Cell Layer Research Articles

Germylene Mediated Reductive C−C and C−N Coupling of an Isocyanide and its Device Application

AbstractWe have demonstrated a unique reductive coupling of 4‐iodophenyl isocyanide, facilitated by a perimidine‐based N‐heterocyclic germylene (NHGe), which yields a bis‐spirogerma compound featuring simultaneous C−C and C−N bond formation. This reaction, which leads to the oxidation of germanium from +2 to +4, represents a significant departure from previously documented isocyanide‐germylene interactions. The product exhibits extensive conjugation across its bicyclic C4Ge2N2 framework, conferring distinct photophysical properties, including prominent orange luminescence in both solution and solid states. The photophysical properties are supported by the TD‐DFT calculations confirming an n→π* transition. The potential application of this compound in optoelectronic devices, particularly as a hole transport layer in PbS quantum dot solar cells, is also explored, with promising preliminary results.

Germylene Mediated Reductive C-C and C-N Coupling of an Isocyanide and its Device Application.

We have demonstrated a unique reductive coupling of 4-iodophenyl isocyanide, facilitated by a perimidine-based N-heterocyclic germylene (NHGe), which yields a bis-spirogerma compound featuring simultaneous C-C and C-N bond formation. This reaction, which leads to the oxidation of germanium from +2 to +4, represents a significant departure from previously documented isocyanide-germylene interactions. The product exhibits extensive conjugation across its bicyclic C4Ge2N2 framework, conferring distinct photophysical properties, including prominent orange luminescence in both solution and solid states. The photophysical properties are supported by the TD-DFT calculations confirming an n→π* transition. The potential application of this compound in optoelectronic devices, particularly as a hole transport layer in PbS quantum dot solar cells, is also explored, with promising preliminary results.

Preparation and Growth Mechanism of Pyramid‐Shaped Cu2ZnSnS4 Monocrystal and the Simulation of Its Monograin Layer Solar Cells

AbstractThe Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) monocrystal as an important component of the optical absorption layer in monograin layer solar cells, has excellent crystallization characteristics and adjustable photogenerated carrier concentration. The shape of the CZTS monocrystal directly affects the utilization of incident light and the contact area during the preparation of the back electrode when they are densely packed to form a single‐layer absorption layer. Herein, a kesterite‐phase pyramid‐shaped CZTS monocrystal prepared by the molten salt method is reported, which can improve the efficiency of incident light utilization and increase the contact area during back electrode preparation. The X‐Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are used to characterize the crystallinity and crystal shape of pyramid‐shaped CZTS monocrystal. Besides, Finite‐Difference simulation calculation is employed to reveal the optical response and corresponding monograin layer solar cells performance of densely packed CZTS. The results show that the pyramid‐shaped structure exhibited excellent incident light trapping ability, and the simulated device achieves a cell efficiency with above 13.6% after parameter optimization. The work provides a method for preparing pyramid‐shaped CZTS monocrystal, and a new strategy to further improve the efficiency of CZTS‐based monograin layer solar cells.

Post-symptomatic administration of hMSCs exerts therapeutic effects in SCA2 mice

BackgroundDefects in the ataxin-2 (ATXN-2) protein and CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in its coding gene, Atxn-2, cause the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). While clinical studies suggest potential benefits of human-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for treating various ataxias, the exact mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects and interaction with host tissue to stimulate neurotrophin expression remain unclear specifically in the context of SCA2.MethodsHuman bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were injected into the cisterna magna of 26-week-old wild-type and SCA2 mice. Mice were assessed for impaired motor coordination using the accelerating rotarod, open field test, and composite phenotype scoring. At 50 weeks, the cerebellum vermis was harvested for protein assessment and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsSignificant loss of NeuN and calbindin was observed in 25-week-old SCA2 mice. However, after receiving multiple injections of hMSCs starting at 26 weeks of age, these mice exhibited a significant improvement in abnormal motor performance and a protective effect on Purkinje cells. This beneficial effect persisted until the mice reached 50 weeks of age, at which point they were sacrificed to study further mechanistic events triggered by the administration of hMSCs. Calbindin-positive cells in the Purkinje cell layer expressed bone-derived neurotrophic factor after hMSC administration, contributing to the protection of cerebellar neurons from cell death.ConclusionIn conclusion, repeated administration of hMSCs shows promise in alleviating SCA2 symptoms by preserving Purkinje cells, improving neurotrophic support, and reducing inflammation, ultimately leading to the preservation of locomotor function in SCA2 mice.

