Versatile Design Research Articles

Wireless Modular Implantable Neural Device with One-touch Magnetic Assembly for Versatile Neuromodulation.

Multimodal neural interfaces open new opportunities in brain research by enabling more sophisticated and systematic neural circuit dissection. Integrating complementary features across distinct functional domains, these multifunctional neural probes have greatly advanced the interrogation of complex neural circuitry. However, introducing multiple functionalities into a compact form factor for freely behaving animals presents substantial design hurdles that complicate the device or require more than one device. Moreover, fixed functionality poses challenges in meeting the dynamic needs of chronic neuroscience inquiry, such as replacing consumable parts like batteries or drugs. To address these limitations, the modular implantable neural device (MIND) is introduced with a one-touch magnetic assembly mechanism. Leveraging the seamless exchange of neural interface modules such as optical stimulation, drug delivery, and electrical stimulation, MIND ensures functional adaptability, reusability, and scalability. The versatile design of MIND will facilitate brain research by enabling simplified access to multiple functional modalities as needed.

A simple and versatile photothermal dual-curing system design based on phytophenol derivatives and thiol chemistry for potential electronic encapsulant application

Given the diversity of thiol chemistry, researchers are actively exploring its potential as a versatile compound. This paper presents the synthesis of three bio-based multifunctional monomers (EPMG, EPBEG, EPBEF) containing allyl and epoxy groups using phytophenols (magnolol and eugenol) as raw materials. Photothermal dual curing was performed using pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP). Comprehensive studies and comparisons of the cured systems were conducted, including curing kinetics, mechanical properties, dielectric properties, and transmittance. The effect of the curing sequence was systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that as the curing proceeds, the mechanical properties and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material improve significantly, and the dual curing process exhibits excellent bonding, dielectric, and ultraviolet (UV) shielding performance. Moreover, the differences in monomer structure (methoxy, benzene ring connection) also impact the properties of the monomers and the performance of the material. This work provides a novel approach to designing epoxy monomer structures and developing bio-based single-component dual-curing systems. This thiol-mediated dual-curing system has potential applications in electronic materials and personal protective equipment can contribute to achieving miniaturization, precision, and integration in various applications.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanorobot-Assisted Colorimetric and Fluorescence Platforms for Biosensing Applications

Micro- and nanorobots (MNRs) have attracted significant interest owing to their promising applications in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedicine, and microengineering. This review explores advances in the synthetic routes used for the preparation of MNRs, focusing on both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Although the top-down approach dominates the field because of its versatility in design and functionality, bottom-up strategies that utilize template-assisted electrochemical deposition and bioconjugation present unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility. This review investigates the diverse propulsion mechanisms employed in MNRs, including magnetic, electric, light, and biological forces, which enable efficient navigation in various fluidic environments. The interplay between the synthesis and propulsion mechanisms of MNRs in the development of colorimetric and fluorescence detection platforms is emphasized. Additionally, we summarize the recent advancements in MNRs as sensing and biosensing platforms, particularly focusing on colorimetric and fluorescence-based detection systems. By utilizing the controlled motion of MNRs, dynamic changes in the fluorescent signals and colorimetric responses can be achieved, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of biomolecular detection. This review highlights the transformative potential of MNRs in sensing applications and emphasizes their role in advancing diagnostic technologies through innovative motion-driven signal transduction mechanisms. Subsequently, we provide an overview of the primary challenges currently faced in MNR research, along with our perspective on the future applications of MNR-assisted colorimetric and fluorescence biosensing in chemical and biological sensing. Moreover, issues related to enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and integration with existing detection systems are discussed.

