Hydrophobic Barrier Research Articles

Multifolding Vertical-Flow Electrochemical Paper-Based Devices with Tunable Dual Preconcentration for Enhanced Multiplexed Assays of Heavy Metals.

This work describes fully integrated multifolding electrochemical paper-based devices (ePADs) for enhanced multiplexed voltammetric determination of heavy metals (Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II)) using tunable passive preconcentration. The paper devices integrate five circular sample preconcentration layers and a 3-electrode electrochemical cell. The hydrophobic barriers of the devices are drawn by pen-plotting with hydrophobic ink, while the electrodes are deposited by screen-printing. The devices exploit the wicking ability of cellulose paper to perform passive preconcentration of the target analytes, resulting in a ∼6-fold signal enhancement. For this purpose, drops of the sample are placed at the five sample pads of the preconcentration layers, the device is folded, and the target metals are eluted in a vertical-flow mode to the electrochemical cell, where they are measured directly by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The working electrode of the ePADs is bulk-modified with bismuth citrate; during the ASV measurements, the bismuth precursor is converted to nanodomains of metallic bismuth at the surface of the working electrode. By combining the triplex signal amplification through passive preconcentration, electrochemical preconcentration, and judicious working electrode modification with in situ generated bismuth nanoparticles, ultrasensitive and multiplexed heavy metal assays can be achieved. Due to their high degree of integration, low cost, easy and fast fabrication, and sensitivity, the multifolding ePADs are particularly suitable for on-site heavy metals' monitoring applications.

Boosting Lipofection Efficiency Through Enhanced Membrane Fusion Mechanisms

Gene transfection is a fundamental technique in the fields of biological research and therapeutic innovation. Due to their biocompatibility and membrane-mimetic properties, lipid vectors serve as essential tools in transfection. The successful delivery of genetic material into the cytoplasm is contingent upon the fusion of the vector and cellular membranes, which enables hydrophilic polynucleic acids to traverse the hydrophobic barriers of two intervening membranes. This review examines the critical role of membrane fusion in lipofection efficiency, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that govern lipoplex–membrane interactions. This analysis will examine the key challenges inherent to the fusion process, from achieving initial membrane proximity to facilitating final content release through membrane remodeling. In contrast to viral vectors, which utilize specialized fusion proteins, lipid vectors necessitate a strategic formulation and environmental optimization to enhance their fusogenicity. This review discusses recent advances in vector design and fusion-promoting strategies, emphasizing their potential to improve gene delivery yield. It highlights the importance of understanding lipoplex–membrane fusion mechanisms for developing next-generation delivery systems and emphasizes the need for continued fundamental research to advance lipid-mediated transfection technology.

Dual‐Surface Polydentate Anchoring Enabled Strain Regulation for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractContinuous breakthroughs of photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) in perovskite solar cells are achieved, but the inherent instability caused by residual tensile strain and interfacial defects remains a major obstacle to their application. In this study, a polydentate ligand‐regulated dual‐surface stress management strategy for perovskite (PVK) is introduced to eliminate tensile strain and interface defects via multidentate anchoring. 3‐amino‐5‐bromopicolinaldehyde (BD) is employed on the lower surface of PVK, while its −CO, −NH2, and pyridine functional groups facilitate the bridging of SnO2 with PVK, alleviating tensile stress and lowering interfacial energy barriers. For the upper surface, the bis−SO2, pyridine, and bis−CF3 functional groups of N‐(5‐Chloro‐2‐pyridyl) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (FC) are utilized to increase the ion migration energy barrier through anchoring, which effectively diminishes tensile stress and defects. Besides, −CF3 also constructs a hydrophobic barrier on the upper surface. Notably, tensile stress successfully transforms into compressive stress based on the dual‐surface stress regulation, significantly improving the framework stability of PVK. Consequently, the devices treated with BD and FC achieve an elevated open‐circuit voltage of 1.24 V and PCE of 24.70%. The modified device (unencapsulated) maintains 92% of initial PCE after 2000 h in the atmosphere and 91% after 500 h under 85% RH, showcasing enhanced stability.

