Multifunctional Capabilities Research Articles

Multifunctional nanocomposites based on kaolinite/titania/iron applied to hydrogen peroxide production and bisphenol–A removal

The rising global demand for hydrogen peroxide, recognized for its eco–friendly properties, underscores the need for greener synthesis methods. Traditional production processes pose environmental risks, while direct synthesis faces challenges like water formation, explosion hazards, and stability issues, limiting industrial application. On the other hand, Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in plastics, presents significant environmental and health concerns due to its potential leaching into food and water. The present work introduces efficient and selective photocatalysts aimed at sustainable hydrogen peroxide synthesis and BPA degradation. Both processes were enhanced by the synergistic properties of Fe2O3–TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed within a kaolinite matrix. The Fe2O3–TiO2 photocatalysts, characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy and X–ray diffraction, showed reduced emission upon iron incorporation and anatase presence on the kaolinite surface. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through hydroxylation of terephthalic acid, revealing a 127 μmol/L min hydroxylation rate for the KaFeTi400 sample. BPA degradation studies indicated optimal performance in acidic conditions, achieving 96 % removal in 2 h and 98 % in 4 h, with the addition of H2O2 enhancing efficiency. Further, the photocatalyst facilitated benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde, demonstrating a H2O2 production rate of 120 μmol. These findings highlight the multifunctional capabilities and environmental benefits of the photocatalyst, underscoring its potential for sustainable hydrogen peroxide synthesis and broader applications in environmental remediation. The catalysts address the pressing challenges associated with hydrogen peroxide synthesis and pollutant removal, particularly in the context of sustainability and environmental impact.

Bimodal Visual Sensors Based on Mechanoluminescence and Biosensing for Artificial Intelligence‐Assisted Orthodontics

AbstractFlexible visual sensors hold great potential for application in wearable electronics and health monitoring. However, the separate acquisition of various visual signals without mutual interference and their functional integration in internal biomedical devices remains a significant challenge. Here, a functional material that integrates mechanoluminescent units with biosensing units through supramolecular interactions, enabling bimodal non‐interfering visual detection of orthodontic force and bacterial infection is presented. The orthodontic force induces fluorescence by facilitating the release of electrons from trapped energy levels, caused by the disruption or rearrangement of defect structures within strontium aluminate crystals. Meanwhile, the seamlessly integrated biosensing component can effectively detect lactic acid in a dose‐dependent manner, underscoring its multifunctional capabilities in biosensing applications. Moreover, the development of a cloud‐based deep learning server can achieve a 97.7% accuracy in the precise decoupling of visual signals, facilitating remote monitoring and enabling early intervention during orthodontic treatment. The proposed artificial intelligence‐enhanced bimodal visual sensors represent a new paradigm for orthodontic monitoring, suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Ligand Assisted Hydrogen Bonding: A Game-Changer in Lead Passivation and Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies comparable to silicon-based solar cells, yet their instability under environmental stressors, such as humidity, heat, and light, remains a significant barrier to commercialization. A primary cause of this instability is the uncoordinated lead ions (Pb2+), which accelerates the degradation of PSCs and pose environmental concerns due to potential lead leakage. Recently, the introduction of ligands into PSCs has shown promise in mitigating lead toxicity through effective passivation, primarily by forming hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) between functional groups of the ligands and the perovskite structure. In this minireview, we explore the critical role of H-bonds in stabilizing PSCs by enhancing the structural integrity of the perovskite layer and reducing lead leakage. Furthermore, we discuss the contribution of these ligands in defect passivation, hydrophobicity, self-encapsulation, cross-linking, and self-healing mechanisms. These insights will highlight the multi-functional capabilities of ligands in improving the long-term stability and durability of PSCs, offering pathways to address current challenges in their commercialization.

Tetraphenylethylene-Derived Tetracarboxylate Featuring AIE Properties for Dual Ion Sensing and Mechanochromic Self-Erasable Writing.

The integration of multiple functions within a single fluorescent molecule provides a promising platform for developing versatile, efficient, and cost-effective materials with enhanced performance across diverse applications. In this study, we introduce TPEC, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule derived from tetraphenylethylene-based tetracarboxylate, which demonstrates multifunctional capabilities, including metal ion sensing and self-erasable writing. TPEC exhibits amphiphilicity in water, self-assembling into single-layer nanosheets with robust blue fluorescence. Notably, the aqueous solution of TPEC displays a fluorescence colorimetric response to Al3+ ions and fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe³⁺ ions. Additionally, TPEC powders undergo fluorescence colorimetric changes under mechanical stimulation, enabling self-erasable writing on prepared paper. This study presents a straightforward strategy for the development of multifunctional luminescent materials based on the self-assembly of a single-component fluorophore.

