Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-07-17DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.19
Dae‐Yeon Jo, Hyun‐Min Kim, Goo Min Park, Donghyeok Shin, Yuri Kim, Yang-Hee Kim, Chae Woo Ryu, Heesun Yang
{"title":"Unity quantum yield of InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots enabled by Zn halide-derived hybrid shelling approach","authors":"Dae‐Yeon Jo, Hyun‐Min Kim, Goo Min Park, Donghyeok Shin, Yuri Kim, Yang-Hee Kim, Chae Woo Ryu, Heesun Yang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.19","url":null,"abstract":"Environment-benign indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) show great promise as visible emitters for next-generation display applications, where bright and narrow emissivity of QDs should be required toward high-efficiency, high-color reproducibility. The photoluminescence (PL) performance of InP QDs has been consistently, markedly improved, particularly owing to the exquisite synthetic control over core size homogeneity and core/shell heterostructural variation. To date, synthesis of most high-quality InP QDs has been implemented by using zinc (Zn) carboxylate as a shell precursor that unavoidably entails the formation of surface oxide on InP core. Herein, we demonstrate synthesis of superbly bright, color-pure green InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs by exploring an innovative hybrid Zn shelling approach, where Zn halide (ZnX2, X = Cl, Br, I) and Zn oleate are co-used as shell precursors. In the hybrid Zn shelling process, the type of ZnX2 is found to affect the growth outcomes of ZnSe inner shell and consequent optical properties of the resulting heterostructured InP QDs. Enabled by not only the near-complete removal of the oxide layer on InP core surface through the hybrid Zn shelling process but the controlled growth rate of ZnSe inner shell, green InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs achieve a record quantum yield (QY) up to unity along with a highly sharp linewidth of 32 nm upon growth of an optimal ZnSe shell thickness. This work affords an effective means to synthesize high-quality heterostructured InP QDs with superb emissive properties.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141831089","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-07-09DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.20
Zhiqiang Ma, B. L. Khoo
{"title":"Recent advances in laser-induced-graphene-based soft skin electronics for intelligent healthcare","authors":"Zhiqiang Ma, B. L. Khoo","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.20","url":null,"abstract":"Skin is a rich source of invaluable information for healthcare management and disease diagnostics. The integration of soft skin electronics enables precise and timely capture of these cues at the skin interface. Leveraging attributes such as lightweight design, compact size, high integration, biocompatibility, and enhanced comfort, these technologies hold significant promise for advancing various applications. However, the fabrication process for most existing soft skin electronics typically requires expensive platforms and clean-room environments, potentially inflating production costs. In recent years, the emergence of laser-induced-graphene (LIG) has presented a practical solution for developing soft skin electronics that are both cost-effective and high-performing. This advancement paves the way for the widespread adoption of intelligent healthcare technologies. Here, we comprehensively review recent studies focusing on LIG-based soft skin electronics (LIGS2E) for intelligent healthcare applications. We first outline the preparation methodologies, fundamental properties of LIG, and standard regulation strategies employed in developing soft skin electronics. Subsequently, we present an overview of various LIGS2E designs and their diverse applications in intelligent healthcare. These applications encompass biophysical and biochemical sensors, bio-actuators, and power supply systems. Finally, we deliberate on the potential challenges associated with the practical implementation of LIGS2E in healthcare settings and offer insights into future directions for research and development. By elucidating the capabilities and limitations of LIGS2E, this review aims to contribute to advancing intelligent healthcare technologies.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"97 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141664065","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-06-12DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.09
Kang Hyeon Kim, Jeong Hyeon Kim, Yu Jin Ko, Han Eol Lee
{"title":"Body-attachable multifunctional electronic skins for bio-signal monitoring and therapeutic applications","authors":"Kang Hyeon Kim, Jeong Hyeon Kim, Yu Jin Ko, Han Eol Lee","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.09","url":null,"abstract":"The lack of infrastructure and accessibility in medical treatments has been considered as a global chronic issue since the concept of treatment and prevention was presented. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical reaction capability for epidemic outbreak/spread has been spotlighted as a critical issue to the fore worldwide. To reduce the burden on the medical system from the simultaneous disease emergence, the personalized wearable electronic systems have arisen as the next-generation biomedical monitoring/treating equipment for infectious diseases at the initial stage. In particular, electronic skin (e-skin) with its potential for multifunctional extendibility has been enabled to be applied to next-generation long-term healthcare devices with real-time biosignal sensing. Here, we introduce the recent enhancements of various e-skin systems for healthcare applications in terms of material types and device structures, including sensor components, biological signal sensing mechanisms, applicable technological advancements, and medical utilization.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"139 28","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141350971","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-06-11DOI: 10.20517/ss.2023.58
Xilong Zhang, Chang Liu, Rongyu Tang, Weichen Feng, Jingru Gao, Bingjie Wu, Zhongshan Deng, Jing Liu, Lei Li
