Conventional hemodialysis membranes exhibit suboptimal blood compatibility, predisposing patients to thrombotic events and oxidative stress-associated complications that accelerate disease progression. To address this challenge, we developed a gallic acid carbon dots (GA-CDs)-functionalized polyethersulfone (PES) membrane via polydopamine-assisted co-deposition of nitrogen-doped GA-CDs and a heparin-mimetic polymer. The resulting membrane features stable surface immobilization of GA-CDs, conferring durable hemocompatibility and intrinsic dual functionality: (i) sustained ROS-scavenging-driven antioxidant activity for long-term oxidative stress mitigation; and (ii) enhancement of anticoagulant performance through suppression of oxidative stress-mediated tissue factor (TF) activation, thereby synergistically preventing thrombosis. Mechanistically, GA-CDs activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling cascade to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes, efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, and protection against oxidative cellular damage. Concurrently, by scavenging ROS, GA-CDs suppressed oxidative stress-induced tissue factor activation, establishing a functional link between redox homeostasis and coagulation regulation. In vitro evaluation demonstrated outstanding dual functionality: potent free radical scavenging capacity (83% DPPH and 97% ABTS⁺ scavenging), significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT 420 s, 8.4-fold increase vs. control), excellent cytocompatibility, and markedly improved hemocompatibility. Collectively, these findings highlight the translational promise of this rationally designed dual-action hemodialysis membrane, where localized durable ROS scavenging and surface-confined anticoagulation operate in concert to mitigate key pathophysiological drivers of dialysis-associated complications.

To address blood and tissue eschar adhesion and thermal damage in high-frequency electrosurgery, a simple strategy combining dip-coating of a PDMS/TiN composite coating with nanosecond laser etching was proposed to construct a superhemophobic anti-adhesion surface on 316 L stainless steel. The resulting microgroove/nanoprotusion dual-scale structure yields a blood contact angle of (151.7 ± 1.8)°. The PDMS and TiN materials ensure thermal stability, biocompatibility, and inherently avoid risks associated with fluorinated reagents. In dynamic blood adhesion tests at 200 °C, blood droplets gradually curled up and spontaneously detached from the AHEE surface, and could be removed by a gentle airflow. The static blood eschar adhesion force decreased by approximately 99% compared with the pristine surface, and the protein adsorption amount decreased by 68.61%. In real tissue cutting experiments, tissue adhesion decreased by 82.76%, and the carbonized area and thermal damage area were reduced by 58.48% and 68.06%, respectively. Its thermal protection effect originates from the synergistic action of the PDMS insulating layer inducing premature spark discharge and the air/coating thermal barrier. In addition, the surface exhibited antibacterial rates exceeding 80% against S. aureus and E. coli, showed no cytotoxicity, and possessed good chemical and mechanical stability. This work achieves synergistic anti-adhesion, thermal protection, and antibacterial functions, offering a new design approach for electrosurgical surfaces.

Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of mortality, yet small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) are still limited by thrombosis and pathological luminal remodeling caused in part by mechanical mismatch. Here, we developed electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) grafts with a mechanically programmed micro-wavy architecture and artery-like nonlinear elasticity. A conformal methacrylated silk fibroin (SilMA) layer was photopolymerized onto the PLCL fibers to stabilize the programmed structure and improve the blood-contacting interface. The resulting graft preserved a porous architecture, achieved a compliance of 15.0 ± 1.8% per 100 mmHg, and maintained nonlinear mechanics during degradation. Fluid-structure interaction analysis showed improved diameter matching and local hemodynamic distributions closer to those of native arteries under pulsatile loading. SilMA modification also improved hemocompatibility by reducing clot formation and platelet adhesion. At 30 days, the final graft formulation remained patent and showed continuous endothelial coverage, organized α-SMA[+] tissue formation, and a mild inflammatory response. These results demonstrate that interfacial photostabilization can integrate mechanical matching with organized vascular remodeling in biodegradable SDVGs.

Microbial colonization at the biomaterial-tissue interface remains a primary challenge in restorative dental treatments. While root canal sealers act as physical barriers, their lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity limits the eradication of residual pathogens. In this study, we developed an ion-exchange-driven AgCuO2-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposite designed to provide rapid bactericidal activity at the restorative interface. The nanocomposite features AgCuO2 clusters anchored on a TiO2 support. Under Na[+]-rich and mildly acidic conditions typical of infection microenvironments, a cation-exchange mechanism accelerates Ag[+] ion release, while Cu acts as a charge buffer to maintain structural stability. Density functional theory calculations and experimental evaluations validated this rapid ion-release behavior. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibits high protein adsorption capacity, which facilitates the local concentration and retention of Ag[+] at the bacteria-material interface, thereby amplifying the bactericidal effect. When incorporated into commercial resin- and mineral trioxide aggregate-based sealers, the materials achieved rapid and substantial bacterial inactivation against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis within short exposure times. The modified sealers retained essential physicochemical properties complying with ISO 6876 standards, and in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo dermal tests confirmed their biocompatibility. Collectively, this ion-exchange-driven strategy provides a viable mechanism for rapid initial pathogen eradication, presenting a functional approach to designing responsive antibacterial biomaterials.