Hybrid Biosilica Nanoparticles for in-vivo Targeted Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Growth and Label-Free Imaging.

Metastasis-initiating cells are key players in progression, resistance, and relapse of colorectal cancer (CRC), by leveraging the regulatory relationship between Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling and anti-L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM). This study introduces a novel strategy for CRC targeted therapy and imaging based on the use of a hybrid nanosystem made of gold nanoparticles-covered porous biosilica further modified with the (L1CAM) antibody. The nanosystem intracellularly delivers galunisertib (LY), a TGF-β inhibitor, aiming to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process pivotal for metastasis. Anti-L1CAM antibody-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) target tumor-initiating cells expressing L1CAM, inhibiting cancer growth. The number of antibody molecules conjugated to the single NP is precisely quantified, revealing a high surface coverage that facilitates the tumor targeting. The therapeutic efficacy of the nanosystem is investigated in organoid-like cultures of CRC cells and in vivo mouse models, showing a significant reduction in tumor growth. The spatial distribution of NPs within CRC tumors from mice is investigated using a label-free optical approach based on Raman micro-spectroscopy. This research highlights the multifunctional capabilities of engineered biosilica NPs, which offer new insights in targeted CRC therapy and imaging, improving patient outcomes and paving the way for personalized therapies.

Low-carbon and high-efficiency nanosheet-enhanced CO2 huff-n-puff (HnP) for heavy oil recovery

CO2 huff-n-puff (CO2-HnP) process is a promising technique for enhanced heavy oil recovery. The huff stage of this process involves the formation of foamy oil flow, characterized by dispersed CO2 bubbles within heavy oil, which plays a pivotal role in both oil recovery and CO2 sequestration. Maintaining the stability of foamy oil is crucial for the efficient implementation of CO2-HnP processes. Herein, ultrathin plate-shaped nanosheets are employed as stabilizers for foamy oil. Carboxyl-alkyl composite Janus nanosheets (SANs) are synthesized using a bottom-up approach. Comprehensive characterizations illustrate that SANs, owing to their amphiphilic and Janus nature, efficiently adsorb at the CO2-oil interface, thereby modifying interfacial properties and enhancing foamy oil stability even at low concentration (0.005 wt%). The incorporation of SANs extends the duration of foamy oil effect, resulting in a substantial enhancement of oil recovery efficiency from 30.7% to 39.4%, and an increase in CO2 storage factor from 6.5% to 7.8%, compared to conventional CO2-HnP processes. Micromodel experiments and molecular dynamics simulations show that SANs strengthen foamy oil stability by increasing interfacial activity and reducing CO2 diffusion rate. Overall, the multifunctional capabilities of SANs in interfacial modification offer promising prospects for enhanced oil recovery and optimizing CCUS efficiency.

Emerging Frontiers in In Situ Forming Hydrogels for Enhanced Hemostasis and Accelerated Wound Healing.

With a surge in the number of accidents and chronic wounds worldwide, there is a growing need for advanced hemostatic and wound care solutions. In this regard, in situ forming hydrogels have emerged as a revolutionary biomaterial due to their inherent properties, which include biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-like mechanical strength, that render them ideal for biomedical applications. This review demonstrates the advancements of in situ forming hydrogels, tracing their evolution from injectable to more sophisticated forms, such as sprayable and 3-D printed hydrogels. These hydrogels are designed to modulate the pathophysiology of wounds, enhancing hemostasis and facilitating wound repair. The review presents different methodologies for in situ forming hydrogel synthesis, spanning a spectrum of physical and chemical cross-linking techniques. Furthermore, it showcases the adaptability of hydrogels to the dynamic requirements of wound healing processes. Through a detailed discussion, this article sheds light on the multifunctional capabilities of these hydrogels such as their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review aims to inform and inspire continued advancement in the field, ultimately contributing to the development of sophisticated wound care solutions that meet the complexity of clinical needs.

Templates-Built Structural Designs for Piezoelectrochemical Pressure Sensors.