Constructing Mg-phytic acid enhanced hydrogel patch with janus structure for antibacterial and angiogenic urethral repair

Due to bacteria in urine and inadequate blood supply, urethral defect repair faces great clinical difficulties. Inspired by the natural structure of the urethra, in this study, we designed a multifunctional hydrogel urethral patch with a Janus structure. The inner layer was a double-network hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan (PVA/CMCS) enhanced by natural phytic acid (PA) and Mg2+ (Mg2+-PA/PVA/CMCS). The outer layer was composed of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibers to form a hydrophobic barrier, coupling via a micelle layer to ensure interfacial bonding. The patch exhibited mechanical properties matching soft tissues, with maximum tensile strength and toughness of 1.69±0.13 MPa and 24.7±0.9 MJ/m3, respectively, under the strengthening effect of Mg2+-PA chelation. Therein, the 4 % Mg2+-PA/PVA/CMCS composite patch could maintain unilateral hydrophobicity for at least 14 days and demonstrated an antibacterial rate of 99.0 %±0.1 % against E. coli. In PBS, the patch could deliver Mg2+ for at least 7 days and stabilize the surrounding pH environment for up to 28 days. In vitro cell experiments indicated that the 4 % Mg2+-PA/PVA/CMCS composite patch could promote the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration, with the angiogenic protein expression enhanced more than 1.2 times compared with the Control group. In conclusion, the patch constructed in this study may provide a new approach to clinical urethral injury repair.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanofibers with tunable surface properties for thermal energy storage

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have been widely used as a renewable emulsifier to stabilize two immiscible liquids due to their intrinsic amphiphilicity and excellent emulsifying ability. However, it remains challenging to fully understand the effects of carboxylate group content and surface charge density on the emulsifying ability of CNFs and the stability of Pickering emulsion. Herein, carboxymethylated CNFs were extracted from bleached kraft pulp using etherification reaction and high-pressure homogenization, allowing for easy surface charge density and size adjustment by changing sodium chloroacetate content and homogenization cycles. The optimizing CNFs possessed a high Zeta potential (−71.2 mV) and a suitable carboxylate group content (1.81 mmol/g), which enabled CNFs to irreversibly adsorb at the hydrophobic paraffin wax (PW) droplet surface and form interfacial steric barriers, providing large electrostatic repulsion between the PW droplets against coalescence. Thus, the CNF-stabilized PW emulsions could be stored for more than 6 months. Moreover, the phase change enthalpy of the freeze-dried emulsion is as high as 193.7 J/g, which provides the emulsion to reversibly store and release heat. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the interfacial stability mechanism of CNFs as stabilizers and facilitates the potential application in thermal energy storage.

Enhancing moisture-resistance in polyimide aerogels: A novel hydrophobic modification approach with ortho-positioned long-chain barriers

Polyimide (PI) aerogels possess significant potential for various applications due to their outstanding mechanics and thermal insulation. However, a major drawback of these aerogels is their susceptibility to moisture, which not only compromises their insulative performance but also leads to an increase in weight. To address this issue, we have developed a moisture-resistance technique by incorporating a long-chain hydrophobic barrier at the ortho position relative to the imide groups to enhance the moisture-resistance of the PI aerogels. This approach involved using a series of diamines with hydroxyl groups strategically located at the ortho position of imide groups as reactants. The resulting PI aerogels demonstrated a significant improvement in water resistance, reducing water-uptake to merely one-tenth of that recorded in unmodified samples. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this hydrophobic modification was validated through molecular dynamics simulations, which indicated a diffusion coefficient of 4.41 × 10−11 m2/s after modification. These findings represent a considerable advancement in developing effective methods for hydrophobic modification of PI aerogels, with potential applications in aerospace, electronic communications, and environmental protection.

Nanoscale interactions of arginine-containing dipeptide repeats with nuclear pore complexes as measured by transient scanning electrochemical microscopy.

