Precise Manipulation Research Articles

Precise structure manipulation of selective estrogen receptor modulators led to first-in-class thiophene-3-benzamide derivatives as potential ER-antagonists without uterotrophic activity.

Precise structure manipulation of selective estrogen receptor modulators led to first-in-class thiophene-3-benzamide derivatives as potential ER-antagonists without uterotrophic activity.

Precise and large-scale droplet manipulation base on the stable interface triboelectric transfer

Precise and large-scale droplet manipulation base on the stable interface triboelectric transfer

Advances in gene editing-led route for hybrid breeding in crops.

Advances in gene editing-led route for hybrid breeding in crops.

From bubble dynamics to acoustic control: Underwater bubble-based metamaterials for marine sustainability

Marine acoustics is crucial for the sustainable utilization of ocean resources. Researchers have discovered that underwater bubbles can serve as highly efficient acoustic resonators, enabling precise manipulation of sound waves in water. However, understanding the complex dynamics of bubble evolution in fluids is essential to optimize their acoustic characteristics. This review provides theoretical forecasts and practical approaches for studying bubble evolution, along with an overview of recent advancements in underwater bubble metamaterials. It covers classical and modified theoretical equations and explores strategies for modifying acoustic environments through resonant coupling in bubbles. Techniques, such as applying external forces, introducing surfactants, and creating micropatterned designs for structuring bubbles, are discussed. This review evaluates the superior acoustic properties of underwater bubble metamaterials, including their reflection, absorption, and transmission capabilities and their potential applications in marine environments. Finally, this study outlines the challenges that need to be addressed to manage bubble dynamics and enhance acoustic metamaterial technologies for underwater applications. These insights are expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the ocean.

Label-free processing of microalgal biomass for high-throughput bioprocess development using external fields and microfluidics

Microalgal biotechnology has the potential to provide carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative solutions for a plethora of applications, including human nutrition, animal feed bioactive ingredients, and CO2 capture. However, current technologies are unable to compete with classic approaches because of their high investment and operational costs as well as technical challenges, especially when dealing with multiproduct biorefinery models. Developing and optimizing these novel bioprocess technologies is extremely resource-intensive because of expensive infrastructure, lack of automation, and reduced data acquisition and processing. Microfluidic platforms can deal with individual cells and components, allowing their precise manipulation, transformation, and separation, particularly in external fields such as electric, magnetic, electromagnetic (e.g., light), and acoustic fields. External fields, in conjunction with microfluidics, could provide an all-in-one chip solution for the production, extraction, and purification of high-value microalgal components for enhanced process development, including monitoring and control. Recent breakthroughs in the fabrication technologies of these microfluidic chips, as well as their modular nature, allow for scale-outs to suit anything from vast industrial applications to smaller-scale research and development purposes, bringing us to the brink of achieving the full potential of microalgal biotechnology foreseen decades ago.

Contactless precision steering of particles in a fluid inside a cube with rotating walls

Contactless manipulation of small objects is essential for biomedical and chemical applications, such as cell analysis, assisted fertilisation and precision chemistry. Established methods, including optical, acoustic and magnetic tweezers, are now complemented by flow control techniques that use flow-induced motion to enable precise and versatile manipulation. However, trapping multiple particles in fluid remains a challenge. This study introduces a novel control algorithm capable of steering multiple particles in flow. The system uses rotating disks to generate flow fields that transport particles to precise locations. Disk rotations are governed by a feedback control policy based on the optimising a discrete loss framework, which combines fluid dynamics equations with path objectives into a single loss function. Our experiments, conducted in both simulations and with the physical device, demonstrate the capability of the approach to transport two beads simultaneously to predefined locations, advancing robust contactless particle manipulation for biomedical applications.

The Framework for Genetic Engineering in Desulfovibrionaceae.