Self-powered sensors, capable of detecting static and dynamic pressure without an external power source, are pivotal for advancements in human-computer interaction, health monitoring, and artificial intelligence. Current sensing technologies, however, often fall short of meeting the growing needs for precise and timely pressure monitoring. This article introduces a novel self-powered pressure sensor utilizing electrochemical reactions. The sensor's ion conduction path and internal resistance adjust in response to external stress across a broad range. Its three-dimensional structure, crafted by using a simple template on the electrolyte, enables the efficient and cost-effective detection of various mechanical stimuli. This device not only achieves an optimized power density of approximately 2.34 mW cm-2─surpassing most existing technologies─but also features excellent flexibility, quick response, and recovery times (0.15 and 0.19 s respectively); high durability (2000 cycles); and a broad sensing range (0.23-20 kPa). Moreover, it serves as an ionic touchpad, enhancing data collection and recognition, and integrates seamlessly with a mouthpiece for accurate, real-time monitoring of respiratory activities. This innovative sensor offers minimal cost and simple process requirements while providing multifunctional capabilities for energy harvesting and pressure sensing, marking a significant step forward in the design of next-generation sensors.

Isolation of Heavy Metal-Tolerant and Anti-Phytopathogenic Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from Soils.

In this study, by isolating multifunctional soil bacteria that can promote plant development, resist heavy metals, exhibit anti-phytopathogenic action against plant diseases, and produce extracellular enzymes, we hope to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation techniques. To isolate multifunctional soil bacteria, we used soils with diverse characteristics as isolation sources. To look into the diversity and structural traits of the bacterial communities, We conducted amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on five types of soils and predicted functional genes using Tax4Fun2. The isolated bacteria were evaluated for their multifunctional capabilities, including heavy metal tolerance, plant growth promotion, anti-phytopathogenic activity, and extracellular enzyme activity. The genes related to plant growth promotion and anti-phytopathogenic activity were most abundant in forest and paddy soils. Burkholderia sp. FZ3 and FZ5 demonstrated excellent heavy metal resistance (≤ 1 mM Cd and ≤ 10 mM Zn), Pantoea sp. FC24 exhibited the highest protease activity (24.90 μmol tyrosine·g-DCW-1·h-1), and Enterobacter sp. PC20 showed superior plant growth promotion, especially in siderophore production. The multifunctional bacteria isolated using traditional methods included three strains (FC24, FZ3, and FZ5) from the forest and one strain (PC20) from paddy field soil. These results indicate that, for the isolation of beneficial soil microorganisms, utilizing target gene information obtained from isolation sources and subsequently exploring target microorganisms is a valuable strategy.

Precision 4D Printing of Multifunctional Olive Oil‐Based Acrylate Photo‐resin for Biomedical Applications

AbstractSince the advent of 3D printing technology, a significant effort has been made to develop new 3D printable materials. Despite the recent progress in the field of 3D printing, the limited availability of photoactive resins has motivated continuous research endeavors to develop novel photoresins with multifunctional capabilities. Herein a biobased photoresin derived is reported from modified olive oil, designed for high‐resolution solvent‐free 4D printing with multifunctional capabilities. The physicochemical properties of the printed polymers are fine‐tuned using acrylic acid as a diluent cum comonomer. The mechanical properties of the printed polymers are similar to various soft tissues, such as ligaments, articular cartilage, and soft collagenous bone, showcasing its potential for soft tissue engineering applications. While the excellent temperature‐responsive shape memory 4D attributes coupled with exceptional antimicrobial properties toward gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria highlight the multifunctional nature of the printed polymers. Moreover, the printed polymers exhibited outstanding hemocompatibility and good cytocompatibility toward mouse fibroblast cells, suggesting their potential soft tissue engineering applications. In sum, the newly developed biobased resin can be employed to minimize the environmental impact of additive manufacturing while being competitive with existing fossil‐based photoresins, thereby meeting the growing demand for advanced photoresins with superior high‐resolution printing and smart properties for biomedical applications.