Selenium (Se) deficiency affects over 1 billion people worldwide, leading to increased susceptibility to various diseases and impaired gut health. To address this issue, the study aimed to develop a fermented milk (FM) fortified with Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) stabilized with Kolliphor HS 15 (KHS15). The research synthesized and characterized SeNPs-KHS15, showing favourable physicochemical properties with SeNPs sizes of 16 nm and high stability across various pHs (1.81-11.98). Fortified FM exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and minimal physicochemical changes. In vivo studies revealed significantly improved Se bioavailability, with blood Se levels in rats reaching 2.8 μg/L after 21 days of consumption. The fortified FM demonstrated protective effects on intestinal health in broiler chickens with antibiotic-associated dysbiosis, evidenced by increased villi area in duodenum (1.79-fold) and cecum (4.0-fold). Selective-media plate counts, which are presumptive and were not confirmed by molecular methods, were higher for Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and lower for opportunistic taxa in the FM-Se group; these microbiota observations are preliminary. Thus, the developed FM fortified with SeNPs-KHS15 shows promise as a proof-of-concept functional food platform for addressing Se deficiency and modulating gut health, with potential applications in animal and human nutrition pending replacement of the pharmaceutical-grade KHS15 stabilizer with a food-grade alternative. At the same time, the advantage of KHS15 over Tween 80 or other food-grade emulsifiers was not tested.

This study presents a rapid, single-step synthesis of polyethylene glycol functionalized gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) using an atmospheric-pressure non-thermal plasma jet (NTPJ), without conventional chemical reducing agents or post-synthetic modification. Extensive plasma diagnostics through electrical, optical, and thermal characterizations revealed a strongly non-equilibrium environment with high electron density, moderate electron temperature, and rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which enabled simultaneous Au[3 +] reduction and PEG-assisted stabilization. Controlled NTPJ exposures and precursor conditions produce spherical PEG-AuNPs with an average diameter 25 ± 10 nm and good colloidal stability. Plasma treatment generates a chemical complex, acidic, and oxidative medium that regulates nanoparticle growth and surface chemistry. The resulting PEG-AuNPs exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, and Hafnia alvei, likely due to their colloidal stability, PEG-surface-association, and effective interaction with bacterial membranes. PEG-surface-association further improves nanoparticle stability, reduces cytotoxicity and suppress biofilm formation. This energy-efficient plasma strategy enables precise structure-property control and provides a scalable pathway for the rational design of antibacterial nanomaterials.

While phospholipid bicelles have long been known as membrane models, the current work focuses on their potential application as topical drug delivery systems. For this, a systematic investigation of bicelles was performed to define the conditions required to maintain the small size and disk-shaped morphology that are favorable for skin penetrating properties. Bicelles consisting of 1,2- dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC, C14) and 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-PC (C6) were used as starting point. PCs bearing acyl chains with either 6 or 7 carbon atoms (C6, C7) could both be mixed with C14, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-PC (C16) or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-PC (C16/C18:1) to fulfill the desired conditions. Size, dynamic properties, and morphology were analyzed by DLS, [1]H NMR diffusion ordered spectroscopy, and cryo-TEM. Stable bicelles were formed at low q-values (<2) and total phospholipid concentrations on average above 15 mM. The phase transition temperatures Tm of C14 and C16 in bicelles were found to be 12.2 ± 1.1 °C and 19.6 ± 1.1 °C in combination with C6, and 10.6 ± 4.4 °C and 22.4 ± 2.1 °C, respectively, when combined with C7. These values, determined by [1]H NMR spectroscopy, were significantly reduced in bicelles compared to their one-component counterparts. The capability of C14/C16-C6/C7 bicelles for encapsulating two water-insoluble porphyrinic photosensitizers (PSs), m-THPP and chlorin e4 (Ce4) in their non-aggregated form, was demonstrated by [1]H NMR. The phase transition profile of bicelles with reduced Tm was largely retained in the presence of encapsulated PSs, except for C14-C6 where Tm went back up. Initial skin penetration experiments demonstrated the ability of bicelles to deliver the PS into the superficial epidermal layer of porcine skin as visualized by fluorescence microscopy. The data underline the high potential of bicelles as topical delivery systems and provide guidelines for preparing bicelles with controlled properties important for predicting and optimizing their skin interaction.

