FESEM observations revealed continuous, compact coatings with enhanced surface roughness, while Mohs hardness testing indicated improved surface durability (grade 8–9) compared to the uncoated substrate. UV–Vis DRS analysis showed clear bandgap narrowing from 3.17 eV for pure TiO₂ to 2.8 eV for Cu–TiO₂, leading to enhanced visible-light absorption and photoactivity. Under visible-light irradiation, the Cu–TiO₂ coatings exhibited superior photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of bromophenol blue, achieving ~94% removal after 120 min, compared with 79% for pure TiO₂. Antibacterial tests demonstrated efficient inactivation of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with >99% bacterial reduction after 30 min of visible-light exposure. The enhanced performance arises from the synergistic combination of light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the inherent antimicrobial action of Cu species. Overall, the results confirm that introducing Cu improves both the photocatalytic and antibacterial behaviour of TiO₂ coatings under visible light.

Abstract The coffee ring effect is a common manifestation of evaporative self-organization. Conventional strategies to control this effect, such as particle modification or surfactant addition, can be effective but often compromise the intrinsic physicochemical properties of substrates, solvents, or particles, thereby limiting their applicability. This study demonstrates a versatile route for modulating coffee-ring deposition, providing a complementary strategy for controlling evaporative self-organization in functional coatings and droplet-based material processing.

Nanocoatings for the biomineralization membrane were developed on a gelatin (Gel) and carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) composite, namely, Gel/CHA membrane. The membrane, which contains bioactive polymer and a mineral phase, was further modified using plasma to deposit thin functional polymeric films. These surface-tailored nanocoatings improved the membrane's performance by increasing its swelling capacity to better mimic a tissue-like environment, strengthening its mechanical stability during application, and modulating interactions with biological components such as proteins to support tissue engineering and regeneration. Four types of thin films were explored, namely, 2-methyl-2-oxazoline (OX), 1,7-octadiene, acrylic acid (AC), and allylamine (AA). The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of these plasma-functionalized membranes were systematically investigated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful deposition of functional coatings, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy demonstrated variations in the surface morphology and roughness. Water contact angle and swelling ratio measurements revealed tunable hydrophilicity and water uptake properties, with AC- and OX-coated membranes exhibiting enhanced hydration. Mechanical testing in dry state indicated that the OX-coated membranes achieved an optimal balance between tensile strength and elongation, thereby enhancing their mechanical resilience. Protein adsorption studies highlighted increased biomolecular interactions with hydrophobic surfaces demonstrating higher protein affinity. Cytocompatibility assessments, following ISO 10993-5:2009 standards, confirmed that all plasma-coated membranes were noncytotoxic to osteoblast MC-3T3-E1 cell lines, with cell viability exceeding 80%. The in vitro evaluation of MC-3T3-E1 cell adhesion was confirmed using DAPI staining and SEM observation and revealed that the MC3T3-E1 cells attached on control, AC, and AA membranes with a flatter shape. Additionally, the mineralization potential was assessed via simulated body fluid immersion for up to 360 min. EDX analysis showed time-dependent deposition of calcium and phosphate, with AA-coated membranes exhibiting the highest mineral accumulation. These findings demonstrate that plasma-assisted functionalization can significantly improve the membrane properties, making it a promising candidate for advanced bone tissue engineering applications.

Polypropylene (PP) nonwovens are widely used as filtration layers in surgical face masks, but their hydrophobic, inert surfaces limit their ability to attach functional coatings that adjust pore size and improve mechanical filtration. Herein, we exploit cellulose derived from sugarcane debris to construct nanocellulose coatings that modify the surface properties of PP mask nonwovens without altering the underlying fibre architecture. Cellulose pulp was fibrillated to cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) and functionalised to yield TEMPO-oxidised nanofibres (TCNFs) and cationic nanofibres (CCNFs). All these nanofibres retain a cellulose I structure with a thermal stability of well above an 80-100 °C drying window. The three nanocelluloses exhibit distinct combinations of surface charge and wettability (ζ ≈ -9, -73, and +76 mV), with various hydrophobicity. Dip coating produces nanocellulose coating layers on PP, with uniform coverage at 1 wt% for TCNF and CCNF. CCNF inverts the negative surface charge of PP and maintains the positive charge at 86% relative humidity. Ethanol pretreatment of PP increases CCNF coating adhesion and preserves a continuous nanoporous CCNF film on the PP surface under humid conditions. Cytotoxicity assays indicate no detectable cytotoxicity for coated or uncoated nonwovens. This work establishes sugarcane-derived nanocellulose, particularly CCNF and TCNF, as a potential biocompatible surface coating for PP mask nonwovens.