Multifunctional Carbon Dots Derived from Human Hair for Fast Healing Wounds Together with Oleogels

In the complex process of wound healing, oleogels (OG) are suitable as the primary component of dressing materials, but they cannot meet the diverse requirements at different healing stages. In this study, a new kind of carbon dots (CrCi‐CDs) prepared by carbonizing human hair, exhibits excellent hemostatic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and pro‐angiogenic properties and thus supports the various stages of wound healing effectively. Such CrCi‐CDs are incorporated into OG to produce a CrCi‐CD/OG composite material with enhanced multifunctional capabilities, significantly outperforming OG alone. Various experiments in vitro and in vivo confirm that the CrCi‐CDs/OG can rapidly achieve hemostasis at the initial stage of wound formation, subsequently inhibit bacterial proliferation and biofilm formation, improve the complex microenvironment surrounding the wound, and promote neovascularization, ultimately accelerating the wound repair.

Fabrication and characterization of a novel superhydrophobic cotton fabric with integrated 3D graphene-Ag/TiO2 aerogel for superior antibacterial performance, oil-water separation, and enhanced durability

This research delineates the pioneering development of a superhydrophobic cotton textile, ingeniously integrated with a three-dimensional graphene-Ag/TiO2 aerogel. The study meticulously details the fabrication process, structural characterization, and diverse industrial applications of this advanced textile. The fabric demonstrates exceptional hydrophobicity, evidenced by a water contact angle (WCA) of 161.8°. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) substantiate the micromorphological and chemical alterations of the cotton surface, highlighting the successful reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), TiO2, and Ag nanoparticles. The fabric’s antibacterial efficacy is rigorously established, boasting an impressive antibacterial rate that surpasses 99.99 % against E. coli and S. aureus. Additionally, the fabric demonstrates its capability to discern between oil and water with remarkable finesse, showcasing a separation efficiency that exceeds 98 %, even under extreme chemical conditions. The textile also exhibits excellent self-cleaning, washing, and chemical durability, alongside robust antistatic properties. Despite a marginal decrease in air permeability relative to raw cotton, the fabric’s multifunctional capabilities significantly compensate for this trade-off. The unique three-dimensional architecture of the hybrid graphene-Ag/TiO2 aerogel (AT-HGA) modified cotton marks a substantial advancement in bio-based material science, with broad potential applications in functional garments, medical textiles, and various industrial sectors.

Electrode-Dependent and Tunable Sub-to-Super-Linear Responsivity in Mott Material-Enabled Near-Infrared Photodetectors for Advanced Near-Sensor Image Processing.

Brain-like intelligence is ushering humanity into an era of the Internet of Perceptions (IoP), where the vast amounts of data generated by numerous sensing nodes pose significant challenges to transmission bandwidth and computing hardware. A recently proposed near-sensor computing architecture offers an effective solution to reduce data processing delays and energy consumption. However, a pressing need remains for innovative hardware with multifunctional near-sensor image processing capabilities. In this work, Mott material (vanadium dioxide)-based photothermoelectric near-infrared photodetectors are developed that exhibit electrode-dependent and tunable super-linear photoresponse (exponent α > 33) with ultralow modulation bias. These devices demonstrate an opto-thermo-electro-coupled phase transition, resulting in a large photocurrent on/off ratio (>105), high responsivity (≈500 A W-1), and well detectivity (≈3.9× 1012 Jones), all while maintaining rapid response speeds (τr = 2 µs and τd = 5 µs) under the bias of 1V. This electrode-dependent super-linear response is found to arise from the electron doping effect determined by the polarity of the Seebeck coefficient. Furthermore, the work showcases intensity-selective near-sensor processing and night vision pattern reorganization, even with noisy inputs. This work paves the way for developing near-sensor devices with potential applications in medical image preprocessing, flexible electronics, and intelligent edge sensing.

Cyano-modified molecular cage silica gel stationary phase: Multi-functional chromatographic performance by high-performance liquid chromatography

This study successfully prepared different loading levels of cyano-functionalized RCC3 molecular cage silica gel stationary phase (RCC3-CN@SiO2) through aldehyde-amine condensation reaction and subsequent modification strategies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of RCC3-CN@SiO2 chromatographic stationary phase. The research demonstrates that due to hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and size-selective porous structure, the stationary phase effectively separates moderately polar and weakly polar compounds in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) mode, exhibiting hydrophobic selectivity comparable to the commercial DaisoC18-RP columns. Additionally, the tertiary amine and cyanogen groups on the molecular cage surface enhance the interaction with polar compounds, successfully separating nucleosides, sulfonamides, amino acids, and sugars in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mode. Further applications in the separation analysis of acidic drugs, alkaline drugs, cinnamic acid natural products, and chiral compounds demonstrate the multifunctional chromatographic capabilities for diverse compound types. Compared to Unitary Diol commercial columns, the prepared stationary phase showed significant advantages in wide polarity range separation performance. Moreover, through nucleoside compound separation mode switching analysis, RCC3-CN@SiO2 stationary phase further validates its favorable performance in both RPLC and HILIC modes, demonstrating extensive potential applications in the field of analytical chemistry. Importantly, the stationary phase exhibits efficient separation of nucleoside compounds in pure water systems, aligning with the principles of green analysis.

