{"title":"Zero-Dimensional Interstitial Electron-Induced Spin–Orbit Coupling Dirac States in Sandwich Electride","authors":"Weizhen Meng, Jiayu Jiang, Yalong Jiao, Fengxian Ma, Ying Yang, Zhenxiang Cheng, Xiaotian Wang","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400131","url":null,"abstract":"The development of inorganic electrides offers new possibilities for studying topological states due to the nonnuclear-binding properties displayed by interstitial electrons. Herein, a sandwich electride 2[CaCl]<sup>+</sup>:2e<sup>−</sup> is designed, featuring a tetragonal lattice structure, including two atomic lattice layers and one interstitial electron layer. The interstitial electrons form nonsymmorphic-symmetry-protected Dirac points (DPs) at the X and M points, which are robust against the spin–orbit coupling effect. DPs exhibit an approximately elliptical shape, characterized by a relatively high anisotropy, resulting from the interplay between the electron and atomic layers. In addition, 2[CaCl]<sup>+</sup>:2e<sup>−</sup> possesses a lower work function (WF) (3.43 eV), endowing it with robust electron-supplying characteristics. Due to the low WF and interstitial electrons, 2[CaCl]<sup>+</sup>:2e<sup>−</sup> loaded Ru shows outstanding catalytic performance for N<sub>2</sub> cleavage. A potential research platform for exploring the formation of topological states and promoting nitrogen cracking in electrides is provided.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141547914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small SciencePub Date : 2024-07-04DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400133
P. Monalisha, Maria Ameziane, Irena Spasojevic, Eva Pellicer, Rhodri Mansell, Enric Menéndez, Sebastiaan van Dijken, Jordi Sort
{"title":"Magnetoionics for Synaptic Devices and Neuromorphic Computing: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives","authors":"P. Monalisha, Maria Ameziane, Irena Spasojevic, Eva Pellicer, Rhodri Mansell, Enric Menéndez, Sebastiaan van Dijken, Jordi Sort","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400133","url":null,"abstract":"With the advent of Big Data, traditional digital computing is struggling to cope with intricate tasks related to data classification or pattern recognition. To mitigate this limitation, software-based neural networks are implemented, but they are run in conventional computers whose operation principle (with separate memory and data-processing units) is highly inefficient compared to the human brain. Brain-inspired in-memory computing is achieved through a wide variety of methods, for example, artificial synapses, spiking neural networks, or reservoir computing. However, most of these methods use materials (e.g., memristor arrays, spintronics, phase change memories) operated with electric currents, resulting in significant Joule heating effect. Tuning magnetic properties by voltage-driven ion motion (i.e., magnetoionics) has recently emerged as an alternative energy-efficient approach to emulate functionalities of biological synapses: potentiation/depression, multilevel storage, or transitions from short-term to long-term plasticity. In this perspective, the use of magnetoionics in neuromorphic applications is critically reviewed, with emphasis on modulating synaptic weight through: 1) control of magnetization by voltage-induced ion retrieval/insertion; and 2) control of magnetic stripe domains and skyrmions in gated magnetic thin films adjacent to solid-state ionic supercapacitors. The potential prospects in this emerging research area together with a forward-looking discussion on future opportunities are provided.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141547913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small SciencePub Date : 2024-07-04DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400220
Xiao-Dong Zhang, Hui-Juan Yu, Shao-Qi Guan, Yu-Lin Lu, Yu Zhang, Yin-Hui Huang, Ya-Ping Wang, Chen-Hui Liu, Zhong-Min Cao, Yu-Han Qin, Mei Pan, Jun Shen, Cheng-Yong Su
{"title":"A Highly Charged Positive Cage Causes Simultaneous Enhancement of Type-II and O2-Independent-Type-I Photodynamic Therapy via One-/Two-Photon Stimulation and Tumor Immunotherapy via PANoptosis and Ferroptosis","authors":"Xiao-Dong Zhang, Hui-Juan Yu, Shao-Qi Guan, Yu-Lin Lu, Yu Zhang, Yin-Hui Huang, Ya-Ping Wang, Chen-Hui Liu, Zhong-Min Cao, Yu-Han Qin, Mei Pan, Jun Shen, Cheng-Yong Su","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400220","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400220","url":null,"abstract":"To solve the oxygen dependence problem of photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is critical to explore photosensitizers that do not rely on O<sub>2</sub> molecule to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a stable cationic