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) plays imperative biological and biomedical roles as the sole gateway for molecular transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The proteinous nanopore, however, can be blocked by arginine-containing polydipeptide repeats (DPRs) of proteins resulting from the disordered C9orf72 gene as a potential cause of serious neurological diseases. Herein, we report the new application of transient scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to quantitatively characterize DPR-NPC interactions for the first time. Twenty repeats of neurotoxic glycine-arginine and proline-arginine in the NPC are quantified to match the number of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) units in hydrophobic transport barriers of the nanopore. The 1 : 1 stoichiometry supports the hypothesis that the guanidinium residue of a DPR molecule engages in cation-π interactions with the aromatic residue of an FG unit. Cation-π interactions, however, are too weak to account for the measured free energy of DPR transfer from water into the NPC. The DPR transfer is thermodynamically as favorable as the transfer of nuclear transport receptors, which is attributed to hydrophobic interactions as hypothesized generally for NPC-mediated macromolecular transport. Kinetically, the DPRs are trapped by FG units for much longer than the physiological receptors, thereby blocking the nanopore. Significantly, the novel mechanism of toxicity implies that the efficient and safe nuclear import of genetic therapeutics requires strong association with and fast dissociation from the NPC. Moreover, this work demonstrates the unexplored power of transient SECM to determine the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological membrane-molecule interactions.

A hydrophobic phase-locking strategy enabling ultrarobust and water-stable self-healing elastomers for underwater ionotronics

Water-resistant conductive elastomers can endow soft electronic devices with reliable sensing performance for motion monitoring and real-time communication in aquatic environments. Nevertheless, traditional conductive elastomers typically suffer from notable shortcomings in terms of inferior mechanical robustness, weak stability, and self-healing capabilities in wet conditions and even underwater, significantly restricting their practical utility. Drawing inspiration from the optimization of multiphase structure, an ultrarobust underwater healable elastomer is constructed by incorporating biomass-derived long-chain segments with a large number of amide/benzene groups into a hierarchical H-bonding supramolecular network. The locking of multiple dynamic bonds by uniformly distributed hard-phase domains with dense hydrophobic barriers leads to the resultant elastomer gaining remarkably enhanced mechanical properties (stretchability, 2217.2 %; toughness, 272.97 MJ m−3) and outstanding capability to autonomously self-heal even underwater with a high ultimate strength over 10 MPa (aqueous healing for 24 h). Notably, it boasts exceptional healing stability to all types of harsh aqueous environments, such as strong acid/alkali, high temperature, and salty water. The application of the developed elastomer is also demonstrated by creating a multifunctional wearable sensor that can accurately detect and transmit information for a variety of human motions in both atmospheric and aquatic environments. The viable strategy reported herein for designing advanced multifunctional healable materials can be applicable for all-environment flexible iontronic devices.

A novel low-cost and simple fabrication technique for a paper-based analytical device using super glue

BackgroundThe microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been highly regarded as effective tools that offer a cost-effective and portable solution for point-of-care testing (POCT) and on-site detection. Utilizing paper substrates such as cellulose and nitrocellulose membranes, μPADs have proven beneficial for a range of applications from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. Despite their advantages, the fabrication of μPADs often requires sophisticated techniques and equipment, posing challenges for widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited settings. This study addresses the need for a simplified, low-cost method for fabricating μPADs that is accessible without specialized training or equipment. ResultsThis research introduces a novel, efficient method for producing μPADs using 3D-printed slidable chambers and super glue vapor, bypassing traditional, more complex fabrication processes. The method utilizes super glue (ethyl-cyanoacrylate) vapor to create hydrophobic barriers on paper substrates. By optimizing the exposure sequence to super glue and water vapors and the heating conditions, we achieved rapid hydrophobization within 5 min, creating effective hydrophobic barriers and hydrophilic channels on paper substrates. The technique's simplicity allows for use by individuals without specialized training. The practical application of the fabrication method is demonstrated by the fabrication of μPADs that can detect multiple target analytes. We perform the simultaneous detection of glucose, proteins, and also the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions nickel (Ni2+) and copper (Cu2+), highlighting its potential for broad applications in point-of-care diagnostics. SignificanceThis study is the first to report a method for selective exposure of ethyl-cyanoacrylate vapor for the fabrication of μPADs. This method significantly reduces the complexity, time, and fabrication cost, making it feasible for use in various settings. It also eliminates the need for specialized equipment and can be executed by individuals without specialized training. We believe that the proposed fabrication method contributes to the wider adoption and deployment of μPADs across various sectors.

Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Using Chemical Bath Deposition of SnO2 Electron Transport Layers and 3D/2D Heterojunctions.

Chemical bath deposition (CBD) is an effective technique used to produce high-quality SnO2 electron transport layers (ETLs) employed in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By optimizing the CBD process, high-quality SnO2 films are obtained with minimal oxygen vacancies and close energy level alignment with the perovskite layer. In addition, the 3D perovskite layers are passivated with n-butylammonium iodide (BAI), iso-pentylammonium iodide (PNAI), or 2-methoxyethylammonium iodide (MOAI) to form 3D/2D heterojunctions, resulting in defect passivation, suppressing ion migration and improving charge carrier extraction. As a result of these heterojunctions, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs increased from 21.39% for the reference device to 23.70% for the device containing the MOAI-passivated film. The 2D perovskite layer also provides a hydrophobic barrier, thus enhancing stability to humidity. Notably, the PNAI-based device exhibited remarkable stability, retaining approximately 95% of its initial efficiency after undergoing 1000-h testing in an N2 environment at room temperature.

Non-Enzymatic Detection of Glucose and Ketones in Urine using Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Diabetes, driven by unbalanced diets and unhealthy lifestyles, is highly prevalent. In Indonesia, its prevalence is projected to reach 28.6 million by 2045. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are paper-based analytical tools that use hydrophilic paper for measurement and hydrophobic barriers to control fluid flow. This research aims to develop a non-enzymatic method for detecting glucose and ketones in artificial urine using S2Z-μPADs. The fabrication of S2Z-μPADs involves printing the design on Whatman No. 1 paper using wax printing and applying silver nanoparticles for glucose detection and the Schiff base reaction for ketone detection. The results show that the optimum condition for glucose detection is achieved with an AgNO3 concentration of 500 mM. A NaOH concentration of 10 M. Acetoacetate detection is optimized with a glycine concentration of 1 M, sodium nitroprusside concentration of 15%, NaOH concentration of 1 M, a drying time of 8 minutes, and a reaction time of 10 minutes. Validation results demonstrate good linearity for glucose (R² = 0.9821) and ketones (R² = 0.995). High precision was achieved with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 3.792% for glucose and 1.482% for ketones. The obtained limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) indicate that the developed S2Z-μPADs can differentiate between each category of diabetes. The accuracy of glucose and ketone detection ranges from 87.463% to 97.374%. The high accuracy of the μPADs highlights their potential for reliable diabetes management and effective disease monitoring.

Advancing paper microfluidics: A strategic approach for rapid fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) enabling in-vitro sensing of creatinine

Paper-based microfluidic sensors for point-of-care applications represent an exceptional strategy for facilitating rapid sensing within clinical settings. Despite their considerable promise, the ongoing research objective lies in efficiently printing hydrophobic microfluidic channels (µPADs) onto hydrophilic paper while minimizing expenditure. This research paper introduces an advanced, economic, and efficient method for the rapid fabrication of µPADs on paper substrates, enabling immediate colorimetric detection of creatinine in artificial urine using Jaffe’s reagent. The process involves a modified DIY RepRap 3D printer with an integrated technical drawing pen filled with the solution of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and hexane. This solution creates hydrophobic domain barriers on a flexible nylon-based paper substrate, effectively confining the aqueous medium within the microfluidic channels. We report visual detection of a broad spectrum of creatinine concentrations ranging from 5 mg/dL to 450 mg/dL through the vibrant Janovsky complex appearance on the microfluidic domains. The study identifies the limiting concentration on µPADs as 500 mg/dL. The innovative procedure demonstrates exceptional selectivity, exhibiting a maximum interference of only 0.97 % from potentially interfering substances. This rapid, naked-eye detection of creatinine on nylon 6,6 membranes offers a user-friendly and economical approach, enhancing the capabilities of colorimetric visualization in point-of-care applications.