Spontaneous breaking of symmetry in overlapping cell instance segmentation using diffusion models

Abstract Instance segmentation is the task of assigning unique identifiers to individual objects in images. Solving this task requires breaking the inherent symmetry that semantically similar objects must result in distinct outputs. Deep learning algorithms bypass this break-of-symmetry by training specialized predictors or by utilizing intermediate label representations. However, many of these approaches break down when faced with overlapping labels that are ubiquitous in biomedical imaging, for instance for segmenting cell layers. Here, we discuss the reason for this failure and offer a novel approach for instance segmentation based on diffusion models that breaks this symmetry spontaneously. Our method outputs pixel-level instance segmentations matching the performance of models such as cellpose on the cellpose fluorescent cell dataset while also permitting overlapping labels.

Identification of cambium stem cell factors and their positioning mechanism

Wood constitutes the largest reservoir of terrestrial biomass. Composed of xylem, it arises from one side of the vascular cambium, a bifacial stem cell niche that also produces phloem on the opposing side. It is currently unknown which molecular factors endow cambium stem cell identity. Here we show that TRACHEARY ELEMENT DIFFERENTIATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (TDIF) ligand–activated PHLOEM INTERCALATED WITH XYLEM (PXY) receptors promote the expression of CAMBIUM-EXPRESSED AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE (CAIL) transcription factors to define cambium stem cell identity in the Arabidopsis root. By sequestrating the phloem-originated TDIF, xylem-expressed PXY confines the TDIF signaling front, resulting in the activation of CAIL expression and stem cell identity in only a narrow domain. Our findings show how signals emanating from cells on opposing sides ensure robust yet dynamically adjustable positioning of a bifacial stem cell layer.

Leaf growth in third dimension: a perspective of leaf thickness from genetic regulation to ecophysiology

SummaryLeaf thickness, the leaf growth in the third dimension as quantified by the distance between the adaxial and abaxial surface, is an indispensable aspect of leaf development. The fitness of a plant is strongly influenced by leaf thickness via modulation of major physiological processes, including photosynthesis and water use efficiency. The cellular basis of leaf thickness by alterations in either cell size or the number of cell layers is envisaged using Arabidopsis leaf thickness mutants, such as angustifolia (an) and rotundifolia (rot). Environmental factors coordinate with endogenous signaling mechanisms to exhibit leaf thickness plasticity. Plants growing in different ecological and environmental regimes show different leaf thickness attributes. However, genetic and molecular understandings of leaf thickness regulation remain largely limited. In this review, we highlight how cellular growth is transposed to fine‐tune the leaf thickness via the integration of potential cues and molecular players. We further discuss the physiological significance of leaf thickness plasticity to the environmental cues that might serve as ecological adaptation enabling the plants to withstand future climatic conditions. Taken together, we seek to bridge the genetics and molecular biology of leaf thickness to its physiological significance so that leaf thickness can be systemically targeted in crop improvement programs.