4D Printing of Multifunctional and Biodegradable PLA-PBAT-Fe3O4 Nanocomposites with Supreme Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties.

4D printing magneto-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) using biodegradable nanocomposites can overcome their low toughness and thermal resistance, and produce smart materials that can be controlled remotely without contact. This study presented the development of 3D/4D printable nanocomposites based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The nanocomposites are prepared by melt mixing PLA-PBAT blends with different Fe3O4 contents (10, 15, and 20 wt%) and extruded into granules for material extrusion 3D printing. The morphology, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), mechanical properties, and shape memory behavior of the nanocomposites are investigated. The results indicated that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles are preferentially distributed in the PBAT phases, enhancing the storage modulus, thermal stability, strength, elongation, toughness, shape fixity, and recovery of the nanocomposites. The optimal Fe3O4 loading is found to be 10 wt%, as higher loadings led to nanoparticle agglomeration and reduced performance. The nanocomposites also exhibited fast shape memory response under thermal and magnetic activation due to the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The 3D/4D printable nanocomposites demonstrated multifunctional multi-trigger shape-memory capabilities and potential applications in contactless and safe actuation.

Visual and Gravimetric CO2 Sensing at High Humidity Levels Enabled by MOF‐804 Cofunctionalized with Ionic Liquid and m‐Cresol Purple

AbstractReal‐time monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) is imperative for medical diagnosis and effective environmental preservation. Despite the formidable challenge posed by the inherent chemical inertness of CO₂ molecules, a pioneering CO2 sensor based on MOF‐804 cofunctionalized with ionic liquid (IL) and m‐cresol purple (mCP) is successfully developed. By ingeniously integrating hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic properties within the sensitive layer, the sensor achieves a state‐of‐the‐art sensitivity (Δf = 384 Hz), an exceptionally vast detection range spanning 400–80 000 ppm, and remarkable stability with minimal sensitivity drift even at relative humidity (RH) levels exceeding 80%. Furthermore, the inherent gasochromic property, stemming from the zwitterionic mechanism, paves the way for innovative self‐sustaining CO2 test strips and groundbreaking applications, including CO2 tracking and CO2‐encrypted security labeling technology. Collectively, the realization of this ultra‐sensitive and robust CO2 monitoring approach, coupled with its CO2‐triggered visual and multifunctional capabilities, opens up novel avenues for dynamic CO2 detection, advanced military encryption strategies, and enhanced health management systems.

Bioinspired polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol @ silicon dioxide microfibrous tarpaulin with dual-layer heterogeneous structure for enhanced daytime radiative cooling

Fibrous tarpaulin serves as the core barrier that protects goods, people, or areas from the adverse impacts of the external environment, such as rain, dust, and sunlight. However, conventional tarpaulins exhibit inadequate mechanical properties, a low solar reflectance, and are susceptible to pollution. To address these issues, a bioinspired polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol @silicon dioxide (PLA/PEG@SiO₂) microfibrous tarpaulin with a dual-layer heterogeneous structure was fabricated via in-situ drafting melt-blowing combined with thermal bonding, inspired by the layered structure of shells. This bioinspired dual-layer heterogeneous structure, with an adjustable heterodyne angle and SiO₂ size gradient, significantly improved the mechanical performance of the PLA/PEG@SiO2 microfibrous tarpaulin, and specifically manifested as an increase in the bursting strength of the sample to 25.5 N. Moreover, PLA/PEG@SiO2 microfibrous tarpaulin demonstrated excellent anti-pollution properties, effectively repelling liquids and dust. Additionally, its radiative cooling efficiency was notably enhanced, achieving a temperature reduction of ~9.8 °C compared with conventional fabrics, with reflectance of ~88.6 % and emissivity of ~98.3 %. These findings suggest that dual-layered PLA/PEG@SiO₂ microfibrous tarpaulin with multifunctional capabilities is a promising candidate for radiative cooling in outdoor shelters, wearable cooling devices, and energy-efficient building insulation materials.