metal-organic cage [Pd<sub>6</sub>(RuL<sup>oz</sup><sub>3</sub>)<sub>8</sub>](BF<sub>4</sub>)<sub>28</sub> (MOC-88) that possesses high +28 charges is designed. The cage-confined positive microenvironment enables efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals and improved yield of the singlet oxygen under one-/two-photon excitation, showing excellent performance to concurrently enhance Type-II and O<sub>2</sub>-independent-Type-I PDT. Moreover, the effective ROS production and robust lipid peroxidation trigger a series of signaling pathways (inflammasome, cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase stimulator of interferon genes, and NF-κB) to evoke PANoptosis and ferroptosis in tumor cells, enabling MOC-88 to simultaneously cause the loss of cell membrane integrity, release a series of inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns, stimulate the maturation and antigen presentation ability of dendritic cells, and ultimately activate T-cell-dependent adaptive immunity in vivo to inhibit tumor growth.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141547912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small SciencePub Date : 2024-07-03DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400189
Jordan Hobbs, Calum J. Gibb, Richard J. Mandle
{"title":"Emergent Antiferroelectric Ordering and the Coupling of Liquid Crystalline and Polar Order","authors":"Jordan Hobbs, Calum J. Gibb, Richard J. Mandle","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400189","url":null,"abstract":"Polar liquid crystals possess 3D orientational order coupled with unidirectional electric polarity, yielding fluid ferroelectrics. Such polar phases are generated by rod-like molecules with large electric dipole moments. 2,5-Disubstituted 1,3-dioxane is commonly employed as a polar motif in said systems, and herein it is shown to suffer from thermal instability as a consequence of equatorial-trans to axial-trans isomerism at elevated temperatures. Isosteric building blocks are utilized as potential replacements for the 1,3-dioxane unit, and in doing so new examples of fluid ferroelectric systems are obtained. For binary mixtures of certain composition, the emergence of a new fluid antiferroelectric phase, a finding not observed for either of the parent molecules, is observed. This study also reveals a critical tipping point for the emergence of polar order in otherwise apolar systems. These results hint at the possibility for uncovering new highly ordered polar liquid-crystalline phases and delineate distinct transition mechanisms in orientational and polar ordering.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141547988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Novel Piezo1 Agonist Promoting Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Osteogenesis to Attenuate Disuse Osteoporosis","authors":"Ruihan Hao, Hairong Tang, Chunyong Ding, Bhavana Rajbanshi, Yuhang Liu, Ding Ma, Zhouyi Duan, Yuxin Qi, Liming Dai, Bingjun Zhang, Ao Zhang, Xiaoling Zhang","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400061","url":null,"abstract":"Disuse osteoporosis (OP) is a state of bone loss due to lack of mechanical stimuli, probably induced by prolonged bed rest, neurological diseases, as well as microgravity. Currently the precise treatment strategies of disuse OP remain largely unexplored. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) ion channel, is a key force sensor mediating mechanotransduction and it is demonstrated to regulate bone homeostasis and osteogenesis in response to mechanical forces. Using structure-based drug design, a novel small-molecule Piezo1 agonist, MCB-22-174, which can effectively activate Piezo1 and initiate Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx, is developed and is more potent than the canonical Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1. Moreover, MCB-22-174 is found as a safe Piezo1 agonist without any signs of serious toxicity. Mechanistically, Piezo1 activation promotes the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by activating the Ca<sup>2+</sup>-related extracellular signal-related kinases and calcium–calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) pathway. Importantly, MCB-22-174 could effectively promote osteogenesis and attenuate disuse OP in vivo. Overall, the findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy for disuse OP by chemical activation of Piezo1.