Versatile unsupervised design of antennas using flexible parameterization and computational intelligence methods

Developing contemporary antennas is a challenging endeavor that requires considerable engineering insight. The most laborious stage is to devise an antenna architecture that delivers the required functionalities, e.g., multiband operation. Iterative by nature (hands-on topology modifications, parametric studies, trial-and-error geometry selection), it typically takes many weeks and requires considerable engagement from a human expert. Consequently, only a few possible design options concerning the fundamental antenna geometry may be considered. Automated topology rendition and geometry parameter optimization are highly relevant, especially from the industrial perspective. Therein, reducing time-to-market and limiting the involvement of trained experts is critical. This research proposes an innovative procedure for unsupervised development of planar antennas. Our method leverages flexible antenna parameterization based on re-sizable elliptical patches. It permits the realization of a massive number of geometries of diverse shapes and complexities using a small number of decision variables. Computational intelligence methods are employed to conduct antenna evolution exclusively based on specifications and possible constraints (e.g., maximum size). Fine-tuning of the structure geometry is achieved through low-cost local search routines. Our methodology is demonstrated by designing several antennas featuring distinct characteristics (broadband, single-, dual- and triple-band). The obtained results, supported by experimental data, underscore the presented approach’s versatility and capability to render unconventional topologies at reasonably low computational expenses. As mentioned earlier, the design process is fully automated without human expert involvement.

An ultrasensitive NO2 sensor based on lightweight flexible organic single crystals

There is a growing interest in developing advanced organic electronic devices as viable replacements for their inorganic counterparts. This is due to the simple and low-cost processing, versatile molecular design, and ease of control of physical properties. Organic-crystalline materials have shown superior device performance and are seen as promising candidates for future flexible electronics. Despite advancements in understanding the fundamentals governing flexibility in organic single crystals, they are rarely used in electronic devices. Herein, we fabricated a device using flexible single crystals of a Schiff base with intramolecular charge-transfer states and investigated their electrical conductivity and gas-sensing capabilities. Because the properties of charge-transfer states are influenced by their proximal environment, the device is able to selectively detect the highly toxic gas NO2 under ambient conditions with a sensitivity of 3.36 × 106 % and a detection limit of 67 ppb. The flexibility of the crystals allowed their integration into flexible substrates, expanding their potential use in the realm of wearable technology and smart electronics. This makes our findings relevant to the ecosystem and public health.

Novel frequency selective B1focusing passive Lenz resonators for substantial MRI signal-to-noise ratio amplification.

The need for increased sensitivity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for its advancement as an imaging modality. The development of passive Lenz Resonators for effective RF magnetic field focusing will improve MRI sensitivity via local amplification of MRI signal, thereby leading to more efficient diagnosis and patient treatment. While there are methods for amplifying the signal from specific nuclei in MRI, such as hyperpolarization, a general solution will be more advantageous and would work in combination with these preexisting methods. While the Lenz Lens proposed such a general solution based on Lenz's law and the reciprocity principle, it came at the cost of limited signal enhancement. In this work, the first-in-kind prototype Lenz Resonator was conceived and examined as a general frequency-selective passive flux-focusing element for significant MRI signal enhancement. A 3.0 T Philips Achieva MRI was used to compare the signal from a phantom in the presence of Lenz Lenses, Lenz Resonators, and control trials with neither component. An MRI investigation demonstrated an experimental amplification of the signal-to-noise ratio up to 80% using an MRI insert of two coaxial Lenz Resonators due to superior B1 magnetic field focusing. The resonators displayed consistent amplification, nearly independent of their x-position within the MRI bore. This behavior demonstrates the feasibility of imaging large objects of varying shapes without penalties for signal amplification using Lenz Resonators. The Lenz Resonators versatility in geometrical design and consistent signal amplifying abilities between pulse sequences should allow for the development of Lenz Resonators suitable for most commonly used MRI setups.

Regulating Optoelectronic and Thermoelectric Properties of Organic Semiconductors by Heavy Atom Effects.

Heavy atom effects can be used to enhance intermolecular interaction, regulate quinoidal resonance properties, increase bandwidths, and tune diradical characters, which have significant impacts on organic optoelectronic devices, such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), etc. Meanwhile, the introduction of heavy atoms is shown to promote charge transfer, enhance air stability, and improve device performances in the field of organic thermoelectrics (OTEs). Thus, heavy atom effects are receiving more and more attention. However, regulating heavy atoms in organic semiconductors is still meeting great challenges. For example, heavy atoms will lead to solubility and stability issues (tellurium substitution) and lack of versatile design strategy and effective synthetic methods to be incorporated into organic semiconductors, which limit their application in electronic devices. Therefore, this work timely summarizes the unique functionalities of heavy atom effects, and up-to-date progress in organic electronics including OFETs, OPVs, OLEDs, and OTEs, while the structure-performance relationships between molecular designs and electronic devices are clearly elucidated. Furthermore, this review systematically analyzes the remaining challenges in regulating heavy atoms within organic semiconductors, and design strategies toward efficient and stable organic semiconductors by the introduction of novel heavy atoms regulation are proposed.