The sensitive and reliable detection of phosphorylated tau at threonine 217 (p-tau217) in Alzheimer's disease is important for early diagnosis and clinical intervention. However, conventional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates often suffer from insufficient molecular enrichment and limited electromagnetic enhancement in complex biofluids. Herein, we developed a flexible SERS platform of UiO-66-NH2@Ag supported by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for the label-free and ultrasensitive detection of p-tau217. Specifically, the porous UiO-66-NH2 framework enriched target molecules and potentially promoted interfacial charge transfer, whereas the densely packed Ag nanoparticles (NPs) generated abundant electromagnetic "hotspots" through localized surface plasmon resonance. The optimized substrate exhibited a remarkable enhancement factor of 5.4 × 10[10]. Benefiting from the superior near-field confinement assisted by charge transfer, the enrichment capability of the UiO-66-NH2 framework, and the signal uniformity afforded by the PDMS substrate, a quantitative detection of p-tau217 was enabled over a wide concentration range of 10[-11] - 10[-6] mg/mL. Notably, the platform also achieved reliable and reproducible performance in complex biological matrices, including serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and tear fluid. These results demonstrate that the proposed strategy offers an effective approach to combine molecular enrichment with plasmonic amplification in a flexible sensing system, which is benefit for trace biomarker detection.

Hydrophobic anthraquinone derivatives hold great promise for preparing red-emitting carbon dots (R-CDs), yet precise control over water solubility and luminescence remains challenging. Herein, we report a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of water-soluble R-CDs (AM-CDs) using aloe-emodin and urea. By tuning the nitrogen doping level, the carbon core size (1.48-4.11 nm) and emission behavior of AM-CDs are systematically regulated: low N/C ratios (0.15-0.3) yield molecular/carbon-core emission; moderate ratios (0.6-0.9) produce ordered ~4 nm cores with high graphitic N (77.7%) and excitation-independent 625 nm red emission; excess N/C (>1.2) introduces defect states. DFT calculations reveal that graphitic nitrogen regulates sp[2] carbon growth via C-N-C crosslinking, synergistically with intrinsic hydroxyls to narrow the bandgap (4.14→3.76 eV) and enhance polarization. Comparative studies of anthraquinone precursors with distinct substituents (alizarin, rhein, chrysophanol) under identical nitrogen doping conditions demonstrate that hydroxyl positioning and reactivity determine nitrogen-guided carbonization efficiency, establishing a "precursor structure-limited and nitrogen-regulated" mechanism. The optimized AM-CDs achieve 36 h tumor imaging and 92.2% tumor inhibition in mice, alongside preferential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 341 μg mL[-1]). This work reveals the critical role of nitrogen in rational R-CD construction from anthraquinone precursors, providing a viable strategy for advanced theranostic nanomaterials.

Bladder cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, characterised by a high recurrence rate and substantial healthcare costs. Although advances in surgery, systemic therapy, and intravesical treatment have improved clinical outcomes, treatment-related toxicity, therapeutic resistance, and the persistently poor prognosis of advanced disease highlight the need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Ultrasound-based micro/nanotherapeutics offer a promising approach that combines deep tissue penetration with high focal precision in a non-invasive, externally controllable manner. This review summarises recent advances in ultrasound-mediated therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer, including ultrasound-mediated drug and gene delivery, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. It describes how ultrasound, often in combination with microbubbles or nanobubbles, enhances the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and therapeutic genes through cavitation-induced permeabilisation of biological barriers. It then examines the mechanisms underlying SDT-induced reactive oxygen species generation and its integration with chemodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and imaging, alongside tumour microenvironment (TME) modulation strategies such as hypoxia relief and antioxidant depletion that augment SDT efficacy. Finally, it discusses HIFU ablation, including nanoparticle-assisted strategies that enhance tumour destruction through combined thermal and mechanical effects. The limitations of each modality and future directions for clinical translation, including standardisation of ultrasound devices and exposure parameters, optimisation of nanoplatform design, and integration of artificial intelligence-based predictive models, are also discussed.

Prolonged skin contact with wearable sensors can promote perspiration-induced bacterial accumulation and biofilm formation, potentially compromising device performance and long-term health monitoring. Here, we introduce a flexible 3D piezoelectric ZnO tetrapod-poly(vinylidene fluoride) (ZnO-Ts/PVDF) composite that enables on-demand antibacterial activity without relying on antimicrobial-agent leaching. The unique 3D morphology of ZnO tetrapods enhances charge generation under mechanical deformation and ultrasonic activation, promoting localized electron transfer and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that contribute to bacterial membrane damage. The composite exhibited > 98% bactericidal efficiency under mechanical stimulation and > 90% under ultrasonic stimulation. Wearable time-course studies on human skin at 8, 16, and 24 h demonstrated a substantially lower recoverable culturable bacterial burden on ZnO-Ts/PVDF than on pristine PVDF under both dry (forearm) and humid (toe) conditions. The film also exhibited excellent durability, retaining > 95% antibacterial activity over 20 days. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a flexible and reusable piezoelectric antibacterial platform in which morphology-assisted membrane disruption and stimulation-induced oxidative processes contribute to antibacterial activity. This platform provides a promising strategy for self-cleaning, skin-contact wearable and biomedical interfaces.