Desulfovibrionaceae are sulfate-reducing bacteria that are ubiquitous in anoxic environments and are also found in the human gastrointestinal tract. Their numbers are low in a healthy gut, but various intestinal and extraintestinal diseases are associated with a massive proliferation of Desulfovibrio spp., leading to an increase in toxic hydrogen sulfide, the product of dissimilatory sulfate respiration. The physiological and signaling capabilities of intestinal Desulfovibrio spp. are virtually unknown. To explore them, an efficient platform for targeted genetic engineering of Desulfovibrio spp. is required. In this review, we provide an overview of the available genetic parts and techniques for establishing efficient and precise genetic manipulation systems in Desulfovibrionaceae and discuss the challenges.

Multimodal LLM-Based Robotic System for Dynamic Task Execution and Human Interaction

Abstract: This paper presents an integrated multimodal robotic system that effectively combines state-of-the-art Large Language Models with advanced perception and control mechanisms, enabling sophisticated task execution and natural human-robot interaction. Current robotic implementations, predominantly reliant on rigid programming paradigms, demonstrate significant limitations in adaptability when confronted with complex, real-world scenarios. Our proposed architecture addresses these constraints through a comprehensive framework leveraging the contextual reasoning capabilities of multimodal LLMs. The system architecture incorporates cutting-edge models including GPT-4o and Gemini 2.0 Flash for nuanced linguistic interpretation and environmental understanding, working in conjunction with object detection systems such as YOLO and Grounding DINO to achieve robust situational awareness. Following rigorous validation in PyBullet simulations, we successfully deployed the framework on a physical platform utilizing Raspberry Pi 5 hardware with ROS 2 integration. Experimental evaluations confirm the system’s exceptional performance in processing complex directives, navigating challenging environments, and executing precise manipulation tasks according to user specifications, demonstrating significant advantages over conventional approaches. This research establishes a promising foundation for next-generation autonomous systems with applications spanning industrial automation, healthcare assistance, and adaptive support technologies.

Xolography for Rapid Volumetric Production of Objects from the Nanoscopic to Macroscopic Length Scales.

Light-mediated 3D printing has revolutionized additive manufacturing, progressing from pointwise stereolithography, to layer-by-layer digital light processing, and most recently to volumetric 3D printing. Xolography, a novel light-sheet-based volumetric 3D printing approach, offers high-speed and high-precision fabrication of complex geometries unattainable with traditional methods. However, achieving nanoscale control (<100nm) within these 3D printing systems remains unexplored. This work leverages polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) within the xolography process to prepare network polymer materials with simultaneous control over feature sizes at the nano-, micro-, and macro-scale. By controlling the chain length and mass fraction of macromolecular chain transfer agents used in the PIMS process, precise manipulation of nanodomain size within 3D printed materials is demonstrated, while optimization of the other resin components enables the fabrication of rigid materials with feature sizes of 80µm. Critically, the rapid one-step fabrication of complex and multi-component structures such as a functional waterwheel with interlocking parts, at high volume-building rates is showcased. This combined approach expands the design space for functional nanomaterials, opening new avenues for applications in diverse fields such as polymer electrolyte membranes, biomedical delivery systems, and semi-permeable microcapsules.

The mechanistic insights into fruit ripening: integrating phytohormones, transcription factors, and epigenetic modification.

The mechanistic insights into fruit ripening: integrating phytohormones, transcription factors, and epigenetic modification.

Controlling the reverse thermodiffusion in dumbbell-shaped active particle systems

The anomalous transport phenomena of active particles under temperature gradients pose a significant challenge to classical statistical mechanics. In-depth studies of such anomalous thermodiffusion behaviors are essential for understanding and regulating the mass and energy transport mechanisms of active particles. This paper utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mass transport of dumbbell-shaped active particles in a system with a specific temperature difference. The results indicate that when the self-propulsion force is sufficiently large, active particles can defy convention and diffuse from the low-temperature region to the high-temperature region, demonstrating the phenomenon of reverse thermodiffusion (RTD). Specifically, the lower the system's average temperature, the more readily the particles undergo RTD; conversely, the higher the average temperature, the more challenging it becomes. Additionally, the asymmetry of dumbbell-shaped particles significantly affects RTD behavior. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for the precise manipulation of active particle transport under temperature gradients and establish a theoretical foundation for practical applications such as efficient energy utilization and precise drug delivery.

