Chem & Bio Engineering最新文献

Emerging electrochemical uranium extraction from seawater offers a promising route for a sustainable fuel supply for nuclear reactor operation. In this work, we intentionally synthesized a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) with π-conjugated skeletons and permanent porosity, which was induced by in situ electropolymerization on flexible carbon cloths, followed by postdecorating amidoxime groups to create functional materials (CMP-AO). Driven by an extra asymmetrical alternating current electrochemical extraction, the self-supporting and binder-free electrode is exceptionally capable of selectively and rapidly capturing U(VI) from simulated solution, affording an extraction capacity of ∼1806.4 mg/g without saturation. Experimental observation in combination with ex/in situ spectroscopy revealed that CMP-AO enabled surface selective binding sites (amidoxime groups) to U(VI), followed by electrocatalytic reduction (carbazole groups) to yield yellow precipitates (Na₂O(UO₃·H₂O) _x ) via reversible electron transfer in the presence of sodium electrolyte. Furthermore, the integrating adsorption-electrocatalysis system achieved an extraction capacity of 18.8 mg/g in real seawater for 21 days and good antibiofouling abilities, validating its feasibility for practical application.

Emerging electrochemical uranium extraction from seawater offers a promising route for a sustainable fuel supply for nuclear reactor operation. In this work, we intentionally synthesized a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) with π-conjugated skeletons and permanent porosity, which was induced by in situ electropolymerization on flexible carbon cloths, followed by postdecorating amidoxime groups to create functional materials (CMP-AO). Driven by an extra asymmetrical alternating current electrochemical extraction, the self-supporting and binder-free electrode is exceptionally capable of selectively and rapidly capturing U(VI) from simulated solution, affording an extraction capacity of ∼1806.4 mg/g without saturation. Experimental observation in combination with ex/in situ spectroscopy revealed that CMP-AO enabled surface selective binding sites (amidoxime groups) to U(VI), followed by electrocatalytic reduction (carbazole groups) to yield yellow precipitates (Na₂O(UO₃·H₂O)_x) via reversible electron transfer in the presence of sodium electrolyte. Furthermore, the integrating adsorption-electrocatalysis system achieved an extraction capacity of 18.8 mg/g in real seawater for 21 days and good antibiofouling abilities, validating its feasibility for practical application.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) performs both as a static scaffold and as a dynamic, viscoelastic milieu that actively participates in cell signaling and mechanical feedback loops. Recently, biomaterials with tunable viscoelastic properties have been utilized to mimic the native ECM in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicines. These materials can be designed to support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, facilitating the repair or replacement of damaged tissues. Moreover, viscoelasticity modulation of ECM mimicry helps to develop therapeutic strategies for diseases involving altered mechanical properties of tissues such as fibrosis or cancer. The study of biomaterial viscoelasticity thus intersects with a broad spectrum of biological and medical disciplines, offering insights into fundamental cell biology and practical solutions for improving human health. This review delves into the design and fabrication strategies of viscoelastic hydrogels, focusing particularly on two major viscoelastic parameters, mechanical strength and stress relaxation, and how the hydrogel mechanics influence the interactions between living cells and surrounding microenvironments. Meanwhile, this review discusses current bottlenecks in hydrogel-cell mechanics studies, highlighting the challenges in viscoelastic parameter decoupling, long-term stable maintenance of viscoelastic microenvironment, and the general applicability of testing standards and conversion protocols.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) performs both as a static scaffold and as a dynamic, viscoelastic milieu that actively participates in cell signaling and mechanical feedback loops. Recently, biomaterials with tunable viscoelastic properties have been utilized to mimic the native ECM in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicines. These materials can be designed to support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, facilitating the repair or replacement of damaged tissues. Moreover, viscoelasticity modulation of ECM mimicry helps to develop therapeutic strategies for diseases involving altered mechanical properties of tissues such as fibrosis or cancer. The study of biomaterial viscoelasticity thus intersects with a broad spectrum of biological and medical disciplines, offering insights into fundamental cell biology and practical solutions for improving human health. This review delves into the design and fabrication strategies of viscoelastic hydrogels, focusing particularly on two major viscoelastic parameters, mechanical strength and stress relaxation, and how the hydrogel mechanics influence the interactions between living cells and surrounding microenvironments. Meanwhile, this review discusses current bottlenecks in hydrogel-cell mechanics studies, highlighting the challenges in viscoelastic parameter decoupling, long-term stable maintenance of viscoelastic microenvironment, and the general applicability of testing standards and conversion protocols.

The extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagen, is acknowledged for its significant impact on cell migration. However, the detailed mechanisms through which it influences pseudopodium formation and cell motility are not yet fully understood. This study delves into the impact of recombinant human type III collagen (hCOL3) on cell migration, specifically focusing on the dynamics of pseudopodia and their contribution to cell motility. The research evaluates the impact of a fragmented form of hCOL3, engineered for the study, on cell motility and pseudopodium behavior using both single-cell and collective-cell migration assays. The results demonstrate that hCOL3 promotes cell migration velocity, augments the effective diffusion coefficient, and enhances directionality in both single-cell and collective migration contexts. Observations from scanning electron microscopy reveal that treatment with hCOL3 increases both the number and length of filopodia, which are crucial for cell migration and interaction with the ECM. The study suggests that hCOL3 facilitates a more targeted and rapid migration. The presence of an increased number of filopodia on surfaces treated with hCOL3 enhances the cell's ability to detect environmental cues and extent, thereby augmenting its migratory capacity. This discovery could potentially lead to greater efficiency in wound healing processes.

The extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagen, is acknowledged for its significant impact on cell migration. However, the detailed mechanisms through which it influences pseudopodium formation and cell motility are not yet fully understood. This study delves into the impact of recombinant human type III collagen (hCOL3) on cell migration, specifically focusing on the dynamics of pseudopodia and their contribution to cell motility. The research evaluates the impact of a fragmented form of hCOL3, engineered for the study, on cell motility and pseudopodium behavior using both single-cell and collective-cell migration assays. The results demonstrate that hCOL3 promotes cell migration velocity, augments the effective diffusion coefficient, and enhances directionality in both single-cell and collective migration contexts. Observations from scanning electron microscopy reveal that treatment with hCOL3 increases both the number and length of filopodia, which are crucial for cell migration and interaction with the ECM. The study suggests that hCOL3 facilitates a more targeted and rapid migration. The presence of an increased number of filopodia on surfaces treated with hCOL3 enhances the cell’s ability to detect environmental cues and extent, thereby augmenting its migratory capacity. This discovery could potentially lead to greater efficiency in wound healing processes.

Nanoparticles entering biological systems or fluids inevitably adsorb biomolecules, such as protein, on their surfaces, forming a protein corona. Ensuing, the protein corona endows nanoparticles with a new biological identity and impacts the interaction between the nanoparticles and biological systems. Hence, the development of reliable techniques for protein corona isolation and analysis is key for understanding the biological behaviors of nanoparticles. First, this review systematically outlines the approach for isolating the protein corona, including centrifugation, magnetic separation, size exclusion chromatography, flow-field-flow fractionation, and other emerging methods. Next, we review the qualitative and quantitative characterization methods of the protein corona. Finally, we underscore the necessary steps to advance the efficiency and fidelity of protein corona isolation and characterization on nanoparticle surfaces. We anticipate that these insights into protein corona isolation and characterization methodologies will profoundly influence the development of technologies aimed at elucidating bionano interactions and the role of protein corona in various biomedical applications.

Nanoparticles entering biological systems or fluids inevitably adsorb biomolecules, such as protein, on their surfaces, forming a protein corona. Ensuing, the protein corona endows nanoparticles with a new biological identity and impacts the interaction between the nanoparticles and biological systems. Hence, the development of reliable techniques for protein corona isolation and analysis is key for understanding the biological behaviors of nanoparticles. First, this review systematically outlines the approach for isolating the protein corona, including centrifugation, magnetic separation, size exclusion chromatography, flow-field-flow fractionation, and other emerging methods. Next, we review the qualitative and quantitative characterization methods of the protein corona. Finally, we underscore the necessary steps to advance the efficiency and fidelity of protein corona isolation and characterization on nanoparticle surfaces. We anticipate that these insights into protein corona isolation and characterization methodologies will profoundly influence the development of technologies aimed at elucidating bionano interactions and the role of protein corona in various biomedical applications.

Cellulose is the most abundant and important biopolymer in our world, and it can also be biosynthesized by certain types of bacteria, such as Komagataeibacter xylinus. However, due to the requirement of oxygen access during such bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis, as well as the high crystallinity and poor processability of BC, it is very challenging to fabricate 3D BC structures with well-defined shape, geometry, and internal structure. In recent years, the rapid progress of polymer additive manufacturing and biofabrication has provided new and versatile approaches for fabricating hierarchical 3D cellulose structures. This can be achieved by either incorporating BC in the 3D printing feedstock or, more interestingly, by incorporating cellulose-generating bacteria in a living ink followed by in situ BC biosynthesis. In this Perspective, we critically examine the potential of various advanced biofabrication technologies in fabricating hierarchical 3D cellulose structures, especially those based on integrating additive manufacturing with in situ microbial biosynthesis. Moreover, sustainable biocomposites based on BC and microbial biosynthesis are also discussed. The current challenges and future opportunities of microbial-biosynthesis-enabled 3D cellulose structures are highlighted. Their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, lightweight composites, thermal management, and energy storage are also discussed.

Cellulose is the most abundant and important biopolymer in our world, and it can also be biosynthesized by certain types of bacteria, such as Komagataeibacter xylinus. However, due to the requirement of oxygen access during such bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis, as well as the high crystallinity and poor processability of BC, it is very challenging to fabricate 3D BC structures with well-defined shape, geometry, and internal structure. In recent years, the rapid progress of polymer additive manufacturing and biofabrication has provided new and versatile approaches for fabricating hierarchical 3D cellulose structures. This can be achieved by either incorporating BC in the 3D printing feedstock or, more interestingly, by incorporating cellulose-generating bacteria in a living ink followed by in situ BC biosynthesis. In this Perspective, we critically examine the potential of various advanced biofabrication technologies in fabricating hierarchical 3D cellulose structures, especially those based on integrating additive manufacturing with in situ microbial biosynthesis. Moreover, sustainable biocomposites based on BC and microbial biosynthesis are also discussed. The current challenges and future opportunities of microbial-biosynthesis-enabled 3D cellulose structures are highlighted. Their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, lightweight composites, thermal management, and energy storage are also discussed.