Responsive Behavior Research Articles

Injectable Inflammation-Responsive Hydrogels for Microenvironmental Regulation of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Chronic local inflammation and excessive cell apoptosis in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue are the main causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have great potential in the treatment of IDD by facilitating localized and controlled drug delivery. Herein, an injectable drug-loaded dual stimuli-responsive adhesive hydrogel for microenvironmental regulation of IDD, is developed. The gelatin methacryloyl is functionalized with phenylboronic acid groups to enhance drug loading capacity and enable dual stimuli-responsive behavior, while the incorporation of oxidized hyaluronic acid further improves the adhesive properties. The prepared hydrogel exhibits an enhanced drug loading capacity for diol-containing drugs, pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive behaviors, excellent radical scavenging efficiency, potent antibacterial activity, and favorable biocompatibility. Furthermore, the hydrogel shows a beneficial protective efficacy on NP cells within an in vitro oxidative stress microenvironment. The in vivo results demonstrate the hydrogel's excellent therapeutic effect on treating IDD by maintaining water retention, restoring disc height, and promoting NP regeneration, indicating that this hydrogel holds great potential as a promising therapeutic approach for regulating the microenvironment and alleviating the progression of IDD.

A SVM based demand response capacity prediction model considering internal factors under composite program

Demand response capacity is a key reference for demand-side participation in peak regulation and earning profit in the electricity market, and it is influenced by not only external public factors but demand-side internal individual factors. Demand change caused by internal individual reasons cannot be recognized by public features. Single participating in response industrial and commercial consumers cannot balance this change through large numbers of participants, unlike aggregators. The prediction model only considering the external public factors will cause significant errors. However, the actual industrial and commercial data is difficult to obtain because of the cost and privacy, and the simulation platform cannot accurately describe this situation, resulting in the problem being ignored. Therefore, this paper aims to prove the importance of internal factors and proposes an improved method considering the problem. First, based on an actual dataset, the optimal responsive behavior of consumers is modeled to quantify response capacity. Second, a support vector machine (SVM) method is applied to predict response capacity. Finally, combined with raw data, this paper proves that significant errors are caused by internal factors and provides different improvement methods for internal and external operators. The case study indicates that the improved model can provide better performance.

Peptide-conjugated Nanoparticle Platforms for Targeted Delivery, Imaging, and Biosensing Applications.

Peptides have become an indispensable tool in engineering of multifunctional nanostructure platforms for biomedical applications such as targeted drug and gene delivery, imaging and biosensing. They can be covalently incorporated into a variety of nanoparticles (NPs) including polymers, metallic nanoparticles, and others. Using different bioconjugation techniques, multifunctional peptide-modified NPs can be formulated to produce therapeutical and diagnostic platforms offering high specificity, lower toxicity, biocompatibility, and stimuli responsive behavior. Targeting peptides can direct the nanoparticles into specific tissues for targeted drug and gene delivery and imaging applications due to their specificity towards certain receptors. Furthermore, due to their stimuli-responsive features, they can offer controlled release of therapeutics into desired sites of disease. In addition, peptide-based biosensors and imaging agents can provide non-invasive detection and monitoring of diseases including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. In this review, we covered the design and formulation of recent peptide-based NP platforms, as well as their utilization in in vitro and in vivo applications such as targeted drug and gene delivery, targeting, sensing, and imaging applications. In the end, we provided the future outlook to design new peptide conjugated nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Versatile Deprotonation-Induced Exfoliation and Functionalization of Biological Nanofibrils for Actuation and Fluorescence.

Biological nanofibrils not only are characteristic of many species of biomasses but also serve as a promising type of sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. However, their production has long relied on an invasive and energy-consuming mechanical shear. A noninvasive and versatile approach remains challenging to exfoliate different types of biomasses into nanofibrils. In this study, we showed a versatile and nonaggressive intercalative deprotonation agent of organic base, which could efficiently deprotonate various biomasses for energy-saving exfoliation and functionalization, including cellulose, chitin, and silk. Both carboxylic nanofibrils and nanofibrils with pristine chemical structures could be produced in high yields through manual shaking or sonication. By further grafting photoresponsive groups via transesterification, intelligent NFs were generated featuring ultraviolet-responsive fluorescence and hydrophilicity. These responsive fluorescence and actuation behaviors promised their potential as green encryption and anticounterfeiting nanomaterials.