Integrative analysis of the transcriptome, targeted metabolome, and anatomical observation provides insights into the brassinosteroids-mediated seasonal variation of cambial activity in Chinese fir

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is widely planted in southern China due to its strong adaptability and fast-growing. Wood formation is derived from the periodic changes of cambial activity that is regulated by environmental cues and phytohormone signals. Brassinosteroids (BRs), a class of plant-specific steroid hormones, play central roles in modulating cambial activity and xylem development. To decipher the regulatory role of BR in the dynamic change of Chinese fir cambium, a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome, targeted metabolome, and anatomical observation was conducted. The application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR, 10 μM) significantly increased the cambial cell layers, resulting in the thickening of the secondary xylem. Conversely, brassinazole (Brz) treatment strikingly inhibited the xylem development by attenuating cambial activity. Moreover, 1583 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared in stages A (reactivating), C (active), and E (dormant), which were annotated into the xylem formation and BR signaling pathway. Metabolomic profiling of phytohormone indicated that the contents of brassinolide (BL, the most active BR), castasterone (CS), and typhasterol (TY) were distinctly increased in stage C. Furthermore, ClBES1/BZR1, a hub gene in the co-expression network, dramatically activated the expression of ClPAL2 and ClMYB4 by binding to their promotors. Collectively, these results elucidate the potential role of BR in dynamic changes in the cambial zone and provide insight into the regulatory mechanism of wood formation in conifers.

Preparation and Sectioning of Paraffin-Embedded Tissue for Histology and Histochemistry.

Cutting thin sections of plant tissues enables observation of internal structures and inner cell layers, and it facilitates various histochemical staining methods. Paraffin embedding gives the tissues a uniform stiffness that is sufficient for sectioning with a microtome. Here, we describe the procedures for preparation of paraffin-embedded tissues and the techniques for sectioning with a microtome. This method is applicable to various types of tissues, including rice shoot apex and immature inflorescence.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a brassinosteriod biosynthesis-related gene PtoCYP90D1 from Populus tomentosa

Brassinosteroids (BRs), one of the major classes of phytohormones are essential for various processes of plant growth, development, and adaptations to biotic and abiotic stresses. In Arabidopsis, AtCYP90D1 acts as a bifunctional cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, catalyzing C-23 hydroxylation in the brassinolide biosynthetic pathway. The present study reports the functional characterizations of PtoCYP90D1, one of the AtCYP90D1 homologous genes from Populus tomentosa. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that PtoCYP90D1 was highly expressed in roots and old leaves. Overexpression of PtoCYP90D1 (PtoCYP90D1-OE) in poplar promoted growth and biomass yield, as well as increased xylem area and cell layers. Transgenic plants exhibited a significant increase in plant height and stem diameter as compared to the wild type. In contrast, the CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutation of PtoCYP90D1 (PtoCYP90D1-KO) resulted in significantly decreased biomass production in transgenic plants. Further studies revealed that cell wall components increased significantly in PtoCYP90D1-OE lines but not in PtoCYP90D1-KO lines, as compared to wild-type plants. Overall, the findings indicate a positive role of PtoCYP90D1 in improving growth rate and elevating biomass production in poplar, which will have positive implications for its versatile industrial or agricultural applications.

A small disc size, a big challenge: effect of optic disc size on the correlation between peripapillary choroidal thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer.

We aimed to analyze the effect of optic disc size on the correlation between the peripapillary choroid (PPC), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macular ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (MGCIPL) thicknesses in subjects with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This study included 61 eyes with a disc area (DA) of ≤ 1.63 mm2, 92 eyes with a DA of 1.63-2.42 mm2, and 59 eyes with a DA of ≥ 2.42 mm2 in small disc, regular disc, and large disc groups, respectively. The swept-source optical coherence tomography scans of the PPC, RNFL, and MGCIPL were analyzed according to disc size. The three groups did not significantly differ in RNFL or MGCIPL measurements, but the PPC measurement was statistically significantly higher in the small disc group and statistically significantly thinner in the large disc group. Most of the correlations observed between the RNFL and MGCIPL measurements and eye characteristics in the regular disc group were not detected in the small and large disc groups. While the RNFL and MGCIPL were well correlated in all disc size groups, the PPC did not correlate with the RNFL or MGCIPL in any of the groups. Overall, the RNFL and MGCIPL measurements were consistent across all three disc sizes. While the PPC was thicker in small discs than in larger discs, it was not correlated with the RNFL or MGCIPL.

