Innovative Engineering Research Articles

Correction: Towards practical all-solid-state batteries: structural engineering innovations for sulfide-based solid electrolytes (Energy Mater 2025; 10.20517/energymater.2024.219)

Correction: Towards practical all-solid-state batteries: structural engineering innovations for sulfide-based solid electrolytes (<i>Energy Mater</i> 2025; 10.20517/energymater.2024.219)

Genetically engineered 3D printed functionally graded-lignin, starch, and cellulose-derived sustainable biopolymers and composites: A critical review.

Genetically engineered 3D printed functionally graded-lignin, starch, and cellulose-derived sustainable biopolymers and composites: A critical review.

On the Application of Laser Shock Peening as a Manufacturing and Repair Process to Improve the Fatigue Performance of Refill Friction Stir Spot-Welded AA2024-T3 Joints

Abstract The refill friction stir spot welding (refill FSSW) process is an innovative solid-state spot-welding method, which has evolved from the concept of friction stir welding. Compared to riveting, the process has the advantage of avoiding stress concentration by eliminating holes. In addition, weight can be saved compared to riveting as no additional material is needed. However, the fatigue strength of refill FSSW joints under cyclic loading is still not satisfactory. To address this challenge, laser shock peening (LSP) is investigated as an innovative residual stress engineering technique to improve the fatigue performance of refill FSSW AA2024-T3 joints. Two application scenarios are investigated, one investigating the LSP technique as a complementary manufacturing process to the refill FSSW technology, and the other investigating the LSP technique as a repair process for damaged joints. The fatigue test results showed that the application of the LSP treatment can significantly improve the fatigue behaviour of the refill FSSW overlap joints. In terms of Basquin fatigue strength, the LSP treatment resulted in an improvement by a factor of 1.51 and 2.82 for the one- and two-sided LSP-treated specimens, respectively. The life of specimens with refill FSSW joints that had been specifically pre-damaged by stopping the fatigue test at approximately 51%, 75% and 83% of the number of cycles to the Basquin fatigue strength, applying LSP treatment and continuing the fatigue test was also significantly extended. The results of this study show that LSP is a very effective technique for significantly extending the fatigue life of refill FSSW joints. Therefore, the combination of these two manufacturing processes, refill FSSW and LSP, represents a promising technology for industrial companies that require high fatigue performance for their structural components.

Integrating risk analysis into preliminary design: a functional flow-based approach for innovative engineering systems

Integrating risk analysis into preliminary design: a functional flow-based approach for innovative engineering systems

Emerging nanocarriers designed for the enhanced delivery of doxorubicin.

Doxorubicin(DOX), which is a first-line broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agent remains constrained clinical efficacy by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, multidrug resistance, and systemic toxicity. Recent advancements in nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance tumor-specific accumulation, modulate drug release kinetics, and mitigate off-target effects through innovative engineering strategies. Contemporary nanocarrier researchers have expanded beyond conventional efforts to enhance tumor targeting and optimize drug release kinetics, which emphasizes the pathophysiological roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in mediating oncogenesis, neoplastic progression, and therapeutic resistance. This review emphasizes two pivotal strategies: (1) Structural innovation in tumor-targeting nanocarrier design through stimuli-responsive release mechanisms and molecular recognition targeting; (2) Therapeutic reprogramming of the TME via combinatorial extracellular matrix modulation. Through systematic analysis of 2019-2022 literatures from major scientific databases, this review synthesizes the advances in DOX-loaded nanocarriers targeting TME reprogramming and immunomodulation, and evaluates novel delivery platforms that overcome DOX's dose-limiting toxicity while potentiating antitumor efficacy.

Engine Optimization Model for Accurate Prediction of Friction Model in Marine Dual-Fuel Engine

This paper presents an innovative engine optimization model integrated with a friction fitting tool to enhance the accuracy of computed performance for a marine dual-fuel engine. The focus is on determining the terms of the Chen–Flynn correlation—an empirical engine friction model—to improve the precision of friction and performance predictions. The developed model employs WAVE, a 1D engine simulation software, coupled with a nonlinear optimizer to identify the optimal configuration of key parameters, including the turbocharger, injection system, combustion behavior, and friction model. The optimization procedure maximizes the air–fuel ratio (AFR) within the engine while adhering to various predefined constraints. The model is applied to four operational points along the propeller curve, with the optimized results subsequently integrated into a friction fitting tool. This tool predicts the terms of the Chen–Flynn correlation through an updated procedure, achieving highly accurate results with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 99.88%, eliminating the need for experimental testing. The optimized friction model provides a reliable foundation for future studies and applications, enabling precise friction predictions across various engine types and fuel compositions.