Harnessing the Biological Responses Induced by Nanomaterials for Enhanced Cancer Therapy

ABSTRACTNanomaterials (NMs) have garnered decades of research interest owing to their unique physicochemical properties and unparalleled advantages in diverse applications. However, these distinctive characteristics simultaneously raise concerns regarding their biosafety. Recent advancements in understanding NMs–organism interactions have led to innovative strategies for mitigating their intrinsic toxicity. Notably, emerging studies reveal that through rational design and precise manipulation, the inherent toxicological effects of NMs can be strategically repurposed for cancer therapeutics. For instance, functionalized NMs may disrupt oxidative homeostasis, activate programmed cell death pathways, modulate immune responses, or regulate ion channel activities. Despite these promising discoveries, the systematic exploitation of NMs‐induced biological responses in oncological interventions remains underexplored. Therefore, this review provides, for the first time, a comprehensive introduction to NM‐mediated biological process modulation, focusing on their mechanisms and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. We have summarized (1) key pathways through which NMs elicit cytotoxic effects, including redox homeostasis regulation, immunogenic cell death activation, and so on; (2) design principles for engineering NMs with controllable bio‐interactions; and (3) innovative applications leveraging NM‐triggered physical effects (e.g., photothermal conversion, reactive oxygen species generation) as targeted therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, we also highlight the translational significance of harnessing NM‐specific bioactivities while discussing current challenges in clinical adaptation and possible solutions. By bridging the gap between nanotoxicology and therapeutic innovation, this manuscript offers novel perspectives for developing next‐generation nanomedicine platforms with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles.

Nonlinear focusing of atom clouds by a short-focal-length magnetic lens

Utilizing the Stern-Gerlach effect, magnetic lenses are used to focus atom clouds, reducing their dimensions, and boosting the central cloud density. In this research, a theoretical model based on nonlinear Zeeman splitting in high-intensity magnetic fields is established to explore the nonlinear focusing of a tightly focused magnetic lens. The research concentrates on the motion and focusing of 87Rb atoms in various Zeeman substates within an atom fountain under pulsed magnetic fields and establishes a correlation between the field curvature and the effective focal length. The nonlinear model has been validated in the experiment conducted in the fountain. Atoms in different Zeeman substates were selectively focused by the magnetic lens which has applications in precise manipulation of atoms including collimation, concentration, and spatial filtering. A spatial filter based on this method has been deployed in the phase-shear atomic interferometer to prepare an atom cloud in a pure Zeeman substate.

Emerging Advances in Femtosecond Laser‐Designed Underwater “Aerofluidic” Systems: Concept, Design Principle, and Potential Applications

Abstract Traditional microfluidic technology predominantly focuses on the actuation, transport, and manipulation of liquids, whereas the manipulation of gases at the microscale has received limited attention. Analogous to liquid microfluidics, the emerging field of “aerofluidics” focuses on the precise control and manipulation of tiny gases at microscopic scales, enabling the creation of highly integrated systems through gas‐gas or gas‐liquid interactions. This review systematically summarizes the fundamental concepts, design strategies, and achieved functions and applications of underwater aerofluidics, with femtosecond laser microfabrication serving as a key illustrative example. First, the fundamental theory of surface wettability is presented as the relevant background. Additionally, femtosecond laser microfabrication and its application in the design of surface superwettability and macroscopic bubble manipulation are introduced. Then, strategies for designing 2D and 3D underwater aerofluidic structures, as well as the physical mechanism of self‐driven gas transport, are discussed. The next section shows a variety of gas manipulation functions and applications achieved on the designed underwater aerofluidic systems, including gas merging, gas accumulation, gas division, gas patterning, and gas‒gas/gas‒liquid microreactions. Finally, the current progress, existing limitations, and future development directions in this emerging field are summarized and discussed.

3D Photothermal Manipulation of Droplet for Biological Applications.