HoLLiECares - Development of a multi-functional robot for professional care.

Germany's healthcare sector suffers from a shortage of nursing staff, and robotic solutions are being explored as a means to provide quality care. While many robotic systems have already been established in various medical fields (e.g., surgical robots, logistics robots), there are only a few very specialized robotic applications in the care sector. In this work, a multi-functional robot is applied in a hospital, capable of performing activities in the areas of transport and logistics, interactive assistance, and documentation. The service robot platform HoLLiE was further developed, with a focus on implementing innovative solutions for handling non-rigid objects, motion planning for non-holonomic motions with a wheelchair, accompanying and providing haptic support to patients, optical recognition and control of movement exercises, and automated speech recognition. Furthermore, the potential of a robot platform in a nursing context was evaluated by field tests in two hospitals. The results show that a robot can take over or support certain tasks. However, it was noted that robotic tasks should be carefully selected, as robots are not able to provide empathy and affection that are often required in nursing. The remaining challenges still exist in the implementation and interaction of multi-functional capabilities, ensuring ease of use for a complex robotic system, grasping highly heterogeneous objects, and fulfilling formal and infrastructural requirements in healthcare (e.g., safety, security, and data protection).

A fully nanofiber-based ultrathin electronic patch for self-powered and multifunctional on-skin applications

On-skin electronics that simultaneously ensure biocompatibility and stable electrical operation on soft tissue is still challenging. This study introduces a dual-layered and natural material based nanofiber platform designed for multifunctional on-skin operation (from energy harvesting to transdermal drug delivery). The ultrathin electronic patch consists of polyaniline (PANI)-coated cellulose nanofibers and silk fibroin nanofibers. The top PANI/cellulose nanofiber layer, exhibiting the resistivity of 0.315 Ω·m and over 90 % light absorbance in full visible range, functions as a flexible electrode. The silk nanofiber layer offers the skin-compatibility and strong adhesion to biological tissues, along with the capability of drug-loading. The nanofiber mesh structure withstands mechanical deformation, including compression, stretching, and bending, while its porous nature enhances breathability and hygiene. The fully nanofiber-based electronic patch platform is flexible, adheres well to the skin, and conforms to curved surfaces. By integrating the conductive properties of PANI with the biocompatibility of silk fibroin, this dual-layered membrane enhances the efficacy of transdermal drug delivery while offering multifunctional capabilities such as energy harvesting in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), programmable drug delivery, and thermal therapy. This innovative approach paves the way for advanced biomedical applications by combining multiple functionalities in a single platform.

Exploring thermodynamic, physical and radiative interaction properties of quinary FeNiCoCr high entropy alloys (HEAs): a multi-directional characterization study

To qualify for nuclear applications, materials must meet specific criteria, including mechanical properties, high-temperature behavior, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature oxidation resistance. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are particularly suitable for these applications due to their unique properties. Consequently, we conducted a theoretical and simulation-based approaches to assess some critical properties including radiation shielding properties of some quinary FeNiCoCr HEAs. In this study, we focused on quinary FeNiCoCr HEAs, whose corrosion properties have been previously examined in the literature. We investigated the thermodynamic and radiation shielding properties of HEAs with sixteen different compositions. Our methodology included evaluating thermodynamic parameters such as Mixing Entropy (∆Smix) and Mixing Enthalpy (∆Hmix), as well as structural characteristics like Valence Electron Concentration (VEC) and Atomic Size Difference (δ). This allowed us to systematically deduce the phase behavior and stability of various HEAs. Through computational modeling, we assessed the radiation shielding capabilities of these alloys, particularly their effectiveness in attenuating gamma ray and fast neutrons. The results identified FeNiCoCrW as the alloy with the lowest fast neutron removal cross-section values, highlighting its potential for nuclear applications. Its high melting point and the synergistic interplay between its elemental composition and thermodynamic properties suggest broad applicability in extreme environments. Thus, FeNiCoCrW emerges as a promising HEA with multifunctional capabilities, warranting further exploration and potential integration into advanced engineering solutions.