Megan A. Parker, Dirk Hauschild, Ravi Priya, Constantin Wansorra, Ralph Steininger, Benjamin Peerless, Lothar Weinhardt, Clemens Heske, Stefanie Dehnen
While Zintl compounds comprising Bi-based anions of p-block elements have been used as starting materials for larger bismuth-based clusters, their potential to form nanoparticles has not yet been explored. Here, bimetallic nanoparticles are synthesized from the oxidation of bismuth-based pseudo-tetrahedral Zintl anions (InBi3)2−, (Sn2Bi2)2−, (TlBi3)2−, and (Pb2Bi2)2−. The anions rapidly oxidize at ambient conditions to form metallic seeds, with the mild oxidizing agent PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), which also serves as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticle growth. Each elemental combination behaves uniquely, resulting in bimetallic nanoparticles of varying forms (i.e., alloyed, core-shell, and Janus-type). The resulting nanoparticles show a relatively narrow size distribution with median diameters of ∼20–25 nm and exhibit ultraviolet (UV) absorption, with spectral features tunable by composition. The morphology and composition were analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µ-XFS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), synchrotron-based hard and soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES and PES), and attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This approach demonstrates that binary Zintl anions can serve as versatile molecular precursors for designing heterometallic nanoparticles with controlled composition, morphology, and optical properties.
{"title":"Bimetallic Bismuth-Based Nanoparticles From Pseudo-Tetrahedral Zintl Anions","authors":"Megan A. Parker, Dirk Hauschild, Ravi Priya, Constantin Wansorra, Ralph Steininger, Benjamin Peerless, Lothar Weinhardt, Clemens Heske, Stefanie Dehnen","doi":"10.1002/smll.73221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.73221","url":null,"abstract":"While Zintl compounds comprising Bi-based anions of p-block elements have been used as starting materials for larger bismuth-based clusters, their potential to form nanoparticles has not yet been explored. Here, bimetallic nanoparticles are synthesized from the oxidation of bismuth-based pseudo-tetrahedral Zintl anions (InBi<sub>3</sub>)<sup>2−</sup>, (Sn<sub>2</sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>)<sup>2−</sup>, (TlBi<sub>3</sub>)<sup>2−</sup>, and (Pb<sub>2</sub>Bi<sub>2</sub>)<sup>2−</sup>. The anions rapidly oxidize at ambient conditions to form metallic seeds, with the mild oxidizing agent PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), which also serves as a stabilizing agent for nanoparticle growth. Each elemental combination behaves uniquely, resulting in bimetallic nanoparticles of varying forms (i.e., alloyed, core-shell, and <i>Janus</i>-type). The resulting nanoparticles show a relatively narrow size distribution with median diameters of ∼20–25 nm and exhibit ultraviolet (UV) absorption, with spectral features tunable by composition. The morphology and composition were analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µ-XFS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), synchrotron-based hard and soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES and PES), and attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This approach demonstrates that binary Zintl anions can serve as versatile molecular precursors for designing heterometallic nanoparticles with controlled composition, morphology, and optical properties.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147507201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad S. Jamal, Isabelle Monnet, Jimmy Rangama, Victor Pierron, Bruno Guillet, Stéphane Guillous, Stéphane Flament, Emmanuel Balanzat, Laurence Méchin, Mamour Sall
The performance of nano-optoelectronic and nano-electronic devices can be significantly enhanced through the integration of well-ordered nanoscale architectures. Ion irradiation has emerged as a powerful bottom-up strategy for fabricating self-organized nanostructures with precise spatial control, offering an effective route to modulate surface morphology and chemistry. We investigated the structural, morphological, and chemical evolution of ripple-like nanostructures formed on single-crystalline SrTiO3 substrates via low-energy Ar+ (7 keV) irradiation at an oblique incidence. Periodic surface ripples were formed within a specific fluence window, where the ripple wavelength remained nearly constant despite a significant increase in surface roughness. Their creation was accompanied by significant structural and chemical changes with argon accumulation, strontium and oxygen depletion. Yet, post-irradiation thermal annealing restored the material crystallinity while preserving the ripple morphology. These findings highlight the potential of ion-beam engineering for creating functional oxide templates with adjustable chemical and structural properties.