3D light manipulation of water droplets at low temperatures via a local photothermal effect presents a fundamental challenge. Herein, we propose a novel light strategy for 3D manipulation of a water droplet in an immiscible oil phase using a 532 nm laser beam in which the photothermal conversion materials of carbon powders are dispersed in the oil for absorbing the 532 nm laser energy. The local photothermal effect creates temperature gradients at the oil-air and water-oil interfaces, leading to the thermocapillary flow. By controlling the laser beam position, moving speed, and irradiation mode, a water droplet can stably suspend in the oil and freely move with a complex path, presenting flexible and precise 3D manipulation of low-temperature droplets. Remarkably, the adaptability of this strategy to biological applications is demonstrated by the manipulation of diverse biodroplets while preserving their functionality. Moreover, the droplet temperature and internal flow can be well controlled, behaving like a "micro-shaker" for enhancing cell cultivation. This work represents an innovative strategy for 3D light manipulation of water droplets, which holds promise in various applications.

Functional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction With a Four-Site Myoelectric Prosthesis System Following the Starfish Procedure: A Case Series

ABSTRACT Introduction Partial hand amputations significantly impair fine motor skills and daily functionality. Myoelectric prostheses are a functional solution but are limited by suboptimal signal transmission in the hand and a small number of sites for control. The starfish procedure enhances the interface between residual limb muscles and prosthetic sensors for improved control of prosthetic digits. Methods This prospective case series evaluated functional outcomes and patient satisfaction in individuals with partial hand amputation who had previously undergone the starfish procedure and were then fitted with a commercially available four-site myoelectric prosthesis. Assessments included the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), clothespin relocation test (CRT), NASA Task Load Index, and a Digit Control Accuracy Test (DCAT), along with patient satisfaction surveys. Three patients, each with a four-finger amputation, were assessed with their original prosthesis at baseline and with the research prosthesis during follow-up sessions. Results The median follow-up time was 13 months. Following an initial adaptation phase with the research prosthesis, patients showed significant improvements in SHAP Index of Function, with a median increase of 22 points, and CRT times, with a median decrease of 1.8 seconds for down trials and 0.9 seconds for up trials, indicating enhanced hand function and dexterity compared to their original prosthesis. The NASA Task Load Index revealed a median workload decrease of −2, suggesting intuitive control with the research prosthesis, despite individual variations. The DCAT confirmed high success rates in intended movements, demonstrating a learning curve with increased proficiency over time and ability for individualized digit control over. Patient satisfaction was positive, supporting the clinical efficacy of the four-site prosthetic system. Discussion The integration of a four-site myoelectric prosthesis in patients who had undergone the starfish procedure allowed for independent digit control and demonstrated improved outcomes compared to their original prostheses. Independent digit control enables more precise object manipulation and naturalistic hand movements, potentially improving performance of activities requiring fine motor control such as typing, fastening buttons, and handling small objects. While the study faced limitations like small sample size and follow-up variability due to COVID-19 restrictions, the results indicate a clear benefit, advocating for further research into this prosthetic approach. Future studies should aim for a broader participant base, extended follow-up, and comparisons with no prosthesis and passive devices to solidify these findings. Conclusions Results from this preliminary investigation suggest that advanced myoelectric prostheses enabling individual digit control may enhance functionality and user experience in patients who have previously undergone the starfish procedure. The observed improvements in task performance and device interaction, while limited by the small cohort size and variable follow-up period, support expanding availability of these functionally enhancing technologies to appropriate candidates. Clinical Relevance The use of a four-site myoelectric prosthesis in patients who have undergone the starfish procedure shows significant potential for improving outcomes for individuals with partial hand amputation, justifying further research to fully understand its benefits compared to other treatment options.