HUMAN FOLLOWER ROBOT

The development of a Human Follower Robot incorporating IR and Ultrasonic Sensors represents an innovative venture in robotics and automation, aimed at creating a versatile machine capable of tracking and following targets while navigating obstacles. This project is fuelled by the vision of combining sensor technology, microcontroller programming, and robotic design to birth a robot capable of graceful traversal and intelligent target pursuit. At its core, the project relies on the integration of two essential sensor technologies: Infrared (IR) and Ultrasonic sensors. IR sensors, functioning akin to human eyesight, detect objects by emitting and receiving infrared light, enabling the robot to recognize the presence of a target within its line of sight. Concurrently, ultrasonic sensors enhance the robot's perception by determining distances through sound waves, facilitating obstacle avoidance and maintaining a safe tracking distance from the target. The project's foundation comprises key components working in tandem to fulfil the robot's objectives. A microcontroller, such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi, orchestrates actions by processing sensor data and regulating movements. IR sensors act as vigilant eyes, detecting the target, while ultrasonic sensors serve as the echolocation system, enabling seamless navigation in cluttered environments. Motors and wheels propel the robot, providing motion and directional control, while a reliable power supply, such as batteries, sustains its operations. Four pivotal milestones define the project's core goals. Firstly, the development of algorithms and code for effective object detection using IR sensors enables the robot to discern the presence of a target. Secondly, obstacle avoidance mechanisms are implemented through ultrasonic sensors, ensuring adept manoeuvring around barriers and hazards. Thirdly, proximity control is prioritized to maintain an optimal and safe following distance from the target, preventing collisions. Lastly, efforts focus on enabling smooth and precise movement to ensure accurate and responsive tracking behaviour. The potential applications of such a robot are diverse. Apart from assisting visually impaired individuals by guiding and avoiding obstacles, these robots can serve as automated tour guides, offering informative experiences in museums or exhibitions. Additionally, their utility extends to surveillance and security, where they can monitor areas and track intruders. Ultimately, this project holds promise for a future where intelligent robots seamlessly follow, guide, and protect, enriching lives with their remarkable capabilities. Key Words: Human Follower Robot, IR Sensors, Human Follower Robot, IR Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, Robotics, Automation, Sensor Technology etc

Responsiveness of Charged Double Network Hydrogels to Ionic Environment

AbstractCharged double network (DN) hydrogels are widely studied for their desirable mechanical strength and tunable properties. In this work, the influence of polymer concentration on microstructure and properties of agarose/polyacrylic acid DN hydrogels is studied. Agarose, the first network, is a brittle biopolymer, while polyacrylic acid (PAAc) is a weak polyelectrolyte. The microstructure, visualized in liquid environment, displays an agarose scaffold coated and interconnected by PAAc, deviating from the common assumption of an entangled double network. Importantly, the charging of PAAc in the hydrogel is regulated not only by the pH and weak polyelectrolyte effects, but also by the restricted swelling of the double network, and hence, it is an inherent regulation mechanism of charged hydrogels. The interactions between the hydrogel and the ionic environment induce microstructural changes and charging of the double network, impacting surface properties such as topography, stiffness, and adhesion, which are spatially resolved by liquid‐environment atomic force microscopy. The responsiveness of the DN hydrogels significantly depends on both polymer concentrations and ion concentrations. These findings provide insights into the responsive behavior of double network hydrogels and reveal universal mechanisms for charged hydrogels, which can guide the future development of functional soft materials.