Influence of previous drought exposure on the 3D microstructure of the cambium and developing xylem in Eucalyptus clones: An X-ray CT investigation

Summary In plant biology research, X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been demonstrated to be useful for studying the complex tissues of trees qualitatively and quantitatively. The cambium plays a very important role in plant growth and development. However, this tissue is relatively poorly studied due to its complex nature and its localization between layers of xylem and phloem cells. Antecedent environmental conditions may have a substantial impact on plant responses to drought and recovery dynamics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of previous drought exposure on the 3D microstructure of two commercial Eucalyptus clones by monitoring the development of the cambium, in the same plant and same area of cambial tissue, during a 4-week trial consisting of well-watered, mild drought, severe drought, and rewatering phases. To track microstructural changes, the plants were imaged weekly with non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). On the last day of the experiment, X-ray nano-CT was also performed. Our results indicate that trees subjected to earlier well-watered conditions were more affected by the severe drought, compared to those previously exposed to mild drought conditions. Thus, previous exposure to water deficit may provide the benefit of increased drought tolerance during future water deficit. Previous mild drought exposure can facilitate morphological adjustments, which potentially enhances drought tolerance during subsequent drought events.

GLCCI1 alleviates GRP78-initiated endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in diabetic retinopathy by upregulating and interacting with HSP90AB1

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are among the first neurons to undergo apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy (DR), with their relationship to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced apoptosis still unclear. While glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 (GLCCI1) has been shown to inhibit apoptosis, its role in ERS-induced apoptosis and its mechanisms in DR remain unclarified. Our findings indicated that GLCCI1 is predominantly localized in the ganglion cell layer and is downregulated in DR. GLCCI1 overexpression mitigated the apoptosis of RGCs and the swelling of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria under hyperglycemia, and downregulated ERS-induced apoptosis related markers (GRP78, CHOP and cleaved CASP3), whereas GLCCI1 knockdown has the opposite effect. In vivo, GLCCI1 overexpression not only prevents structural lesions but also protects against microvascular dysfunctions in the retinas of DR mice. We found that GLCCI1 directly interacts with HSP90AB1, which in turn interacts with GRP78. Additionally, GLCCI1 is an upstream regulator of HSP90AB1, which regulates GRP78. Thus, the impact of GLCCI1 on the ERS-induced apoptosis is mainly through the regulation of HSP90AB1, and subsequently inhibiting GRP78-initiated ERS-induced apoptosis. These findings offer a promising avenue for further treatment of DR.

Comprehensive device simulation of perovskite solar cell with CuFeO2 as hole transport layer

Abstract Solid-state organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have attracted increasing interest due to their potential as high-efficiency, low-cost photovoltaic devices. In this study, we comprehensively simulate CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite-based solar cells with CuFeO₂ as the hole transport material (HTM) layer, and compare them to cells using Spiro-OMETAD and Cu₂O as HTM layers, utilizing SCAPS-1D software. The effects of absorber thickness, back contact work function, CuFeO₂ thickness, acceptor concentration, and defect density at the CH₃NH₃PbI₃/CuFeO₂ interface are analyzed. The results indicate that delafossite CuFeO₂ is a promising HTM that could significantly enhance the performance of perovskite-based solar cells. TiO₂/CH₃NH₃PbI₃/CuFeO₂ solar cells demonstrate comparable photovoltaic performance to those using traditional Spiro-OMETAD when the back contact electrode work function exceeds 4.9 eV, and superior performance compared to those with Cu₂O and Spiro-OMETAD at work functions below 4.8 eV. A high acceptor concentration exceeding 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ in CuFeO₂ is recommended to achieve optimal photovoltaic performance. These simulation results highlight the significant potential of employing CuFeO₂ as an HTM layer in CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite-based solar cells as an alternative to the organic Spiro-OMETAD.

Retina in Clinical High-Risk and First-Episode Psychosis.