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide and results from disruption of the cornea's angiogenic privilege by excessive angiogenic signaling and oxidative stress. Current clinical management relies on corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anti-VEGF injections, yet these approaches often provide incomplete efficacy and are associated with adverse effects, invasiveness, or limited patient compliance. In this study, we developed a multifunctional polymeric vesicle platform, termed PPM, to address these limitations through combined anti-angiogenic and antioxidant mechanisms. PPM vesicles are self-assembled from the diblock copolymer P(PEGMA10-co-PBA2)-b-PMTEMA25, in which the PMTEMA membrane confers reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsiveness and intrinsic antioxidative capacity, while the phenylboronic acid-functionalized PEGMA corona enhances mucoadhesion. The multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib (Nint) was encapsulated within the hydrophobic vesicle membrane, enabling controlled release under ROS-rich inflammatory conditions. In a murine CNV model, topically administered Nint@PPM vesicles suppressed pathological neovascularization, attenuated oxidative stress, and facilitated corneal epithelial recovery. These results demonstrate that ROS-responsive, mucoadhesive polymeric vesicles provide a noninvasive strategy for improving ocular drug delivery and CNV treatment.

Biological hydrogen production is an attractive route toward sustainable fuel generation, but its efficiency remains limited by poor electron transfer across the bacterial envelope. Here, we construct a conductive biohybrid electrode (CC/PPy@E. coli) by decorating Escherichia coli (E. coli) with Fe[3 +]-initiated polypyrrole (PPy) and immobilizing hybrid cells on the carbon cloth (CC) surface. Spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations confirm the formation of a PPy layer on the bacterial surface and the stable attachment of the hybrid to the conductive scaffold. Under optimized conditions, CC/PPy@E. coli produces 2.0 times hydrogen within 24 h than the output of CC/E. coli under the same electrical stimulation and 1.7 times that of the same biohybrid electrode without electrical stimulation. The biohybrid electrode further maintains a clear performance advantage during repeated operation and retains relatively high activity at seawater. Metabolite profiling further suggests that electrical stimulation redistributes intracellular carbon flux around pyruvate, favoring the formate-linked branch associated with hydrogen evolution while suppressing the competing lactate pathway. These results identify conductive polymer engineering of the biotic-abiotic interface as an effective strategy for improving electrical stimulated microbial hydrogen production.

This study employed Ovalbumin-Lysozyme (OVA-Lz) complexes as a model system to investigate the effects of alkali-heat treatment combined with charged amino acids on foaming behavior, interfacial properties, and foam destabilization mechanisms. Foaming properties, foam half-life, foam microstructure, foam rheology, surface tension, interfacial protein content, and QCM-D responses were evaluated. Alkali-heat treatment induced the conversion of OVA into S-ovalbumin (S-OVA), increasing molecular flexibility and surface hydrophobicity. S-OVA exhibited a higher foaming capacity than native OVA, whereas Lz addition markedly reduced the foam stability and half-life of the S-OVA system. Basic amino acids suppressed excessive aggregation, improved complex dispersion and foam structural integrity, and prolonged foam half-life, whereas acidic amino acids had limited effects on foam stability. The combined analyses suggested that foam stability was closely associated with the continuity, viscoelastic response, and dynamic restructuring ability of the foam/interfacial structure, rather than being determined solely by the amount of protein associated with the foam phase. This study further links aggregation regulation with foam functionality, providing a theoretical basis for balancing thermal stability and functionality in protein-based foams.

Lung cancer, with its high incidence and mortality rates, urgently demands innovative therapeutic strategies to address the limitations of conventional treatments, such as nonspecific toxicity and the development of drug resistance. Plant-derived exosomes have recently emerged as promising natural nanocarriers, owing to their inherent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and intrinsic bioactive properties. In this work, a novel hybrid nanovesicle system (HNVs) was developed by fusing exosomes isolated from Bergenia purpurascens roots (BPR-Exos), which inherently inhibit tumor migration through the ID1-Snail pathway, with pH-sensitive liposomes. This design integrated the biological activity of BPR-Exos with the engineered capability of tumor-acid-responsive drug release. Upon encapsulation of the anticancer drug curcumin (Cur), HNVs@Cur demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, potentiated cellular uptake, and sustained release. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that HNVs@Cur significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion of lung cancer cells, and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, HNVs@Cur exhibited favorable tumor-targeting ability and biosafety. Taken together, this novel hybrid nanovesicle system represents a promising synergistic strategy for targeted lung cancer therapy, providing a valuable reference for further therapeutic development.