Influences of two sizes of nano-Fe3O4 on stereolithography 3D printing properties of gel photoresist for photothermal-responsive hydrogel

Nanocomposite hydrogels enable augmented properties, functions, and responsive behaviors. In the field of stereolithography 3D printing of the photothermal responsive nanocomposite hydrogel, the influence of the size of nano-Fe3O4 on 3D printing properties is significant due to the sedimentation, but the relevant research is rare. In this study, for the fabrication of photothermal responsive hybrid hydrogel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-acrylamide)/nano-Fe3O4 [P(NIPAM-AM)/nano-Fe3O4] gel photoresist was prepared and digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing as one of the popular stereolithography 3D printing technology was utilized. The influences of two sizes of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (10 and 50 nm) denoted as nano-Fe3O4(10) and nano-Fe3O4(50) on DLP 3D printing properties of the gel photoresist were investigated in detail. The results reveal that the gel photoresist with nano-Fe3O4(10) obtained long exposure time for the basic prototype, low overcuring degree (Od), and good uniformity of nanoparticles in hybrid hydrogels, while those with nano-Fe3O4(50) had the merits of printing high 3D sample due to the low release fore. Unfortunately, the gel photoresist with a high content of nano-Fe3O4 such as 3.11 wt% failed in 3D printing of a high and uniform gel cylinder. A strategy of preparing P(NIPAM-AM)/nano-Fe3O4 gel photoresist with mixed nano-Fe3O4(10) and (50) for 3D printing was proposed. Using the gel photoresist (nano-Fe3O4 content: 3.11 wt%) with two sizes of nano-Fe3O4 mixed with 50% each and the exposure time of 8 s, a gel cylinder with a height of 1 cm was successfully printed with uniform nano-Fe3O4 distribution and low Od values (≤ 1.17%). Further, a biomimetic hydrogel octopus was 3D printed by using the gel photoresist with mixed nano-Fe3O4 and thereafter a near-infrared-light-driven waving motion of octopus tentacle was achieved successfully.

Nurses' knowledge and beliefs on pain management practices with hospitalised persons living with dementia: A qualitative descriptive study.

To understand nurses' knowledge, beliefs and experiences affect pain management practices in hospitalised persons living with dementia (PLWD). Naturalistic inquiry using qualitative descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 registered nurses who worked in one acute care hospital in Southern California from October to November 2022. Data were analysed using content analysis to identify themes. Two themes were developed: improvising pain assessment, which included how pain was documented, and administration hesitancy referring to nurse's concerns about PLWD's confusion. Nurses described the challenges of assessing pain in hospitalised PLWD particularly if they were non-verbal and/or demonstrating responsive behaviours. Nurse's years of experience, dementia stigma, and their unconscious biases affected nurses' pain management practices. The study findings highlight the complex challenges of pain management in hospitalised PLWD that are exacerbated by nurses' knowledge deficits, negative stereotypical beliefs, dementia stigma and unconscious biases towards older people that contributes to undermanaged pain in hospitalised PLWD. A comprehensive strategy using an implementation framework is needed to address nurse's knowledge gaps, unconscious bias, dementia stigma and techniques that enhance communication skills is suggested. Building a foundation in these areas would improve pain management in hospitalised PLWD. Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would improve the quality of life, decrease hospital length of stay, prevent readmissions, and improve nurse satisfaction. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would prevent long term confusion, episodes of delirium and improve quality of life as they recover from their acute illness for which they required hospital care.

A study on the impact of the degree of mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises on corporate environmental response