Layered hybrid superlattices as designable quantum solids.

Crystalline solids typically show robust long-range structural ordering, vital for their remarkable electronic properties and use in functional electronics, albeit with limited customization space. By contrast, synthetic molecular systems provide highly tunable structural topologies and versatile functionalities but are often too delicate for scalable electronic integration. Combining these two systems could harness the strengths of both, yet realizing this integration is challenging owing to distinct chemical bonding structures and processing conditions. Two-dimensional atomic crystals comprise crystalline atomic layers separated by non-bonding van der Waals gaps, allowing diverse atomic or molecular intercalants to be inserted without disrupting existing covalent bonds. This enables the creation of a diverse set of layered hybrid superlattices (LHSLs) composed of alternating crystalline atomic layers of variable electronic properties and self-assembled atomic or molecular interlayers featuring customizable chemical compositions and structural motifs. Here we outline strategies to prepare LHSLs and discuss emergent properties. With the versatile molecular design strategies and modular assembly processes, LHSLs offer vast flexibility for weaving distinct chemical constituents and quantum properties into monolithic artificial solids with a designable three-dimensional potential landscape. This opens unprecedented opportunities to tailor charge correlations, quantum properties and topological phases, thereby defining a rich material platform for advancing quantum information science.

Enhancing Carrier Behavior via Controlled Molecular Film Formation Engineering Leads to Significant Improvement in Electroluminescence

AbstractThe quality of organic thin films critically influences carrier dynamics in organic semiconductors. In neat/doped films, even tiny voids can be penetrated by water or oxygen molecules to create charge‐trap states called water/oxygen‐induced traps that significantly hinder carrier mobility. While the water/oxygen‐induced traps in non‐doped films and crystalline states have been investigated comprehensively, there is a lack of thorough examination regarding their properties in the doped state. Therefore, there is a high demand for a molecular design strategy that effectively modulates the molecular stacking behavior in doped films and practical devices and enhances the quality of these films. Herein, we proposed a versatile molecular design principle that enables the formation of “nano‐cluster” structures on both the surface and interior of doped films in target molecule 10‐(4‐(4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐1′‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐10H‐spiro[acridine‐9,9′‐xanthene] (DspiroO‐F‐TRZ), which is modified with a fluorophenyl group. These “nano‐cluster” structures exhibit more uniform shapes within doped films and effectively reduce defective state densities while enhancing carrier injection and transport properties, ultimately improving device performance. Notably, TADF‐OLED based on DspiroO‐F‐TRZ demonstrates nearly twice as much efficiency as its control counterpart due to contributions from ′nano‐cluster′ structure enhancements toward improved electroluminescence performance.

Enhancing Carrier Behavior via Controlled Molecular Film Formation Engineering Leads to Significant Improvement in Electroluminescence.

The quality of organic thin films critically influences carrier dynamics in organic semiconductors. In neat/doped films, even tiny voids can be penetrated by water or oxygen molecules to create charge-trap states called water/oxygen-induced traps that significantly hinder carrier mobility. While the water/oxygen-induced traps in non-doped films and crystalline states have been investigated comprehensively, there is a lack of thorough examination regarding their properties in the doped state. Therefore, there is a high demand for a molecular design strategy that effectively modulates the molecular stacking behavior in doped films and practical devices and enhances the quality of these films. Herein, we proposed a versatile molecular design principle that enables the formation of "nano-cluster" structures on both the surface and interior of doped films in target molecule 10-(4-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)-1'-(4-fluorophenyl)-10H-spiro[acridine-9,9'-xanthene] (DspiroO-F-TRZ), which is modified with a fluorophenyl group. These "nano-cluster" structures exhibit more uniform shapes within doped films and effectively reduce defective state densities while enhancing carrier injection and transport properties, ultimately improving device performance. Notably, TADF-OLED based on DspiroO-F-TRZ demonstrates nearly twice as much efficiency as its control counterpart due to contributions from 'nano-cluster' structure enhancements toward improved electroluminescence performance.