Ordered Dynamic Networks Proton Exchange Membrane for Humidity-Resilient High-Performance Fuel Cells.

Maintaining proton conductivity of sulfonated proton exchange membranes (PEMs) under low humidity remains a critical challenge for fuel cell applications. This study presents an innovative interfacial engineering strategy through the integration of perfluorosulfonic acid nanofibers (PFSANF) with hydroxyl-functionalized Tröger's base polymer containing tertiary amine groups (HTB), constructing an ordered dynamic network membrane. The system achieves multi-level performance optimization via synergistic 3D hydrogen-bond networks and acid-base interactions: 1) Nanofiber create high-speed proton transport networks; 2) Hydroxyl and tertiary amine groups cooperatively enhance water retention while creating additional proton-hopping sites. The resulting ordered dynamic architecture demonstrates remarkable humidity-adaptive proton conduction, achieving a proton conductivity of 123 mS cm-1 - 1.9 times higher than commercial Nafion NC at 90 °C and 30% relative humidity (RH). The optimized membrane demonstrates outstanding peak power density of 1.2 W cm- 2 in H2/O2 fuel cells. This innovative interfacial engineering approach establishes a new paradigm for developing humidity-resilient proton exchange membranes through synergistic molecular design and ordered nanostructure.

Regulation and induction of fungal secondary metabolites: a comprehensive review.

Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) represent a vast reservoir of bioactive compounds with immense therapeutic, agricultural, and industrial potential. These small molecules, including antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and anticancer agents, are synthesized through dedicated biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) regulated by various epigenetic, transcriptional, and environmental mechanisms. However, their cryptic biosynthesis and low natural yields pose significant challenges for large-scale production. This review comprehensively analyzes the regulatory landscape governing fungal SMs biosynthesis, advanced OMICS-driven approaches for identification of cryptic BGCs, and significantly emphasizes strategies to enhance SMs production. Furthermore, the integration of statistical and computational models (e.g., response surface methodology, artificial neural networks) is discussed for optimizing fermentation processes. The review underscores the diverse applications of fungal SMs in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics, while advocating for interdisciplinary innovations in synthetic biology and AI-driven metabolic engineering to sustainably harness fungal biodiversity.

Flexible lithium-ion batteries: innovations in polymer electrolyte synthesis and structural engineering

Flexible lithium-ion batteries: innovations in polymer electrolyte synthesis and structural engineering

Data enhancement for generative AI design of shear wall structures incorporating structural optimization and diffusion models

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications in structural design face persistent challenges due to training data limitations, particularly datasets that lack compliance with critical physical and material requirements. This study proposes a structural optimization-based data enhancement method to address quality deficiencies in generative AI training data, specifically targeting shear wall layout design through diffusion-based generative models. The proposed method introduces three key innovations: (1) A novel generative AI design workflow incorporating data enhancement phase and modifying data preparation and model evaluation phases; (2) Regression formulas enabling data enhancement with incomplete design information through feature distribution analysis; (3) A shear wall layout optimization method for simultaneously improving physical and material metrics. Experimental validation reveals marked improvements in design outcomes through enhanced training data. Specifically, physically non-compliant structural designs show a 67% reduction in occurrence frequency, while material costs for compliant designs decrease by 0.5%. Additionally, performance consistency improves significantly. By addressing data quality limitations through structural optimization, this approach enhances the practical viability of diffusion models in structural engineering applications while preserving adaptability to advanced AI algorithms. The proposed method is modular and scalable, offering potential for extension to other structural systems (e.g., steel frames, composite structures) and design challenges, thereby advancing AI-driven innovation in structural engineering.

Self-healing and cell-free vascular grafts.

Self-healing and cell-free vascular grafts.

Biomaterial-based drug delivery strategies for oral mucosa.

Biomaterial-based drug delivery strategies for oral mucosa.

Innovative MOF linker engineering in PVDF-HFP gel electrolyte matrix for solid-state lithium-oxygen batteries

Innovative MOF linker engineering in PVDF-HFP gel electrolyte matrix for solid-state lithium-oxygen batteries

Engineering magnesium metallic glasses for enhanced performance in biomedical applications.