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between the degree of state-owned enterprises’ (SOEs) mixed reform and the environmental response of enterprises, against the background of actively promoting the reform of mixed ownership in China.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted on a sample of A-share listed manufacturing companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen of China, investigated for the period 2015 to 2020. The baseline regression results are robust to a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. To deal with the issue of endogeneity, the technique of instrumental variable method has been applied.FindingsThe study confirms the U-shaped effect of the depth and restriction of mixed ownership on SOEs’ environmentally responsive behaviour in the manufacturing industry, especially for lower environmental regulation and higher level of risk-taking firms. The findings indicate that the government, shareholders and other stakeholders of enterprises should not simply consider that the mixed reform is directly promoting or reducing the environmental response behaviour of enterprises.Practical implicationsSOEs should improve their shareholding structures to undermine performance enhancement at the expense of the environment and increase environmentally beneficial behaviours. Regulators and governments should improve the institutional mechanism of environmental regulation and make efforts to promote corporate awareness of the environment.Social implicationsAlthough the adoption and implementation of environmentally friendly policies are costly, improved environmental response and other social responsibilities are helpful to corporate long-term growth and reputation and obtain more capital market attention. Therefore, firms would benefit from improving their environmental response to protect nature, as well as to enjoy the economic and social benefits of a better environmental response.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is a lack of studies focussing on the environmental behaviour of SOEs of mixed reform. As the mixed reform in China has come to a climax phase in recent several years, SOEs of mixed reform is an ideal environment for research. The study focusses on manufacturing firms as these firms are more susceptible to contribute to environmental pollution, exploitation of natural resources and labour concerns.

Series of Viologen-Based Metal-Organic Polyhedra with Photo/Electrochromic Behavior for Inkless Printing and UV Detection.

The fabrication of molecular crystalline materials with fast, multistimuli-responsive behavior and the construction of the corresponding structure-activity relationship are of extraordinary significance for the development of smart materials. In this context, three multistimuli-responsive functional metal-organic polyhedra (MOP), {[Dy2(bcbp)3(NO3)1.5(H2O)7]·Cl4.2·(NO3)0.3·H2O}n (1), {[Dy2(bcbp)4(H2O)8]Cl6}n (2), and {[Eu2(bcbp)4(H2O)10]Cl6·H2O}n (3; bcbp = 1,1'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium), were successfully prepared and characterized. All of the compounds exhibit rapid and reversible photochromic and electrochromic dual-responsive behaviors. Furthermore, benefiting from the well-defined crystal structure and different responsive behaviors, the photoinduced electron transfer (PIET) process and structure-activity relationship were explored. In addition, considering the excellent photochromic performance, function filter paper and smart organic glass were successfully prepared and used for ink-free printing and UV light detection.

Smart chitosan nanogel for targeted doxorubicin delivery, ensuring precise release, and minimizing side effects in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice

In recent decades, bio-polymeric nanogels have become a forefront in medical research as innovative in-vivo drug carriers. This study introduces a pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles/P(N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-Acrylic acid) nanogel (CSNPs/P(NIPAm-co-AAc)), making significant advancements. The nanogel effectively encapsulated doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dx. HCl), a model drug, within its compartments through electrostatic binding. Comparing nano chitosan (CSNPs) before and after integrating copolymerized P(NIPAm-co-AAc), highlighting an improved and adaptable nanogel structure with responsive behaviors. The intraperitoneal delivery of Dx-loaded nanogel (Dx@N.gel) to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (Eh)-bearing mice at doses equivalent to 1.5 and 3 mg/kg of Dx per day for 14 days exhibited superiority over the administration of free Dx. Dx@N.gel demonstrated heightened anticancer activity, significantly improving mean survival rates in Eh mice. The nanogel's multifaceted defense mechanism mitigated oxidative stress, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and curbed nitric oxide formation induced by free Dx. It effectively countered hepatic DNA deterioration, normalized elevated liver and cardiac enzyme levels, and ameliorated renal complications. This pH-responsive CSNPs/P(NIPAm-co-AAc) nanogel loaded with Dx represents a paradigm shift in antitumor drug delivery. Its efficacy and ability to minimize side effects, contrasting sharply with those of free Dx, offer a promising future where potent cancer therapies seamlessly align with patient well-being.

Azobenzene-Based Conjugated Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Biological Applications.