Impacts of geometric factors on the hydrothermal characteristics in a shell and cone-shaped coil heat exchanger

Cone coils have a larger surface area and produce more turbulence, which enhances the heat exchange rate, making them a more efficient option for improved heat transfer than simple coils in shell-and-coil heat exchangers. In addition to reducing fouling and the requirement for maintenance, the cone shape may also provide the benefit of a self-cleaning action. Ensuring a more even flow distribution maximizes the heat exchanger's surface area use and reduces poor-flow zones. Applications needing compact solutions without compromising performance significantly benefit from this design's versatility, allowing customization to meet unique operational demands. This work evaluates numerically the impact of employing a cone-shaped coil tube in a shell-and-coil tube heat exchanger, considering various configurations and coil pitches. A commercial CFD code is used to perform the numerical simulations based on the finite volume approach. The present study has two sections. In the first part, three different coil configurations were considered. The best case was considered according to the numerical results obtained from the first section. Then, in the second part, the impact of the cone coil pitch on the hydrothermal characteristics was analyzed. The obtained numerical outcomes revealed that the best performance evaluation criteria factor belongs to the cone-shaped coil with divergent configuration by about 64.1 % and 57.45 % more than the cone-shaped coil with convergent configuration at De = 1,000 and De = 2,500, respectively. Moreover, the cone-shaped coil with a divergent configuration displayed higher JF values by approximately 61.54 % and 58.06 % than a cone-shaped coil with a convergent configuration at De = 1,000 and De = 2,500, respectively. Among different evaluated cone coil pitches, the maximum performance evaluation criteria factor belongs to the case with pitch values of 40 mm. Moreover, the JF value increases by approximately 4.76 % and 5.56 %, respectively, at De = 1,000, when the pitch value grows by around 60 % and 100 %. Furthermore, when the pitch value climbs by 60 % and 100 %, at De = 2,500, the JF value rises by roughly 12.16 % and 19.59 %, respectively.

A programmable platform for probing cell migration and proliferation.

The advent of advanced robotic platforms and workflow automation tools has revolutionized the landscape of biological research, offering unprecedented levels of precision, reproducibility, and versatility in experimental design. In this work, we present an automated and modular workflow for exploring cell behavior in two-dimensional culture systems. By integrating the BioAssemblyBot® (BAB) robotic platform and the BioApps™ workflow automater with live-cell fluorescence microscopy, our workflow facilitates execution and analysis of in vitro migration and proliferation assays. Robotic assistance and automation allow for the precise and reproducible creation of highly customizable cell-free zones (CFZs), or wounds, in cell monolayers and "hands-free," schedulable integration with real-time monitoring systems for cellular dynamics. CFZs are designed as computer-aided design models and recreated in confluent cell layers by the BAB 3D-Bioprinting tool. The dynamics of migration and proliferation are evaluated in individual cells using live-cell fluorescence microscopy and an in-house pipeline for image processing and single-cell tracking. Our robotics-assisted approach outperforms manual scratch assays with enhanced reproducibility, adaptability, and precision. The incorporation of automation further facilitates increased flexibility in wound geometry and allows for many experimental conditions to be analyzed in parallel. Unlike traditional cell migration assays, our workflow offers an adjustable platform that can be tailored to a wide range of applications with high-throughput capability. The key features of this system, including its scalability, versatility, and the ability to maintain a high degree of experimental control, position it as a valuable tool for researchers across various disciplines.

Hinotori™ robotic esophagectomy: a feasibility cadaver study.