Multivalent-copper-loaded layer-by-layer coating for antibacterial and instantaneous virucidal activity for protective textiles

Nanoarchitectured films are known for tailoring surface properties, while antimicrobial surfaces can reduce pathogen propagation in public spaces and on protective equipment. This study explores the layer-by-layer (LbL) method to create antiviral and antibacterial surfaces against disease transmission. Chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose films were assembled using LbL to incorporate ionic copper, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, onto textile substrates, such as those used in furnishings and personal protective equipment. Film assembly conditions favored the conversion of Cu(II) into multivalent copper, immediately inactivating the MHV-3 virus, Gram-negative (E. coli), and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria. Mechanical tests demonstrate that copper ions have a low impact on the coating and textile physical properties, such as elasticity, tensile strength, and film roughness, by promoting ionic crosslinking of chitosan in the film, while the coating kept air permeability. The coating hydrophilicity and copper release profile were also tuned by the deposition of additional hydrophobic barriers, such as L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine phospholipid or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by spin-coating or plasma polymerization, respectively. Viral inactivation is achieved by the local release of copper ions in contaminated droplets. The coating may also act as a droplet-absorbing barrier, demonstrating the potential of these films for enhancing pathogen resistance and infection control in textile surfaces.

Bio‐Based Foams to Function as Future Plastic Substitutes by Biomimicry: Inducing Hydrophobicity with Lignin

To replace common plastics, bio‐based alternatives are needed. Cellulose foams, as plant‐based materials, are the most attractive solution, being often biodegradable and inexpensive and having the potential for distributed production. Cellulose and its derivatives, as raw materials, present a fundamental challenge, as they are hydrophilic. Herein, this problem is solved by drawing inspiration from the hydrophobic barrier that lignin creates in wood and applying lignin to methylcellulose (MC) foams. The lignin (0.0–1.0 wt% being the range studied here) is applied directly to the suspension consisting of water and MC (1.8 wt%), which is then foamed and solidified to a dry 3D porous structure. By comparing different types of lignin and the resulting surface morphologies, it is shown that organosolv lignin (OL) most strongly self‐assembles to the air–foam interfaces, achieving area fractions up to 27%. Using different concentrations of OL, how hydrophobicity—described by the initial water contact angle and its time evolution—increases with increasing lignin concentration is then shown. Thus, significantly increased water resistance (up to 91 times higher compared to the pure MC foam), a crucial property for developing novel bio‐based materials that can compete with traditional plastics, is able to be achieved.

Enhancement of the environmental stability of perovskite thin films via AZ5214-photoresist and PMMA coatings

This study presents a novel investigation into enhancing the environmental stability of perovskite thin films, specifically focusing on the effects of AZ5214 photoresist compared to the widely studied PMMA. By employing advanced matrix encapsulation techniques, we aim to stabilize methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) and methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) films, which are meticulously prepared via a two-step solution deposition method under controlled ambient conditions. Our approach involves spin-coating layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and AZ5214 photoresist to singularly encapsulate the perovskite films. This encapsulation provides a robust hydrophobic barrier, significantly mitigating moisture ingress and addressing pinhole challenges within the perovskite structure. Through comprehensive characterizations—including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy—we demonstrate that AZ5214 photoresist, despite being thicker than PMMA, offers significantly enhanced stability. Our study revealed that coating MAPbI3 perovskite with a 127-nanometer layer of PMMA resulted in a PL intensity retention of 44.8% after 40 days, which is a 589.23% improvement over the uncoated perovskite. Similarly, a 1200-nanometer layer of AZ5214 photoresist achieved a PL intensity retention of 38.2%, reflecting a 487.69% enhancement. For MAPbBr3 perovskite, the PMMA coating achieved a PL intensity retention of 43.1%, a 71.72% improvement, while the AZ5214 photoresist coating resulted in a retention of 48.4%, showing a 92.83% enhancement. These findings highlight the superior stability provided by AZ5214 photoresist, especially for MAPbBr3, making it a more effective barrier against environmental degradation compared to PMMA.