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141527483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Body-Integrated Ultrasensitive All-Textile Pressure Sensors for Skin-Inspired Artificial Sensory Systems","authors":"Bingjun Wang, Yuanhong Shi, Haotian Li, Qilin Hua, Keyu Ji, Zilong Dong, Zhaowei Cui, Tianci Huang, Zhongming Chen, Ruilai Wei, Weiguo Hu, Guozhen Shen","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400026","url":null,"abstract":"Tactile sensing plays a vital role in human somatosensory perception as it provides essential touch information necessary for interacting with the environment and accomplishing daily tasks. The progress in textile electronics has opened up opportunities for developing intelligent wearable devices that enable somatosensory perception and interaction. Herein, a skin-inspired all-textile pressure sensor (ATP) is presented that emulates the sensing and interaction functions of human skin, offering wearability, comfort, and breathability. The ATP demonstrates impressive features, including ultrahigh sensitivity (1.46 × 10<sup>6</sup> kPa<sup>−1</sup>), fast response time (1 ms), excellent stability and durability (over 2000 compression-release cycles), a low detection limit of 10 Pa, and remarkable breathability (93.2%). The multipixel array of ATPs has been proven to facilitate static and dynamic mapping of spatial pressure, as well as pressure trajectory monitoring functions. Moreover, by integrating ATP with oscillation circuits, external force stimuli can be directly encoded into digital frequency pulses that resemble human physiological signals. The frequency of output pulses increases with the applied pressure. Consequently, an ATP-based artificial sensory system is constructed for intelligent tactile perception. This work provides a simple and versatile strategy for practical applications of wearable electronics in the fields of robotics, sports science, and human–machine interfaces technologies.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141527482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small SciencePub Date : 2024-06-30DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202400114
James P. Barnard, Jianan Shen, Benson Kunhung Tsai, Yizhi Zhang, Max R. Chhabra, Ke Xu, Xinghang Zhang, Raktim Sarma, Aleem Siddiqui, Haiyan Wang
{"title":"Large Area Transfer of Bismuth-Based Layered Oxide Thin Films Using a Flexible Polymer Transfer Method","authors":"James P. Barnard, Jianan Shen, Benson Kunhung Tsai, Yizhi Zhang, Max R. Chhabra, Ke Xu, Xinghang Zhang, Raktim Sarma, Aleem Siddiqui, Haiyan Wang","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400114","url":null,"abstract":"Magnetic and ferroelectric oxide thin films have long been studied for their applications in electronics, optics, and sensors. The properties of these oxide thin films are highly dependent on the film growth quality and conditions. To maximize the film quality, epitaxial oxide thin films are frequently grown on single-crystal oxide substrates such as strontium titanate (SrTiO<sub>3</sub>) and lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO<sub>3</sub>) to satisfy lattice matching and minimize defect formation. However, these single-crystal oxide substrates cannot readily be used in practical applications due to their high cost, limited availability, and small wafer sizes. One leading solution to this challenge is film transfer. In this demonstration, a material from a new class of multiferroic oxides is selected, namely bismuth-based layered oxides, for the transfer. A water-soluble sacrificial layer of Sr<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub> is inserted between the oxide substrate and the film, enabling the release of the film from the original substrate onto a polymer support layer. The films are transferred onto new substrates of silicon and lithium niobate (LiNbO<sub>3</sub>) and the polymer layer is removed. These substrates allow for the future design of electronic and optical devices as well as sensors using this new group of multiferroic layered oxide films.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141505737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ophthalmic Tethered Gold Yarnball-Mediated Retained Drug Delivery for Eye Fundus Disease Treatment","authors":"Shih-Jie Chou, Yi-Ping Yang, Min-Ren Chiang, Chih-Ying Chen, Henkie Isahwan Ahmad Mulyadi Lai, Yi-Ying Lin, You-Ren Wu, I-Chieh Wang, Aliaksandr A. Yarmishyn, Guang-Yuh Chiou, Tai-Chi Lin, De-Kuang Hwang, Shih-Jen Chen, Yueh Chien, Shang-Hsiu Hu, Shih-Hwa Chiou","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400095","url":null,"abstract":"Eye fundus diseases, such as retinal degenerative diseases, which lead to blindness in ≈12% of individuals aged >65 years, cause permanent damage to retinal cells. The antioxidant quercetin (QC) is promising for the effective treatment of eye fundus diseases; however, its poor solubility and low retention rate often limit its clinical application. Herein, an in situ ophthalmic tethered gold yarnball (GY) that doubles as an ocular retention agent and QC reservoir to overcome low fundus drug retention is developed. After intravitreal injection, QC@GYs enhance retinal