This preclinical feasibility study investigates the potential of utilizing the hinotori™ robot system for esophagectomy. In three human cadaver models, the esophagus was successfully mobilized and resected using the hinotori™ system, with a mean thoracic procedure time of 57minutes. The system allowed for precise dissection and radical lymphadenectomy without arm collision, attributed to its versatile design and docking-free trocars. Standard robot-specific patient positioning, including a 35° left lateral inclination, and trocar placement in a posterior axillary line configuration were employed. Notably, trocars suitable for both laparoscopy and the hinotori™ robot were utilized, providing flexibility in trocar selection. Unique features, such as the ergonomic console and pointer-based pivot point identification system, contributed to procedural success. While these findings highlight the promising potential of the hinotori™ system in advancing esophageal surgery, further clinical studies are warranted to validate its reproducibility and clinical utility. Additionally, enhancements to the pivot point identification system and evaluation of the arm base's features may further optimize surgical outcomes.

Melting and solution mixing in the production of photocatalytic filaments for 3D printing

3D printing is a fast-growing technology with benefits like rapid prototyping and versatile design capabilities. However, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) needs improvement due to limited material options. This study proposes a method for producing photocatalytic prototypes using 3D printing/FDM, focusing on environmental applications like contaminant degradation. Key steps included filament production through melt and solution mixing, defining geometries, 3D printing functional prototypes, and characterizing materials chemically, thermally, microscopically, and mechanically. The photocatalytic capacity was evaluated via tetracycline degradation, showing 45–60% efficiency for ZnO filaments and up to 65% for TiO2 filaments. ZnO-functionalized parts maintained 80% removal capacity after 10 reuse cycles without activation, indicating reduced leaching and photo corrosion. This study advances 3D printing/FDM research for environmental applications, providing a methodology for producing effective photocatalytic prototypes.

Boosting Thermogalvanic Cell Performance through Synergistic Redox and Thermogalvanic Corrosion.

Thermogalvanic cells with organic redox couple (OTGCs) have received significant attention for low-grade heat harvesting due to their high thermopower, versatile molecular design, and tailorable physiochemical properties. However, their thermogalvanic conversion power output is largely hindered by slow kinetic rate, which limits practical applications. In this work, we demonstrate a high-performance liquid quinone/hydroquinone (Q/HQ) based OTGC by synergistic coupling redox reaction and thermogalvanic corrosion. By adding hydrochloric acid (HCl) into electrolyte solution, HCl not only boosts intrinsic redox kinetic rate of Q/HQ, but also induces rapid thermogalvanic corrosion of the copper electrode. Notably, these two processes reinforce each other kinetically. Consequently, the Q/HQ-based OTGC exhibits a rapid kinetic rate alongside an increased thermopower, leading to a significantly enhanced power output density. As a result, the Q/HQ-based OTGC achieves an enhanced effective electrical conductivity σeff of 4.22 S m-1 and a record high normalized power density Pmax (ΔT)-2 of 108.7 μW m-2 K-2. This strategy provides a feasible and effective method for development of high-performance OTGCs.

Physics-based prediction of moisture-capture properties of hydrogels

Moisture-capturing materials can enable potentially game-changing energy-water technologies such as atmospheric water production, heat storage, and passive cooling. Hydrogel composites recently emerged as outstanding moisture-capturing materials due to their low cost, high affinity for humidity, and design versatility. Despite extensive efforts to experimentally explore the large design space of hydrogels for high-performance moisture capture, there is a critical knowledge gap on our understanding behind the moisture-capture properties of these materials. This missing understanding hinders the fast development of novel hydrogels, material performance enhancements, and device-level optimization. In this work, we combine synthesis and characterization of hydrogel-salt composites to develop and validate a theoretical description that bridges this knowledge gap. Starting from a thermodynamic description of hydrogel-salt composites, we develop models that accurately capture experimentally measured moisture uptakes and sorption enthalpies. We also develop mass transport models that precisely reproduce the dynamic absorption and desorption of moisture into hydrogel-salt composites. Altogether, these results demonstrate the main variables that dominate moisture-capturing properties, showing a negligible role of the polymer in the material performance under all considered cases. Our insights guide the synthesis of next-generation humidity-capturing hydrogels and enable their system-level optimization in ways previously unattainable for critical water-energy applications.

NIR-II Fluorescent Nanotheranostics with a Switchable Irradiation Mode for Immunogenic Sonodynamic Therapy.