Concrete structures suffering from Mg2+ environments may suffer severe damage, which mainly has something to do with the coupled effect among Cl−, SO42−, and Mg2+. Based on a systematic review of Web of Science and Scopus database (2000–2025), we first summarized the migration behavior, reaction paths, and interaction mechanism of Cl−, SO42−, and Mg2+ in cementitious matrices. Secondly, from the perspective of Cl− cyclic adsorption–desorption breaking the passivation film of steel bars, SO42− generating expansion products leads to crack expansion, then Mg2+ decalcifies C-S-H and transforms into M-S-H; we analyzed the main damage mechanisms, respectively. In addition, under the coexistence conditions of three kinds of ions, the “fixation–substitution–redissolution” process and “crack–transport” coupling positive feedback mechanism further increase the development rate of damage. Then, some anti-corrosion measures, such as mineral admixtures, functional chemical admixtures, fiber reinforcements, surface coatings, and new binder systems, are summarized, and the pros and cons of different anti-corrosion technologies are compared and evaluated. Lastly, from two aspects of simulation prediction for the coupled corrosion damage mechanism and service life prediction, respectively, we have critically evaluated the advances and problems existing in the current research on the aspects of ion migration-reaction coupled models, multi-physics coupled frameworks, phase-field methods, etc. We found that there is still much work to be conducted in three respects: deepening mechanism understanding, improving prediction precision, and strengthening the connection between laboratory test results and actual projects, so as to provide theoretical basis and technical support for the durability design and anti-corrosion strategies of concrete in complex Mg2+ environments.

ConspectusUpconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have become one of the most frequently used nanomaterials for optical biosensing and imaging. UCNPs unique properties include high photostability, low toxicity, large anti-Stokes shifts, and negligible sample background fluorescence under near-infrared (NIR) excitation. Combining these advantages with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the investigation of biomolecular interactions seems to be an obvious choice. However, UCNPs are rather large and have low absorption cross sections, which makes the development of UCNP-based FRET systems challenging. Nevertheless, various UCNP-FRET approaches have been developed over the last 20 years, and, in particular, the development of smaller UCNPs and new UCNP architectures has significantly advanced UCNP-FRET.Donor-acceptor distance is extremely important in FRET because its efficiency decreases with the sixth power of that distance. In UCNPs, the donors are the emitting lanthanide ions (activators), which can be placed all over the UCNP volume, resulting in some being close to and others far from the UCNP surface. The "far ones" may be bright because they are well protected from the environment, but they can only provide very low FRET efficiencies to an outside acceptor. The "close ones" can generate high FRET efficiencies but are also exposed to efficient quenching from the surrounding environment on the UCNP surface. This twisted tongue requires an ideal compromise between bright donor ions and a close surface distance for high FRET efficiency.The combination of different core-shell UCNP architectures with the ability to dope cores and shells with different amounts of sensitizers and activators, smaller UCNP sizes, reduced water absorption by changing the excitation wavelength from 980 to 808 nm, functional surface coatings and bioconjugation, as well as optimized FRET acceptor concepts are important parameters to overcome the limits of UCNP-FRET. Careful photophysical characterization, with spatial resolution throughout the entire UCNP volume and on its surface, and advanced modeling to better interpret the experimental results and understand the underlying mechanisms are key to translating UCNP-FRET into the application space.This Account discusses the recent advances of UCNP-FRET, including advanced UCNP core-shell architectures, UCNP surface chemistry and bioconjugation, versatility in acceptor selection, a better understanding of the UCNP-FRET mechanisms, UCNP-FRET modeling approaches, and applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and theranostics. We highlight the challenges of combining UCNPs and FRET and share our vision concerning future developments toward a complete understanding of UCNP-FRET, optimization of nanobiohybrid materials, multiplexed biosensing, and translation of UCNP-FRET technology into broadly usable applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine.