Thermally Degradable Water Diffusion Barrier Assembled by Gelatin and Beeswax toward Edible Electronics.

Making ingestible devices edible facilitates diagnosis and therapy inside the body without the risk of retention; however, food materials are generally soft, absorb water molecules, and are not suitable for electronic devices. Here, we fabricated an edible water diffusion barrier film made by gelatin-beeswax composites for the encapsulation of transient electronics. Hydrophobic beeswax and hydrophilic gelatin are inherently difficult to mix; therefore, we created an emulsion simply by raising the temperature high enough to melt the materials and vigorous stirring them. As they cool, the beeswax with a relatively high solidification temperature aggregates and forms microspheres, which increases the gelatin gel's viscoelasticity and immobilizes the emulsion structure in the film. The thermoresponsive gelatin imparts degradability to the barrier and its stickiness also enables transfer of metal patterned electronics. Furthermore, we designed an edible resonator on the film and demonstrated its operation in an abdominal phantom environment; the resonator was made to be degradable in a warm aqueous solution by optimizing the composition ratio of the gelatin and beeswax. Our findings provide insight into criteria for making transient electronics on hydrophilic substrates with hydrophobic water diffusion barriers. This proof-of-concept study expands the potential of operating edible electronics in aqueous environments in harmony with the human body and nature.

A hydrophobic funnel governs monovalent cation selectivity in the ion channel TRPM5

A key capability of ion channels is the facilitation of selective permeation of certain ionic species across cellular membranes at high rates. Due to their physiological significance, ion channels are of great pharmaceutical interest as drug targets. The polymodal signal-detecting transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels forms a particularly promising group of drug targets. While most members of this family permeate a broad range of cations including Ca2+, TRPM4 and TRPM5 are unique due to their strong monovalent selectivity and impermeability for divalent cations. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis for their unique monovalent selectivity by in silico electrophysiology simulations of TRPM5. Our simulations reveal an unusual mechanism of cation selectivity, which is underpinned by the function of the central channel cavity alongside the selectivity filter. Our results suggest that a subtle hydrophobic barrier at the cavity entrance (“hydrophobic funnel”) enables monovalent but not divalent cations to pass and occupy the cavity at physiologically relevant membrane voltages. Monovalent cations then permeate efficiently by a cooperative, distant knock-on mechanism between two binding regions in the extracellular pore vestibule and the central cavity. By contrast, divalent cations do not enter or interact favorably with the channel cavity due to its raised hydrophobicity. Hydrophilic mutations in the transition zone between the selectivity filter and the central channel cavity abolish the barrier for divalent cations, enabling both monovalent and divalent cations to traverse TRPM5.

Amphiphilic Janus cotton gauze with enhanced moisture management and blood coagulation for rapid hemostasis and wound healing