{"title":"Liquid metal neuro-electrical interface","authors":"Xilong Zhang, Chang Liu, Rongyu Tang, Weichen Feng, Jingru Gao, Bingjie Wu, Zhongshan Deng, Jing Liu, Lei Li","doi":"10.20517/ss.2023.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.58","url":null,"abstract":"Liquid metal (LM), an emerging functional material, plays increasing roles in biomedical and healthcare areas. It has particular values in neural interfaces as it combines high conductivity, flowability, and biocompatibility properties. Neuro-electrical interfaces (NEIs) are effective tools to provide a bridge between the nervous system and the outside world. The main target of developing neural interfaces is to help disabled people repair damaged nerves and enhance human capacity above normal ability. This article systematically summarizes LM-based neural interface technologies, including neural electrodes for electrical signal acquisition and administration of electrical stimulation and nerve guidance conduits for neural connectivity and functional reconstruction. The discussion begins with an overview of the fundamental properties associated with LM materials involved in the field of neural interface applications. The fabrication methods of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits are then introduced, and the current development status of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits is elaborated. Finally, the prospects and possible challenges of LM-based neural interfaces are outlined.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"79 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141359728","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-05-24DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.11
Nora Asyikin Binti Zulkifli, Wooseong Jeong, Mijin Kim, Cheolgi Kim, Young Hwii Ko, Dong Choon Hyun, Sungwon Lee
{"title":"3D-printed magnetic-based air pressure sensor for continuous respiration monitoring and breathing rehabilitation","authors":"Nora Asyikin Binti Zulkifli, Wooseong Jeong, Mijin Kim, Cheolgi Kim, Young Hwii Ko, Dong Choon Hyun, Sungwon Lee","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.11","url":null,"abstract":"The rapid development of point-of-care testing has made prompt diagnosis, monitoring and treatment possible for many patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. Currently, the biggest challenge is further optimizing testing devices to facilitate more functionalities with higher efficiency and performance, along with specificity toward patient needs. By understanding that patients with chronic respiratory diseases may have difficulty breathing within a normal range, a respiration sensor is developed focusing on sensitivities in the lower air pressure range. In contrast to the simpler airflow data, the sensor can provide respiratory air pressure as an output using a magnetic-based pressure sensor. This unconventional but highly reliable approach, combined with the rest of the simple 3D-printed design of the sensor, offers a wide range of tunability and functionalities. Due to the detachable components of the respiration sensor, the device can be easily transformed into other respiratory uses such as an inspiratory muscle training device or modified to cater for higher-ranged deep breathing. Therefore, not only does it reach very low air pressure measurement (0.1 cmH2O) for normal, tidal breathing, but the sensor can also be manipulated to detect high levels of air pressure (up to 35 cmH2O for exhalation and 45 cmH2O for inhalation). With its excellent sensitivities (0.0456 mV/cmH2O for inhalation, -0.0940 mV/cmH2O for exhalation), impressive distinction between inhalation and exhalation, and fully reproducible and convenient design, we believe that this respiration sensor will pave the way for developing multimodal and multifunctional respiration sensors within the biomedical field.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"9 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141099786","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":"Recent advances of sweat sampling, sensing, energy-harvesting and data-display toward flexible sweat electronics","authors":"Guangyao Zhao, Zhiyuan Li, Xingcan Huang, Qiang Zhang, Yiming Liu, Xinge Yu","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.04","url":null,"abstract":"Sweat contains diverse types of biomarkers that can mirror an individual’s health condition. The forefront research of sweat monitoring primarily focuses on sensing basic parameters, i.e., sweat rate and single electrolyte imbalances in controlled laboratory settings. However, recent works show the potential of sweat for the rich biomarkers in aspects of comprehensive health status display, timely safety alarming, and energy harvesting. The advances in wearable flexible electronics enable continuous, real-time, noninvasive detection of multiple sweat components, providing molecular-level insights into human physiology and psychology information; additionally, the efficient sweat extraction technologies of flexible electronics promote its application in energy harvesting, contributing to advancing a flexible sweat platform. This review comprehensively explores flexible sweat-based electronics, encompassing four key aspects: sweat sampling methods, sweat-based sensors, sweat-based energy harvesters, and sweat data display methods. Firstly, the traditional sweat-based platform is discussed in sweat sampling, sensing, and data analysis. Then, the development of wearable sweat sampling methods is discussed with a comparison of the traditional sweat collection methods. After that, the recent advances in sweat-based biosensors for monitoring diverse sweat analytes, such as the perspiration volume, glucose, lactate, and uric acid levels, are summarized. Subsequently, this review also highlights the recent progress and potential value of sweat-based energy harvesters in sweat-activated batteries and bio-fuel cells. Furthermore, multiple data display methods are proposed to achieve accurate feedback on health status, such as colorimetric techniques, light-emitting diodes, actuators, etc. Finally, this review concludes the main current challenges faced in practical applications of sweat-based bioelectronic systems and proposes a vision for the future evolution of this promising field.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"84 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141123064","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-05-17DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.13
Shenghan Zou, Yuzhi Li, Zheng Gong