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have been developed quickly as an emerging functional material with applications in optical and electronic devices, owing to their highly electron-delocalized backbones and versatile side groups for facile processibility, high mechanical strength, and environmental stability. CPs exhibit multistimuli responsive behavior and fluorescence quenching properties by incorporating azobenzene functionality into their molecular structures. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in developing functional azobenzene-based conjugated polymers (azo-CPs), utilizing diverse molecular design strategies and synthetic pathways. This article comprehensively reviews the rapidly evolving research field of azo-CPs, focusing on the structural characteristics and synthesis methods of general azo-CPs, as well as the applications of charged azo-CPs, specifically azobenzene-based conjugated polyelectrolytes (azo-CPEs). Based on their molecular structures, azo-CPs can be broadly categorized into three primary types: linear CPs with azobenzene incorporated into the side chain, linear CPs with azobenzene integrated into the main chain, and branched CPs containing azobenzene moieties. These systems are promising for biomedical applications in biosensing, bioimaging, targeted protein degradation, and cellular apoptosis.

Multiple stimulus responsive of a novel naphthalenediimide-based 2D alkaline-earth metal MOF material: Hydrochromism, amine-/acid-induced chromism and ionochromism as well as visual artificial film application

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (H4NDISA) chromophoric unit provide an intriguing platform for the design of multiple stimulus responsive materials. Herein, the first NDISA-based 2D MOF [Ca(H2NDISA)(DMF)3]∙H2O (Ca-NDISA) constructed from alkaline-earth metal ion was successfully synthesized. The structural analysis shown that a binuclear secondary building unit (SBU) [Ca2(COO)2(DMF)6] is extended to generate a 2D planar network structure with abundant open-activity sites, endowing Ca-NDISA with multiple stimulus responsive chromic behaviors. Ca-NDISA could undergo a color change from yellow to red in hydrochromism, rendering it with the applications in detecting the water content of organic solvents, as a humidity sensor when fabricating a PMMA@Ca-NDISA film, and a potential hydrochromic imaging material. In amine-/acid-induced chromism, Ca-NDISA respectively changed its color to red and brown when exposed to strong acid and some small size ammonia/organic amines vapors environment, which makes the PMMA@Ca-NDISA film as a visual and portable recognition detector for acids and amines. In ionochromism, Ca-NDISA is suitable for the naked-eye discrimination and detection of I− with obvious color change to black brown. Our work not only provide a facile way to obtain NDISA-based 2D MOF with multi-stimulus responsive chromic properties, but also present some convenient chromism devices, which will enrich the family of multifunctional chromic materials for practical applications.

"Let's go over it again": Examining the intra- and interpersonal processes that perpetuate co-rumination in close relationships.

Co-rumination is an interpersonal emotion regulation strategy characterized by extensive, cyclical conversations regarding the causes and consequences of problems and associated negative emotions. Theory posits that over time, interpersonal benefits of co-rumination such as emotional intimacy reinforce the behavior, outweighing the resulting negative impacts on mental health. However, our understanding of how co-rumination is perpetuated within conversations is limited. This study (conducted in 2019-2020) aims to assess perceptions of partner co-rumination and responsiveness as factors that perpetuate co-rumination to better understand the intra- and interpersonal processes that influence how co-rumination unfolds within conversations. To do this, we utilized an observational paradigm with primarily White, female, young adult friendship dyads wherein one individual (the discloser) disclosed and discussed an extradyadic problem with a close friend (the responder). Using an empathic accuracy paradigm, participants reported their own and their partner's co-rumination and responsiveness for every 30-s epoch. Results revealed biased estimations of partner co-rumination that may facilitate reciprocity of co-ruminative conversation within the dyad. Additionally, while greater perceptions of partner co-rumination were perceived as responsive by disclosers and elicited responsive behavior from responders, perceived partner responsiveness did not perpetuate co-rumination within the conversation. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of the intra- and interpersonal processes that influence how co-rumination unfolds within conversations between close friends, but they also draw attention to unanswered questions in the field regarding partner contributions to co-rumination, the nature of problems discussed, and generalizability of these findings as well as those of other extant co-rumination research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Developmental cascades from maternal preconception stress to child behavior problems: Testing multilevel preconception, prenatal, and postnatal influences.