{"title":"Nanoscale Ripples at the Surface of SrTiO3 Irradiated by a Broad Low-Energy Ar+ (7 keV) Ion Beam","authors":"Mohammad S. Jamal, Isabelle Monnet, Jimmy Rangama, Victor Pierron, Bruno Guillet, Stéphane Guillous, Stéphane Flament, Emmanuel Balanzat, Laurence Méchin, Mamour Sall","doi":"10.1002/smll.202511071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202511071","url":null,"abstract":"The performance of nano-optoelectronic and nano-electronic devices can be significantly enhanced through the integration of well-ordered nanoscale architectures. Ion irradiation has emerged as a powerful bottom-up strategy for fabricating self-organized nanostructures with precise spatial control, offering an effective route to modulate surface morphology and chemistry. We investigated the structural, morphological, and chemical evolution of ripple-like nanostructures formed on single-crystalline SrTiO<sub>3</sub> substrates via low-energy Ar<sup>+</sup> (7 keV) irradiation at an oblique incidence. Periodic surface ripples were formed within a specific fluence window, where the ripple wavelength remained nearly constant despite a significant increase in surface roughness. Their creation was accompanied by significant structural and chemical changes with argon accumulation, strontium and oxygen depletion. Yet, post-irradiation thermal annealing restored the material crystallinity while preserving the ripple morphology. These findings highlight the potential of ion-beam engineering for creating functional oxide templates with adjustable chemical and structural properties.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147507209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This review critically studies MnxCoyO4-based spinel materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). It focuses on the fundamentals and extends comprehensive insights of the key electrochemical characterization techniques for evaluating bifunctional electrocatalyst. The influence of crystal structure and symmetry, particularly the dominance of the cubic MnCo2O4 polymorph on the electrochemical performance, is explored in detail, along with comparisons to underexplored tetragonal and trigonal counter forms. Additionally, various potential synthesis strategies are summarized for tailoring morphology and phase in order to control their catalytic activity. Advanced cathode architectures, such as Janus electrodes and binder-free configurations, are also discussed in relation to their role in enhancing air electrode performance. Furthermore, review discusses the performance-enhancing strategies, like facet engineering, alloying, carbon compositing, and transition metal doping. The review is further supported by the inclusion of the emerging concept of anode-free ZABs. A dedicated section highlights the electrochemical metrics of pristine and composite MnCo2O4-based catalysts, offering valuable insight into structure-performance correlations. This focused investigation through this comprehensive review aims to provide guidance in the rational design of high-performance air cathodes for next-generation ZABs and is believed to direct the future research community working in the field of electrocatalysis and air-based rechargeable batteries.
{"title":"Advancements in Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries: Strategic Modifications in MnxCoyO4 Bifunctional Catalysts and Air Cathode","authors":"Shraddha M. Rajore, Parasharam M. Shirage","doi":"10.1002/smll.73210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.73210","url":null,"abstract":"This review critically studies Mn<sub>x</sub>Co<sub>y</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-based spinel materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). It focuses on the fundamentals and extends comprehensive insights of the key electrochemical characterization techniques for evaluating bifunctional electrocatalyst. The influence of crystal structure and symmetry, particularly the dominance of the cubic MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> polymorph on the electrochemical performance, is explored in detail, along with comparisons to underexplored tetragonal and trigonal counter forms. Additionally, various potential synthesis strategies are summarized for tailoring morphology and phase in order to control their catalytic activity. Advanced cathode architectures, such as Janus electrodes and binder-free configurations, are also discussed in relation to their role in enhancing air electrode performance. Furthermore, review discusses the performance-enhancing strategies, like facet engineering, alloying, carbon compositing, and transition metal doping. The review is further supported by the inclusion of the emerging concept of anode-free ZABs. A dedicated section highlights the electrochemical metrics of pristine and composite MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-based catalysts, offering valuable insight into structure-performance correlations. This focused investigation through this comprehensive review aims to provide guidance in the rational design of high-performance air cathodes for next-generation ZABs and is believed to direct the future research community working in the field of electrocatalysis and air-based rechargeable batteries.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147507198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lujun Zhu, Xinyue Xie, Hu Zhang, Jingwei Li, Manling Sui
Nonstoichiometric tungsten oxides (WO3-x) are foundational to technologies from electrochromic devices to photocatalysis. Conventionally, their functional properties are ascribed almost exclusively to oxygen vacancies. Here, using high-quality single-crystalline WO2.72 and by combining atomic-resolution time-resolved STEM with meV-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and density functional theory, we directly reveal interstitial tungsten atoms (Wi) as a previously overlooked but ubiquitous class of point defects, with a quantified concentration of ∼0.11 Wi per unit cell. These Wi atoms reside within the structural tunnels and exhibit dynamic hopping among three metastable sites. In contrast to the shallow states induced by oxygen vacancies, Wi defects create deep, localized electronic states that pin small polarons and induce a pronounced, quantifiable blue-shift of ∼0.3 eV in the absorption edge, as directly measured by atomically resolved EELS. This discovery establishes interstitial transition-metal atoms as a new paradigm of intrinsic defects in nonstoichiometric oxides, offering powerful levers to engineer their electronic and optical functionalities.