{"title":"Shape-deformable Micro-LEDs for advanced displays and healthcare","authors":"Shenghan Zou, Yuzhi Li, Zheng Gong","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.13","url":null,"abstract":"Recently, flexible/stretchable micro-scale light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with dimensions significantly smaller than conventional diodes used for illuminations, have emerged for promising applications in areas such as deformable displays, wearable devices for healthcare, etc . For such applications, these devices must have some unusual features that common inorganic LEDs do not intrinsically own, including conformability, biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, etc . This Perspective focuses on summarizing the most recent progress in developing such flexible emitters based on inorganic semiconductors, followed by reviewing their potential applications. Finally, major challenges and future research directions of deformable micro-scale LEDs are presented.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140962949","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":"Latest developments and trends in electronic skin devices","authors":"Pengyu Zhu, Zihan Li, Jinbo Pang, Peng He, Shuye Zhang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.05","url":null,"abstract":"The skin, a vital medium for human-environment communication, stands as an indispensable and pivotal element in the realms of both production and daily life. As the landscape of science and technology undergoes gradual evolution and the demand for seamless human-machine interfaces continues to surge, an escalating need emerges for a counterpart to our biological skin - electronic skins (e-skins). Achieving high-performance sensing capabilities comparable to our skin has consistently posed a formidable challenge. In this article, we systematically outline fundamental strategies enabling e-skins with capabilities including strain sensing, pressure sensing, shear sensing, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and self-healing. Subsequently, complex e-skin systems and current major applications were briefly introduced. We conclude by envisioning the future trajectory, anticipating continued advancements and transformative innovations shaping the dynamic landscape of e-skin technology. This article provides a profound insight into the current state of e-skins, potentially inspiring scholars to explore new possibilities.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"36 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140979165","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-04-23DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.06
You-Jung Park, Young‐In Ryu, Myung-Kyun Choi, Kyung-Sub Kim, Seung-Kyun Kang
{"title":"Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable electronics: from dissolution kinetics to trigger acceleration","authors":"You-Jung Park, Young‐In Ryu, Myung-Kyun Choi, Kyung-Sub Kim, Seung-Kyun Kang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.06","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable electronics have revolutionized the field of medical devices by offering inherent advantages such as natural disintegration after a useful functional period, thereby eliminating the need for removal surgery. This paradigm shift addresses challenges with long-term implantation, the risks of secondary surgeries, and potential complications, offering a safer and more patient-friendly approach to temporary implantable devices. This review delves into the dissolution kinetics of materials and strategies for lifetime control providing a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biodegradable electronics. Understanding the kinetics is crucial for meeting the required functional lifetime for implantable medical applications, which varies based on application scope and target diseases. The dissolution kinetics of silicon and biodegradable metals form the core of the discussion, focusing on recent studies aimed at controlling the dissolution rate and enhancing properties. The exploration extends to ideas for accelerating material degradation or initiating on-demand degradation in biodegradable electronics after stable function. Additionally, the compilation of encapsulation layer materials and strategies enhances understanding of how to improve the stable operation time of devices. Emphasis is placed on efforts to adjust the lifetime of biodegradable electronics, particularly in medical applications.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140667765","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}
Soft sciencePub Date : 2024-04-23DOI: 10.20517/ss.2024.02
Han Hee Jung, Hyeokjun Lee, Junwoo Yea, Kyung-In Jang
{"title":"Wearable electrochemical sensors for real-time monitoring in diabetes mellitus and associated complications","authors":"Han Hee Jung, Hyeokjun Lee, Junwoo Yea, Kyung-In Jang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.02","url":null,"abstract":"This comprehensive review underscores the pivotal role wearable electrochemical sensors play in the proactive management and prevention of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications. Acknowledging the substantial impact of DM on individuals and the urgency for effective monitoring strategies, wearable sensors have emerged as a pragmatic solution. These sensors can detect analytical signals from biofluids, including sweat, tears, saliva, and interstitial fluid (ISF), employing minimally invasive techniques facilitated by technological advancements. The seamless integration of these sensors with computational platforms such as smartphones enhances their practicality for routine use. The review systematically explores diverse methodologies, encompassing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic principles, employed for the surveillance of analytes within biofluids. These foundational principles are meticulously applied to wearable devices, affording point-of-care solutions catering to the detection of individual analytes or simultaneous multiplexed analyte detection. The integration of wireless systems and the incorporation of machine learning algorithms introduce a layer of sophistication, elevating the capability of these sensors for the nuanced monitoring of DM and its complications. Through an in-depth analysis of these advancements, this review describes the significant potential of wearable electrochemical sensors as an essential tool for real-time monitoring and managing DM. The diverse approaches presented underscore the adaptability, versatility, and inherent efficacy of these sensors in addressing the multifaceted challenges intrinsic to DM and its associated complications within academic discourse.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"92 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140670347","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}