Abnormalities in the retina are observed in psychotic disorders, especially in schizophrenia. Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, we investigated structural retinal changes in relatively metabolic risk-free youth with clinical high-risk (CHR, n = 34) and first-episode psychosis (FEP, n = 30) compared with healthy controls (HCs, n = 28). Total retinal macular thickness/volume of the right eye increased in FEP (effect sizes, Cohen's d = 0.69/0.66) and CHR (d = 0.67/0.76) compared with HCs. Total retinal thickness/volume was not significantly different between FEP and CHR. Macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness/volume of the left eye decreased in FEP compared with HCs (d = -0.75/-0.66). Peripapillary RNFL thickness was not different between groups. The ganglion cell (GCL), inner plexiform (IPL), and inner nuclear (INL) layers thicknesses/volumes of both eyes increased in FEP compared with HCs (d = 0.70-1.03). GCL volumes of both eyes, IPL thickness/volume of the left eye, and INL thickness/volume of both eyes increased in CHR compared with HCs (d = 0.64-1.01). In the macula, while central sector thickness/volume decreased (d = -0.62 to -0.72), superior outer (peri-foveal) sector thickness/volume of both eyes increased (d = 0.81 to 0.86) in FEP compared with HCs. The current findings suggest that distinct regions and layers of the retina may be differentially impacted during the emergence and early phase of psychosis. Consequently, oculomics could play significant roles, not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a mirror reflecting neurobiological changes at axonal and cellular levels.

Enhancing the photovoltaic performance of dithienobenzodithiophene based polymer donors through backbone fluorination and radical polymer additives

Unveiling the corresponding relationship between the molecular architecture of organic semiconductor materials and the morphology within the active layer of the organic solar cells (OSCs) is essential for the innovation of novel optical materials and the refinement of device optimization strategies to overcome the bottlenecks in efficiency. In this work, three dithieno[3,2-b]benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b’]dithiophene(DTBDT)-alt-benzothiadiazole (BT) based polymer donors (PDTBDT-F-BT, PDTBDT-F-FBT, and PDTBDT-F-2FBT) with varying fluorine atom content within their acceptor segments were designed and synthesized, and the photovoltaic performances of these polymers when blended with Y6 were meticulously investigated. Incorporating fluorine atoms into the BT segment was observed to not only incrementally increase the optical bandgap, lower the HOMO energy level, and bolster the self-aggregation of the polymer, but also effectively reduce the surface energy of the resulting polymer, thereby altering the donor-acceptor (D-A) interfacial spacing and the phase separation in the blend films as illustrated by molecular dynamic simulations and morphology characterization. As a result, the OSCs fabricated using PDTBDT-F-FBT, which incorporates a single fluorine substitution in the BT unit, demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.92 %. More importantly, this blend film's morphology is likely to be more conducive to the incorporation of the radical polymer additive, GDTA. This has resulted in a notable reduction in voltage loss, ultimately achieving a higher PCE of 11.55 % for the PDTBDT-F-FBT:Y6 based OSCs. This research uncovered a synergistic impact of backbone fluorination and the incorporation of radical polymer additives, which contributed to reducing the energy loss and enhancing the efficiency of OSCs from DTBDT-based polymer donors.

Composition design of fullerene-based hybrid electron transport layer for efficient and stable wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells

Fullerene derivatives [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) has been routinely used as the electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells due to its suitable energy levels and good solution processability. However, its electron mobility and conductivity still need to be further enhanced for constructing high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, by doping the PC61BM with a p-type polymer PM6 and n-type molecule ITIC, efficient wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells with improved efficiency and operational/storage stability are obtained. Further spectroscopy and electric measurements indicate PM6 and ITIC can both passivate defects at the perovskite/ETL interface, meanwhile ITIC can elevate the Fermi level of PC61BM to enhance conductivity and PM6 can improve the photo-induced electron mobility of the ETL, facilitating charge extraction and reducing charge recombination. As the results, Cs0.17FA0.83Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 wide-bandgap PSCs with PM6:PC61BM:ITIC as the ETL demonstrates a superior efficiency of 22.95%, compared to 20.89% of the PC61BM assisted device.

Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency through 3D-Printed COC/Al₂O₃ Anti-Reflective Coversheets

In the past few years, there has been a considerable growth in the utilization of solar cells to produce electrical power to fulfil the growing worldwide energy demands. An optical loss is a crucial factor that impacts the performance of the photovoltaic conversion process. This loss occurs when incoming sunlight is reflected back on the outer layer of the photovoltaic cells. The application of antireflective materials on the photovoltaic substrates can enhance the absorption of sunlight and minimize the reflection. Currently, there is no ideal anti-reflective coating for solar cells that can allow the transmission of sunlight without any reflection. In this research, a transparent cyclic-olefin-copolymer (COC) was used to fabricate anti-reflection (AR) coversheet by fused deposition modelling process (3D printing). Further, the aluminium oxide Al2O3 powder was added at the proportions of 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt%, and 4wt% to the COC polymer to increase the anti-reflection characteristics. The structural, morphological, mechanical (tear strength), electrical and temperature characteristics were studied. The performance of COC with aluminium oxide (COCA) coversheets was evaluated, and the findings revealed a considerable increment in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.21% (sunlight exposure) and 18.34% (neodymium light) for COCA3 coversheets. As seen, the COCA3 sample exhibit lower electrical resistance of 3.88 ×10-3 Ω cm, carrier concentration (36.91×1020 cm-3) and higher hall mobility (13.67 cm2/Vs). The findings from the investigations demonstrated that the utilization of COC with Al2O3 powder (COCA) can be a suitable antireflective coversheet material for boosting the performance of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

Molecular mechanisms of iron nanominerals formation in fungal extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) layers during fungus-mineral interactions

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which envelop on fungal hyphae surface, interact strongly with minerals and play a crucial role in the formation of nanoscale minerals during biomineralization in nature environments. However, it remains poorly understood about the molecular mechanisms of nanominerals (i.e., iron nanominerals) formation in fungal EPS halos during fungus-mineral interactions. This process is vital because fungi typically grow attached to various mineral surfaces in nature. According to the changes of thickness of the fungal cell and EPS layers during the Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU 4742 and hematite cultivation experiments, we found that fungal biomineralization could trigger the formation of EPS layers. Fe-dominated nanominerals, aromatic C (283-286.1 eV), alkyl C (287.6-288.3 eV), and carboxylic C (288.4-289.1 eV) were the dominant chemical groups on the EPS layers, as determined by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and carbon 1s near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Further, evidence from Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra indicated that oxygen vacancy (OV) was formed on the Fe-dominated nanomineral surface during fungus-mineral interactions, which played an important role in catalyzing H2O2 decomposition and HO∗ production. Taken together, the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity by reactive oxygen species (ROS) could modulate the Fe-dominated nanominerals formation in EPS layers to newly form a physical barrier between the cell and the external environments around hyphae, providing novel insights into the effects of ROS-mediated fungal-mineral interactions on fungal nutrient recycling, attenuation of contaminants, and biological control in nature environments.

Real-ambient PM2.5 induced corneal epithelial barrier disruption through Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Continued daily exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increasing risks of ocular surface diseases. However, further study is needed to understand how real-ambient PM2.5 disrupts the barrier function of the corneal epithelial layers and its underlying mechanism. In our study, we utilized a real-ambient PM2.5 exposure system to investigate its effects on the corneal epithelial barrier in C57BL/6Jmice over 4 and 8 weeks. The mean concentration of PM2.5 in the exposure chambers over 8 weeks was 140.18 μg/m3. Following 4 and 8 weeks of continuous PM2.5 exposure, we observed disorganized cellular arrangements in the corneal epithelium of mice. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure led to a significant loss of microvilli on the surface of corneal epithelial cells and noticeable disconnections among epithelial cell layers. Subsequent in vitro analysis revealed that 100 μg/mL PM2.5 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in corneal epithelium, resulting in decreased expression 1.81 fold and 2.25 fold of E-cadherin and ZO-1, respectively, ultimately impairing the corneal epithelial barrier function. Our findings provide the knowledge base for promoting eye health in the context of atmospheric pollution.