Utilizing small molecules to probe and harness the proteome by pooled protein tagging with ligandable domains

Multifunctional ligand-binding domains have revolutionized cell biology by enabling the precise visualization and manipulation of fused proteins of interest through small molecule probes. Employing these domains is labor-intensive and low-throughput, limiting studies to only small subsets of proteins at a time. However, advancements in high-throughput technologies like pooled protein tagging have enabled the tagging of proteins across the entire proteome with ligand-binding domains. This allows for the generation of complex cell libraries where each cell expresses a different protein fused to a generic, ligandable handle. These libraries unlock opportunities to explore the proteome with a versatile toolbox of small molecule probes designed to interact with the fused tags, allowing researchers to visualize protein localization, induce protein misfolding, manipulate protein-protein interactions, modulate protein stability, and more in a scalable, systematic manner. This review explores recent studies employing multifunctional domains at proteome scale, delving into how the associated chemical probes have been employed to enable insights into endogenous protein function, cellular processes, and disease mechanisms. Additional multifunctional ligand-binding domains are discussed that can be used in pooled protein tagging, as well as their potential strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss potential applications in drug discovery such as high-throughput screening for therapeutic targets with insights for bifunctional ligand optimization. By integrating pooled protein tagging with ligand-binding domains and chemical probes, we highlight how the fusion of chemical biology and functional genomics is paving the way for innovative research avenues and transformative advances in cell biology and pharmacology.

Separation and aggregation of extracellular vesicles by microfluidics.

Membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) are more than mere messengers; they are the carriers of intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules for regulatory processes. They have potential in biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis for clinical applications. However, the exploration and utilization of EVs are currently constrained by the existing processing methodologies. Microfluidic technology is a versatile platform, achieving the efficient, consistent, and precise separation and aggregation of particles from the nanoscale to the microscale. It has great potential for EVs, enabling precise manipulation, separation, and aggregation in microchannels. This review explores active and passive microfluidic techniques, presenting a cost-effective and scalable solution for label-free separation. Their development is important for EV research, unlocking value in the in-depth study. Their innovative biomedical applications can revolutionize laboratory medicine, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine by fully realizing and harnessing the potential of EVs.

Molecular Engineering of DNA Condensates: Harnessing Phase Transitions for Precise Control of Catalytic Functions.

Precise manipulation of macromolecular condensates is a pivotal tool for dissecting cellular mechanisms and engineering advanced biomaterials. This study presents a DNA molecular engineering approach that enables dynamic and reversible regulation of phase transitions in DNA condensates. The results show a strong association between the degree of phase transition and the functional properties of DNA condensates, driven by significant alterations in their internal physical microenvironment. Factors such as internal viscosity, fluidity, and the ability to incorporate small molecules into biomolecular condensates are shown to play critical roles in these transitions. This work provides a compelling example of dynamic programming of biomolecular condensate phase transitions, while also offering deeper insights into the interplay between their physical microenvironment and biological functions. These findings support to a broader understanding of the principles underlying biomolecular phase transitions in living systems, with implications for cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and biomedical applications.

Droplet‐Based Synthesis of Nanogels for Controlled Drug Delivery via Two Photon Polymerization‐3D Printed Microfluidic Device

Abstract Nanogels (NGs) show great potential for innovative therapies due to their capability of reproposing the hydrogels features at the nanoscale. However, conventional batch syntheses exhibit shortcomings that bind the control over the reaction parameters and batch‐to‐batch reproducibility. Droplet‐based microfluidics represents a valuable strategy to overcome these constraints, enabling precise manipulation of fluids/molecules to design nanoscaffolds. Standard microfluidic fabrication methods, such as soft lithography, hot‐embossing or molding, require multistep process, and the successful fabrication depends on several factors, including the operator expertise. This work proposes two‐photon polymerization (TPP) 3D printing as a straightforward method to produce a microfluidic device for droplet‐based synthesis of NGs. The microfluidic platform enables controlled generation of microdroplets (150–80 µm, with size variation up to 47%), which work as microreactors, allowing modulation of NG dimensions (320–175 nm) and properties, while preserving an extremely low polydispersity (&lt;0.1). NGs composed of polyallylamine and hyaluronic acid are synthesized and evaluated in vitro for cisplatin delivery in ovarian cancer cells. Compared to free drug administration, NG‐mediated delivery enhances the therapeutic effect by ≈30% after 72 h. This highlights the potential of the nanomaterial in tumoral scenarios and proves the functionality of the TPP‐printed microfluidic device in NG droplet‐based synthesis.