{"title":"Interstitial Tungsten Atoms as a Primary Defect in Nonstoichiometric WO3-x","authors":"Lujun Zhu, Xinyue Xie, Hu Zhang, Jingwei Li, Manling Sui","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514964","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514964","url":null,"abstract":"Nonstoichiometric tungsten oxides (WO<sub>3-x</sub>) are foundational to technologies from electrochromic devices to photocatalysis. Conventionally, their functional properties are ascribed almost exclusively to oxygen vacancies. Here, using high-quality single-crystalline WO<sub>2.72</sub> and by combining atomic-resolution time-resolved STEM with meV-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and density functional theory, we directly reveal interstitial tungsten atoms (W<sub>i</sub>) as a previously overlooked but ubiquitous class of point defects, with a quantified concentration of ∼0.11 W<sub>i</sub> per unit cell. These W<sub>i</sub> atoms reside within the structural tunnels and exhibit dynamic hopping among three metastable sites. In contrast to the shallow states induced by oxygen vacancies, W<sub>i</sub> defects create deep, localized electronic states that pin small polarons and induce a pronounced, quantifiable blue-shift of ∼0.3 eV in the absorption edge, as directly measured by atomically resolved EELS. This discovery establishes interstitial transition-metal atoms as a new paradigm of intrinsic defects in nonstoichiometric oxides, offering powerful levers to engineer their electronic and optical functionalities.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147507207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance urgently demands innovative antimicrobial agents beyond conventional antibiotics. Metal-based nanomaterials, including metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), represent a promising class of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. However, their practical application is often hindered by intrinsic limitations such as aggregation, instability, and cytotoxicity. Integrating them with structurally and chemically tunable silica nanoparticles has been demonstrated as a promising strategy to mitigate the limitations and engineer advanced nanohybrids with synergistic functionalities. This review highlights how tailored interfacial chemistry achieves precise architectural control over silica&metal-based nanohybrids. The controlled nanoarchitecture is essential to fully exploit the structural and functional contributions of silica components to overcome the physiochemical limitations of meta-based material. We then examine the biological performance of these heterostructures mainly in antibacterial fields, including membrane disruption, stimuli-responsive activation, biofilm penetration/eradication, and receptor-mediated active targeting to pathogenic bacteria. Finally, challenges and future research directions are outlined based on our own perspectives, providing a design framework for next-generation antimicrobial nanotherapeutics.