Although maternal stress during pregnancy and even before conception shapes offspring risk for mental health problems, relatively little is known about the mechanisms through which these associations operate. In theory, preconception and prenatal stress may affect offspring mental health by influencing child responses to postnatal caregiving. To address this knowledge gap, this study had two aims. First, we examined associations between preconception and prenatal stress with child temperament profiles at age four using multilevel assessment of maternal perceived stress and stress physiology. Second, we tested child temperament profiles as moderators of associations between observed parenting behaviors during a parent-child free-play interaction when children were 4 years old and child behavior problems 1 year later. Latent profile analyses yielded four distinct child temperament profiles: inhibited, exuberant, regulated low reactive, and regulated high reactive. Consistent with hypotheses, preconception, and prenatal stress each independently predicted the likelihood of children having temperament profiles characterized by higher negative emotionality and lower regulation. Specifically, preconception perceived stress and prenatal cortisol predicted likelihood of children having an exuberant temperament, whereas prenatal perceived stress predicted likelihood of children having an inhibited temperament. Contrary to hypotheses, temperament profiles did not moderate predictions of child behavior problems from observed parenting behaviors; however, responsive parenting behaviors inversely predicted child behavior problems independently of child temperament. These findings add to growing evidence regarding effects of preconception factors on child outcomes and underscore a central role for responsive parenting behaviors in predicting more favorable child mental health independent of child temperament. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A triphenylamine derivative with multistimuli responsive behavior and high-contrast vapochromism of its Zn(II) complex

In this work, we designed and synthesized a novel multifunctional molecule, (E)-2-(4-(diphenylamino)styryl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-8-quinolinol (HL), which possessed D-π-A structure and exhibited optical responses to acid-base vapor and Zn(II) ions. Zn(II) complex of HL (W1) was obtained and characterized by SC-XRD. Spectral experiments demonstrated that complex W1 displayed aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) property, which was exact opposite to the aggregation-caused quenching effect of HL. The quantum yield of W1 (15%) was much higher than that of HL (2.1%) in the solid state. Both HL and complex W1 involved sp2 hybrid N atoms, whose protonation and deprotonation gave rise to reversible acidochromism with high contrast. The mechanism was clarified by XPS, 1H NMR, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, PXRD and thermogravimetry results. Benefiting from excited state intramolecular proton transfer in HL together with AIEE of W1, HL could recognize Zn(II) sensitively in aqueous media. The detection limit of HL for Zn(II) reached as low as 5.02 × 10−8 M. An anti-counterfeiting application was realized using HL-loaded test strip, which exhibited fluorescence response, but no color change upon exposure to Zn(II) solution. In addition, HL and W1 solids were combined to develop a stimuli induced encryption/decryption strategy successfully based on their reversible acidochromic behaviors.

A self-healing and recyclable polyurethane composite film for durable pH responsive coating

Wearable pH sensors can offer a visual warning signal of pH changes, making them particularly attractive in health monitoring and environmental detection. However, the fabrication of durable wearable pH sensors remains challenging due to the inevitable damage that sensors suffer in practical applications. Here, a durable pH responsive coating fabric with outstanding self-healing and recyclable capabilities is prepared with a composite film composed of a dynamic boroxine-polyurethane (BPU) and a pH responsive Congo red-based polymeric dye (CRPD). The BPU/CRPD composite film exhibits a high tensile strength of 17.46 MPa, breaking elongation of 407 %, toughness of 31.61 MJ/m3, Young’s modulus of 11.78 MPa, and outstanding elastic restorability. The high reversibility of boroxines and hydrogen bonds enable the composite film with healing efficiency of 87 % at 70 °C for 2 h and recycling efficiency of 97 % under 3 MPa at 80 °C for 5 min. In addition, the BPU/CRPD coated fabric presents outstanding pH responsive property and color fastness. Importantly, the scratched coating fabric can be easily healed at 70 °C, 5 MPa for 5 min or using an electric iron. Furthermore, the BPU/CRPD coatings on the discarded fabric can be recycled and reused many times with similar pH responsive behavior. The outstanding fastness, self-healing and recycling properties promote the durability of the pH responsive coating. This work provides a meaningful strategy for developing durable pH responsive coating fabrics with self-healing and recycling capabilities that will be promising for wearable pH sensors.