Cotton gauze is commonly used in initial emergency care. However, its high hydrophilicity and limited clotting capacity can lead to the excessive absorption of blood, resulting in unnecessary blood loss. Herein, an amphiphilic Janus cotton gauze with excellent moisture management and enhanced blood coagulation has been developed via in situ generating bioactive glass (BG) onto the cotton gauze (CG), and then attaching cardanol (CA) onto one side of the BG-loaded CG (CG@BG) via click reaction. The Janus gauze (CA-CG@BG) has asymmetric wetting properties with a hydrophilic side (CA-CG@BGHL) and a hydrophobic side (HBCA-CG@BG). When applied to hemostatic, the porous and active BG on CA-CG@BGHL can rapidly initiate coagulation cascade to form a robust thrombus. CA on HBCA-CG@BG can entangled with each other, creating a hydrophobic barrier that prevents blood from flowing out. The hemostatic performance of CA-CG@BG is superior to that of CG in both rats and pigs. Interestingly, CA-CG@BG possesses unidirectional exudate removal. When applied to wound healing, the exudate can penetrate the hydrophobic HBCA-CG@BG to the hydrophilic CA-CG@BGHL, resulting in faster wound healing than CG. CA-CG@BG exhibits excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. This unique Janus dressing shows promise as a potential material for clinical applications in the future.

Hydrophobic Ion Barrier-Enabled Ultradurable Zn (002) Plane Orientation towards Long-Life Anode-Less Zn Batteries.

Gradual disability of Zn anode and high negative/positive electrode (N/P) ratio usually depreciate calendar life and energy density of aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs). Herein, within original Zn2+-free hydrated electrolytes, a steric hindrance/electric field shielding-driven "hydrophobic ion barrier" is engineered towards ultradurable (002) plane-exposed Zn stripping/plating to solve this issue. Guided by theoretical simulations, hydrophobic adiponitrile (ADN) is employed as a steric hindrance agent to ally with inert electric field shielding additive (Mn2+) for plane adsorption priority manipulation, thereby constructing the "hydrophobic ion barrier". This design robustly suppresses the (002) plane/dendrite growth, enabling ultradurable (002) plane-exposed dendrite-free Zn stripping/plating. Even being cycled in Zn‖Zn symmetric cell over 2150 h at 0.5 mA cm-2, the efficacy remains well-kept. Additionally, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells can be also stably cycled over 918 h at 1 mA cm-2, verifying uncompromised Zn stripping/plating kinetics. As-assembled anode-less Zn‖VOPO4 ⋅ 2H2O full cells with a low N/P ratio (2 : 1) show a high energy density of 75.2 Wh kg-1 full electrode after 842 cycles at 1 A g-1, far surpassing counterparts with thick Zn anode and low cathode loading mass, featuring excellent practicality. This study opens a new avenue by robust "hydrophobic ion barrier" design to develop long-life anode-less Zn batteries.

Hydrophobic Ion Barrier‐Enabled Ultradurable Zn (002) Plane Orientation towards Long‐Life Anode‐Less Zn Batteries

Gradual disability of Zn anode and high negative/positive electrode (N/P) ratio usually depreciate calendar life and energy density of aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs). Herein, within original Zn2+‐free hydrated electrolytes, a steric hindrance/electric field shielding‐driven “hydrophobic ion barrier” is engineered towards ultradurable (002) plane‐exposed Zn stripping/plating to solve this issue. Guided by theoretical simulations, hydrophobic adiponitrile (ADN) is employed as a steric hindrance agent to ally with inert electric field shielding additive (Mn2+) for plane adsorption priority manipulation, thereby constructing the “hydrophobic ion barrier”. This design robustly suppresses the (002) plane/dendrite growth, enabling ultradurable (002) plane‐exposed dendrite‐free Zn stripping/plating. Even being cycled in Zn‖Zn symmetric cell over 2150 h at 0.5 mA cm‐2, the efficacy remains well‐kept. Additionally, Zn‖Zn symmetric cells can be also stably cycled over 918 h at 1 mA cm‐2, verifying uncompromised Zn stripping/plating kinetics. As‐assembled anode‐less Zn‖VOPO4·2H2O full cells with a low N/P ratio (2:1) show a high energy density of 75.2 Wh kg‐1full electrode after 842 cycles at 1 A g‐1, far surpassing counterparts with thick Zn anode and low cathode loading mass, featuring excellent practicality. This study opens a new avenue by robust “hydrophobic ion barrier” design to develop long‐life anode‐less Zn batteries.