Silicon (Si) has emerged as an ideal material for next-generation high-energy-density lithium (Li)-ion batteries owing to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity and low working voltage. However, severe volume changes during electrochemical reactions cause the pulverization of active Si and continuous degradation of interfacial structures amongst internal components, resulting in rapid capacity fading. To address these challenges, designing functional nanoscale interfaces in Si anodes is critical for enhancing the Li-ion storage stability. This review systematically elaborates the recent advances in the interface engineering of Si-based anodes from a multiscale interface perspective, mainly focusing on the interfaces generated by the functional coatings, liquid/solid electrolytes, polymer binders, and modified current collectors. The principles of interface design and dynamic structural evolution as well as the regulation of Li-ion-transfer or charge-transfer kinetics at various interfaces are comprehensively analyzed. Feasible strategies to enhance electrochemical performance through the interface design are also highlighted. This review concludes by summarizing the current challenges in interface engineering and outlining future research directions. It provides fundamental theoretical guidance and practical insights from the perspective of interface design for developing high performance Si anodes.

Catechol-based surface functionalization has emerged as a powerful strategy for tailoring material properties and enabling diverse applications, owing to its robust adhesive capabilities and broad substrate compatibility. Inspired by mussel foot proteins and popularized by dopamine-derived polydopamine coatings, catechol grafting has evolved into a versatile platform for anchoring molecules of interest (MOI) onto surfaces. This review focuses on the synthetic strategies for direct covalent modification of active compounds-such as polymers, peptides, and small molecules-with catechol moieties, bypassing the limitations of traditional bottom-up and co-deposition approaches. By examining the reactivity profiles of catechol precursors and their coupling chemistries, we aim to provide a comprehensive framework for designing functional coatings with enhanced performance and simplified processing. This work fills a critical gap in the literature by offering practical guidelines for researchers seeking to harness catechol chemistry in advanced material engineering.

An antioxidant metal-organic framework with functional coatings for oral anti-TNF-α antibody delivery in inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Ice accumulation presents persistent challenges across critical infrastructure sectors, including aviation, energy transmission, transportation, and telecommunications. With the advancement of nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as powerful components for the design of high-performance anti-icing and deicing coatings. Owing to their exceptional thermal, electrical, and surface properties, CNTs enable both passive (e.g., superhydrophobic) and active (e.g., photothermal, electrothermal) strategies for ice mitigation. This review critically examines the integration of pristine and chemically modified CNTs into functional coatings, highlighting synthesis approaches, surface engineering, performance metrics, and operational mechanisms - reported from 2016 to 2025. Particular emphasis is placed on the correlation between coating efficacy and the physicochemical characteristics of CNT surfaces, interpreted through the framework of Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) as a predictive tool for CNT-matrix compatibility and icephobic performance. By mapping structure-function relationships and identifying synergistic design strategies, this work provides a comprehensive perspective on the future development of scalable, durable, and climate-resilient CNT-based anti-icing and deicing technologies.

Performance of electrodynamic dust shields with functional surface coatings for lunar dust mitigation

Functional carbonate-hydroxyapatite coatings prepared via plasma electrolytic oxidation process in particles suspension

Suppression of Surface Charge Accumulation on GIS Insulator in Extremely Cold Environment by Functional Nonlinear Conductivity Coating Design

Enhancing lubricity of medical implant surfaces: Mechanisms and advanced functional coatings

ABSTRACT We report a photochemical strategy for fabricating mesoporous TiO 2 thin films that combines deep‐UV (193 nm) photolithography with block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly. This dual top‐down/bottom‐up approach enables direct patterning and mineralization at room temperature, without thermal annealing, offering a scalable and energy‐efficient alternative to conventional sol–gel processing. By tailoring the BCP concentration, titanium‐to‐ethylene oxide molar ratio, and polymer architecture, we achieved highly uniform mesoporous monolayers with tunable pore size and film thickness. FTIR and SEM analyses confirm the selective degradation of the PS and PEO blocks under UV exposure. Notably, the PEO degradation is significantly enhanced in the presence of titanium oxo‐clusters, attributed to the photocatalytic activity of the Ti precursor under DUV irradiation. We further demonstrate spatially controlled structuring via photolithographic masks, enabling micro‐ and nanopatterned oxide films with hierarchical architectures. This method allows for precise control over both porosity and lateral geometry, expanding the design space for functional oxide coatings. Our findings open new avenues for the fabrication of advanced hierarchical TiO 2 ‐based materials for applications in photonics, sensing, and nanotechnology, while contributing to the broader development of low‐temperature, light‐assisted material processing.