Engineering magnesium metallic glasses for enhanced performance in biomedical applications.

Synergistic photocatalytic stabilization: Biohybrid lignin-ZnO nanocomposites for enhanced UV protection of octocrylene and avobenzone systems.

Synergistic photocatalytic stabilization: Biohybrid lignin-ZnO nanocomposites for enhanced UV protection of octocrylene and avobenzone systems.

Unlocking the full potential of human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids through bioengineering.

Unlocking the full potential of human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids through bioengineering.

Peeling back the layers of immunogenicity in CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic medicine.

Peeling back the layers of immunogenicity in CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic medicine.

Bioinspired Morphing in Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics: Engineering Innovations for Aerospace and Renewable Energy

Bioinspired morphing offers a powerful route to higher aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency. Birds reposition feathers, bats extend compliant membrane wings, and fish modulate fin stiffness, tailoring lift, drag, and thrust in real time. To capture these advantages, engineers are developing airfoils, rotor blades, and hydrofoils that actively change shape, reducing drag, improving maneuverability, and harvesting energy from unsteady flows. This review surveys over 296 studies, with primary emphasis on literature published between 2015 and 2025, distilling four biological archetypes—avian wing morphing, bat-wing elasticity, fish-fin compliance, and tubercled marine flippers—and tracing their translation into morphing aircraft, ornithopters, rotorcraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and tidal or wave-energy converters. We compare experimental demonstrations and numerical simulations, identify consensus performance gains (up to 30% increase in lift-to-drag ratio, 4 dB noise reduction, and 15% boost in propulsive or power-capture efficiency), and analyze materials, actuation, control strategies, certification, and durability as the main barriers to deployment. Advances in multifunctional composites, electroactive polymers, and model-based adaptive control have moved prototypes from laboratory proof-of-concept toward field testing. Continued collaboration among biology, materials science, control engineering, and fluid dynamics is essential to unlock robust, scalable morphing technologies that meet future efficiency and sustainability targets.

Research on the Mechanisms and Pathways for New Quality Productive Forces to Empower the High-Quality Integrated Development of Heilongjiang’s Cultural and Tourism Industry

This study focuses on the mechanisms and pathways through which new quality productive forces (NQPF) empower the high-quality integrated development of Heilongjiang’s cultural and tourism industry. The province’s cultural and tourism sector faces challenges such as insufficient technological innovation-driven growth, high barriers to factor mobility, and weak industrial synergy. Leveraging the core engine of technological innovation, the optimized allocation of production factors, and the catalytic effects of industrial synergy, NQPF provides new momentum and upgrading mechanisms to overcome developmental bottlenecks, stimulate growth vitality, and achieve deep integration for high-quality development. Based on this analysis, the study proposes actionable pathways: At the government level, measures include improving collaborative innovation ecosystems, enhancing factor mobility, and refining regional and industrial coordination policies. At the enterprise level, strategies involve strengthening technological innovation awareness, optimizing factor allocation channels, and fostering industrial synergy and brand development.

Nano-to-Macroscale Insights into Solar Evaporation: Bridging Fundamental Principles to Intelligent Systems.

Solar water evaporation has emerged as an alternative vapor generation strategy to address global water scarcity and reduce carbon emissions. Recent advances have achieved significant improvements in solar evaporation efficiency, driven by innovations in nanostructured materials, interfacial engineering, and system-level integration. This review presents nano-to-macro insights into solar evaporation by bridging physicochemical fundamentals with intelligent system design. An overview of the evolution of solar evaporation technologies is provided followed by a comprehensive discussion of the multiscale physicochemical principle processes involving energy conversion and flow, water activation and phase transition, water transport, and vapor diffusion. Subsequently, these principles are integrated into nano- and macroscale systems to enhance solar-to-thermal and thermal-to-vapor conversion, salt-rejecting fouling, and water collection performance. We also highlight the diverse applications of solar evaporation systems, including wastewater treatment, sustainable steam generation, advanced power systems, and catalytic integration. Importantly, the incorporation of artificial intelligence enables dynamic optimization, adaptive control, and predictive modeling, offering promising pathways for intelligent and scalable solar evaporators. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and future opportunities from molecular-level design to device engineering and large-scale implementation.