Reprogramming Photoresponsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer via Force-Directed Evaporation.

Incorporating photothermal agents into thermoresponsive liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) offers remote and spatio-temporal control in actuation. Typically, both the light responsiveness and actuation behaviors are fixed since the agent doping and mesogen alignment are conducted before network formation. Here, we report an approach that enables programming photoresponsive LCEs after synthesis via force-directed evaporation. Different photothermal agents can be doped or removed by swelling the fully cross-linked LCEs in a specific solution, achieving the introduction and erasing of the photoresponsiveness. Moreover, the network swelling deletes the registered alignment, which allows for redefining the molecular order via re-evaporating the solvent with force imposed. This "one stone, two birds" strategy paves the way to simultaneously program/reprogram the actuation mode and responsiveness of LCEs, even in a spatio-selective manner to achieve complex actuations. Our approach is expandable to three-dimensional (3D) printed LCEs to access geometrically sophisticated shape-changing.

Effects of confinement geometry on shape transition and interfacial behavior of nanodroplets in externally applied electric field

The electric field-induced shape transition of a nanodroplet confined in a silicon nanogroove with variable structure was investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. Our work provides insight into the relationship between the shape transition and the molecular interaction. We demonstrated that the geometric structure of the groove significantly influences the responsive behaviors of the droplet to the electric field. The simulations elucidate increasing the tilt angle of the groove reduces the critical field strength for the shape transition of the droplet under parallel electric field. Above the critical field, the droplet detaches from the groove and forms a liquid bridge across the groove, leading to weakened interfacial interactions. The detachment process of the droplet from the rectangular groove, which originates from the spreading of water molecules on perpendicular side walls, is different from the droplet initially confined in the groove with tilt angle higher than 90°. Under the perpendicular electric field, the droplet undergoes various shape transitions depending on the groove structure. In particular, the droplet in the groove with a moderate opening forms two asymmetrical liquid columns. The retraction behavior of the droplet in the groove with the small opening sheds light on the competition between interfacial interactions. The shape transition of droplets in the electric field due to the change of confinement nanostructures, such as liquid bridge, asymmetrical extension, branching and merging, is helpful to enrich the understanding of electrowetting and confinement dynamics of the droplets.

Optimizing long-term stability of siRNA using thermoassemble ionizable reverse pluronic-Bcl2 micelleplexes

Thermosassemble Ionizable Reverse Pluronic (TIRP) platform stands out for its distinctive combination of thermoassemble and ionizable features, effectively overcoming challenges in previous siRNA delivery systems. This study opens up a formation for long-term stabilization, and high loading of siRNA, specifically crafted for targeting oncogenic pathways. TIRP-Bcl2 self-assembles into a unique micelle structure with a nanodiameter of 75.8 ± 5.7 nm, efficiently encapsulating Bcl2 siRNA while maintaining exceptional colloidal stability at 4 °C for 8 months, along with controlled release profiles lasting 180 h. The dual ionizable headgroup enhance the siRNA loading and the revers pluronic unique structural orientation enhance the stability of the siRNA. The thermoassemble of TIRP-Bcl2 facilitates flexi-rigid response to mild hyperthermia, enhancing deep tissue penetration and siRNA release in the tumor microenvironment. This responsive behavior improves intracellular uptake and gene silencing efficacy in cancer cells. TIRP, with its smaller particle size and reverse pluronic nature, efficiently transports siRNA across the blood-brain barrier, holding promise for revolutionizing glioblastoma (GBM) treatment. TIRP-Bcl2 shows significant potential for precise, personalized therapies, promising prolonged siRNA delivery and in vitro/in vivo stability. This research opens avenues for further exploration and clinical translation of this innovative nanocarrier system across different cancers.