The objective of the present study was to validate key mole­cular markers of bone tissue repair as indicators of osseointegration on systemic and local levels, and evaluate their trans­lational parallelism. This was achieved by comparing the configurational consistency of expression profiles between an experimental rat model and a pilot clinical investigation in human patients to synchronize systemic and local molecular responses. The hypothesis was that alumina-coated titanium implants would exhibit faster dynamics of angiogenic and osteogenic biomarkers, indicating accelerated osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osseointegration compared with uncoated titanium. The pilot clinical study comprised the patients after total hip arthroplasty (n=6): three with uncoated titanium implants and three with alumina ceramics. Serum samples were collected from these patients in one and six months post-surgery. The experimental rat model comprised 160 Wistar females implanted with modified intrafemoral implants (seven surface types, including uncoated and alumina-coated titanium), with serum and peri-implant tissue samples collected in one, two, four, and eight weeks. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and osteoprotegerin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the corresponding local expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that alumina-coated implants induced an accelerated and synchronized molecular cascade in the rat model, which was qualitatively replicated in the clinical cohort. The systemic vascular endothelial growth factor peak manifested early, at one week in rats and one month in humans, and exhibited a strong parallelism with local microvessel density in the animal model, confirming rapid angiogenic activation. In both species, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 increased earlier and to a greater extent in the alumina-coated groups, indicating more rapid osteoinduction. Local receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B activity demonstrated an early rise and a four-week peak in the groups with coated implants, consistent with controlled and timely bone remodelling. The study indicates that alumina coatings promote accelerated osseointegration by advancing the time course of healing, a conclusion supported by the observed translational parallelism of the investigated markers.

This study investigates the effect of SiO2–TiO2/PANI nanocomposite concentration on the surface morphology of cotton fabrics relevant to self-cleaning performance. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using four compositional ratios, while TiO2 content was fixed to isolate the structural role of SiO2 and PANI. Nanocomposites were synthesized via a sol–gel route, deposited by dip coating, and characterized using SEM combined with quantitative image analysis. The results demonstrate a systematic morphological evolution from relatively homogeneous, fine particle distributions to coarser and more agglomerated structures as PANI concentration decreased. Particle size distributions ranged predominantly between 40–90 nm, with higher PANI fractions promoting dispersion uniformity and reduced surface roughness. Increasing SiO2 dominance intensified particle growth and agglomeration, indicating altered interfacial interactions within the composite layer. Comparative analysis with prior studies confirms that oxide–polymer balance governs micro–nano architecture on textile substrates. These findings elucidate composition–structure relationships critical for optimizing functional textile coatings

Using methods of mathematical physics, a comprehensive simulation of the short-range order in Fe₈₈P₁₂ and Cr₈₈C₁₂ alloys produced by electrodeposition was carried out. As the initial configuration for modeling, the crystal structure of the base metal was selected. Numerous experimental studies, including X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyses, have indicated that in metal-metalloid alloys, surface microstructures predominantly exhibit ellipsoidal morphologies. Based on these experimental observations, it was hypothesized that the macroscopic ellipsoidal formations observed on the alloy surfaces are composed of clusters with relatively simple geometric configurations, such as spheres or ellipsoids. The results of the simulation revealed that these clusters possess characteristic sizes not exceeding 30-50 angstroms, and their vectorial growth predominantly occurs along a single radial direction relative to the substrate surface. This anisotropic growth behavior is attributed to differences in local atomic bonding energy and diffusion kinetics, which drive the preferential alignment of cluster development. Moreover, it was established that the spatial distribution and size uniformity of the clusters significantly influence the overall mechanical and physicochemical properties of the coatings, including hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion stability. The combination of modeling outcomes with empirical data provides valuable insight into the microstructural evolution mechanisms governing electrodeposited metal-metalloid systems. These findings can serve as a basis for optimizing the electrodeposition parameters to tailor the surface structure and enhance the performance characteristics of functional coatings.