cell leakage and internal limiting membrane permeability, facilitating the partial penetration of QC@GYs into the intraretinal tissue. The combination of retina-tethered QC@GY and first-level sustained release reduces macular degeneration in vivo by effectively regulating oxidative stress. Furthermore, the sustained release of QC preserves the viability of retinal pigment epithelium cells, reduces apoptosis, and suppresses drusen formation. This preservation of retinal morphology and function maximizes the therapeutic impact while minimizing the need for frequent intraocular administration. Overall, the ophthalmic tethered GY platform is a versatile tool for retinal drug delivery for the treatment of eye fundus diseases.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141527224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metal-Organic Framework-Based Micro-/Nanomotors for Wastewater Remediation","authors":"Karim El-Naggar, Yangyang Yang, Wenjie Tian, Huayang Zhang, Hongqi Sun, Shaobin Wang","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400110","url":null,"abstract":"Micro-/nanomotors (MNMs) in water remediation have garnered significant attention over the past two decades. More recently, metal-organic framework-based micro-/nanomotors (MOF-MNMs) have been applied for environmental remediation; however, a comprehensive summary of research in this research area is yet to be reported. Herein, a review is presented to cover the recent advances in MOF-MNMs and their various applications in wastewater remediation. The review presents a comprehensive introduction to MNMs, including different propulsion approaches, fabrication, and functionalization strategies, in addition to the unique features of MOF-MNMs. The conception and various synthetic routes of MOF-MNMs are extensively covered and the implementation of MOF-MNMs in water-related applications, including adsorption, degradation, sensing, and disinfection of different pollutants, is in depth discussed. Meanwhile, the propulsion and mechanism of action behind each MOF-MNM are systematically studied. Finally, the review provides insights into the challenges and perspectives to build more effective MOF-MNMs to cover versatile applications for wastewater treatment.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141532288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nanotechnology-Fortified Manipulation of Cell Ca2+ Signaling","authors":"Yaofeng Zhou, Zherui Zhang, Chen Zhou, Yuanhong Ma, Haoye Huang, Junqiu Liu, Dingcheng Zhu","doi":"10.1002/smsc.202400169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202400169","url":null,"abstract":"The manipulation of cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration ([Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>) plays a crucial role in the study of Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling and the therapy of its affected diseases. Nanotechnology enables the development of nanotransducers for targeted, non-invasive, highly spatiotemporal, and on-demand [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> regulation by responding to external energy fields to activate Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels, in situ deliver Ca<sup>2+</sup>, or release the payload of chemical modulators. As considerable strides have been made in Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling-related fundamental research and applications in recent years, in this article, it is tried to present a thorough review of nanotransducer-based [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> manipulation, from the working principle to specific applications. Focusing on the design rationale and constructions of nanotransducers, the interactions between nanotransducers and Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels are highlighted, as well as the downstream effectors of Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling pathways, followed by their representative biomedical applications in disease treatment and neuromodulation. Moreover, despite the enormous progress made to date, nanotransducer-regulated Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling still confronts obstacles, and several scientific issues urgently need to be resolved. Thus, to provide brief and valid instructions for the development of nanotransducers for the regulation of Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling, proposals on how to improve the nanotransducer-based [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> manipulation as well as future challenges and prospects are discussed.","PeriodicalId":29791,"journal":{"name":"Small Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":12.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141527485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}