Nanotheranostics, which integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities, offer significant potential for tumor treatment. However, current nanotheranostic systems typically involve multiple molecules, each providing a singular diagnostic or therapeutic function, leading to challenges such as complex structural composition, poor targeting efficiency, lack of spatiotemporal control, and dependence on a single therapeutic modality. This study introduces NPRBOXA, a nanoparticle functionalized with surface-bound cRGD for targeted delivery to αvβ3/αvβ5 receptors on tumor cells, achieving theranostic integration by sequentially switching its irradiation modes. Under 808nm laser irradiation, NPRBOXA emits NIR-II fluorescence, which aids in identifying the nanoparticle's location and fluorescence intensity, thereby determining the optimal treatment window. Following this, the irradiation mode switches to ultrasound irradiation at the optimal treatment window. Ultrasound irradiation induces NPRBOXA to generate reactive oxygen species, promoting the reduction of OXA-IV to OXA-II, which in turn triggers immunogenic cell death. This mechanism enables a combination of sonodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for tumor treatment. The versatile design of NPRBOXA holds promise for advancing precision oncology through enhanced therapeutic efficacy and real-time imaging guidance.

Dynamic Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks with Large Solvent-Induced Lattice Expansion.

Dynamic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can switch reversibly between crystalline phases with different unit cell parameters and porosities upon physisorption of guest molecules. While impressive changes in unit cell volumes have been realized for three-dimensional frameworks, the solvent-induced volume changes of two-dimensional (2D) COFs have remained comparably small. We have now developed a series of 2D COFs where we systematically varied the length of the interconnecting bridge units. The optimized materials achieve solvent-induced expansions of up to 85% relative to the volume of the solvent-free contracted COFs. These structural changes are fully reversible and the frameworks fully retain their high degree of crystalline order. This study introduces a versatile design strategy for dynamic 2D COFs, which could enable future applications of these materials in gas separation and sensing.

Hierarchical Nanostructures as Acoustically Manipulatable Multifunctional Agents in Dynamic Fluid Flow.

Acoustic waves provide a biocompatible and deep-tissue-penetrating tool suitable for contactless manipulation in in vivo environments. Despite the prevalence of dynamic fluids within the body, previous studies have primarily focused on static fluids, and manipulatable agents in dynamic fluids are limited to gaseous core-shell particles. However, these gas-filled particles face challenges in fast-flow manipulation, complex setups, design versatility, and practical medical imaging, underscoring the need for effective alternatives. In this study, flower-like hierarchical nanostructures (HNS) into microparticles (MPs) are incorporated, and demonstrated that various materials fabricated as HNS-MPs exhibit effective and reproducible acoustic trapping within high-velocity fluid flows. Through simulations, it is validated that the HNS-MPs are drawn to the focal point by acoustic streaming and form a trap through secondary acoustic streaming at the tips of the nanosheets comprising the HNS-MPs. Furthermore, the wide range of materials and modification options for HNS, combined with their high surface area and biocompatibility, enable them to serve as acoustically manipulatable multimodal imaging contrast agents and microrobots. They can perform intravascular multi-trap maneuvering with real-time imaging, purification of wastewater flow, and highly-loaded drug delivery. Given the diverse HNS materials developed to date, this study extends their applications to acoustofluidic and biomedical fields.

A Backgate for Enhanced Tunability of Holes in Planar Germanium.

Planar semiconductor heterostructures offer versatile device designs and are promising candidates for scalable quantum computing. Notably, heterostructures based on strained germanium have been extensively studied in recent years, with an emphasis on their strong and tunable spin-orbit interaction, low effective mass, and high hole mobility. However, planar systems are still limited by the fact that the shape of the confinement potential is directly related to the density. In this work, we present the successful implementation of a backgate for a planar germanium heterostructure. The backgate, in combination with a topgate, enables independent control over the density and the electric field, which determines important state properties such as the effective mass, the g-factor, and the quantum lifetime. This unparalleled degree of control paves the way toward engineering qubit properties and facilitates the targeted tuning of bilayer quantum wells, which promise denser qubit packing.