{"title":"Interfacial Chemistry-Tailored Silica&Metal-Based Heterostructures: from Rational Design to Antibacterial Applications.","authors":"Dan Cheng,Yuchao Gu,Chengzhong Yu","doi":"10.1002/smll.202600038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202600038","url":null,"abstract":"The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance urgently demands innovative antimicrobial agents beyond conventional antibiotics. Metal-based nanomaterials, including metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), represent a promising class of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. However, their practical application is often hindered by intrinsic limitations such as aggregation, instability, and cytotoxicity. Integrating them with structurally and chemically tunable silica nanoparticles has been demonstrated as a promising strategy to mitigate the limitations and engineer advanced nanohybrids with synergistic functionalities. This review highlights how tailored interfacial chemistry achieves precise architectural control over silica&metal-based nanohybrids. The controlled nanoarchitecture is essential to fully exploit the structural and functional contributions of silica components to overcome the physiochemical limitations of meta-based material. We then examine the biological performance of these heterostructures mainly in antibacterial fields, including membrane disruption, stimuli-responsive activation, biofilm penetration/eradication, and receptor-mediated active targeting to pathogenic bacteria. Finally, challenges and future research directions are outlined based on our own perspectives, providing a design framework for next-generation antimicrobial nanotherapeutics.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"19 1","pages":"e00038"},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Songbing Zhong,Huihui Wang,Yang Chen,Dongming Song,Lintao Shao,Zhi Wang,Yihuang Chen,Shuang Pan,Xue-Qin Bai
Chiral metal halide perovskites hold great potential as circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, chirality-induced lattice distortions in intrinsically chiral systems often reduce photoluminescence (PL) efficiency, making it challenging to balance chirality and emission performance. In this study, we present a general strategy enabling efficient energy transfer (ET) from chiral quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskite nanosheets to achiral perovskite nanocrystals or dye molecules, achieving extended fluorescence lifetimes and enhanced CPL activity in achiral hosts. We establish a direct correlation between ET efficiency and chiral amplification in quasi-2D chiral perovskite/achiral perovskite composites. The Janus-type heterostructures exhibit remarkable ET efficiency and pronounced chiral amplification, leading to a fourfold increase in the photoluminescence quantum yield of achiral components and a luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) value of 4.32 × 10-3, representing a 50% enhancement compared to pristine chiral perovskites. This design can be extended to achieve full-spectrum, white-light CPL emission. The optimized Janus composites show excellent environmental stability, highlighting their practical applicability. Overall, this work establishes a versatile platform for developing high-efficiency, spectrally tunable, and integrated CPL light sources, providing new opportunities for advanced chiroptoelectronic applications.
{"title":"Quasi-2D Chiral Perovskite Janus-Structural Nanofiber Film With Tunable Spectrum and Energy-Transfer-Amplified Circularly Polarized Luminescence.","authors":"Songbing Zhong,Huihui Wang,Yang Chen,Dongming Song,Lintao Shao,Zhi Wang,Yihuang Chen,Shuang Pan,Xue-Qin Bai","doi":"10.1002/smll.202513899","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202513899","url":null,"abstract":"Chiral metal halide perovskites hold great potential as circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, chirality-induced lattice distortions in intrinsically chiral systems often reduce photoluminescence (PL) efficiency, making it challenging to balance chirality and emission performance. In this study, we present a general strategy enabling efficient energy transfer (ET) from chiral quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskite nanosheets to achiral perovskite nanocrystals or dye molecules, achieving extended fluorescence lifetimes and enhanced CPL activity in achiral hosts. We establish a direct correlation between ET efficiency and chiral amplification in quasi-2D chiral perovskite/achiral perovskite composites. The Janus-type heterostructures exhibit remarkable ET efficiency and pronounced chiral amplification, leading to a fourfold increase in the photoluminescence quantum yield of achiral components and a luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) value of 4.32 × 10-3, representing a 50% enhancement compared to pristine chiral perovskites. This design can be extended to achieve full-spectrum, white-light CPL emission. The optimized Janus composites show excellent environmental stability, highlighting their practical applicability. Overall, this work establishes a versatile platform for developing high-efficiency, spectrally tunable, and integrated CPL light sources, providing new opportunities for advanced chiroptoelectronic applications.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"15 1","pages":"e13899"},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nivethika Sivakumaran,Yevel Flores-Garcia,Chanel M Naar,Shuxiong Chen,Mili Mehta,Fijs W B van Leeuwen,Abhai Tripathi,Rajagopal Murugan,Meta Roestenberg,Fidel Zavala,Bernd H A Rehm
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with current vaccines providing only limited reductions in case numbers. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes engineered Escherichia coli to bioconjugate and assemble the pre-erythrocytic circumsporozoite protein-derived RTS,S antigen and the sexual-stage Pfs47 subdomain into biopolymer particles (BPs), generating the dual-antigen Pfs47-RTS,S-BP vaccine. Compared to single-antigen BPs, the fused Pfs47-RTS,S-BP formulation shows synergistic enhancement in immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Pfs47‑RTS,S‑BP retains its physical properties and antigenicity after storage at 37°C. Although functional in vivo assessment of these thermostable formulations has not yet been performed, the findings indicate promising thermostability that could help overcome cold‑chain limitations in malaria‑endemic regions. Pfs47-RTS,S-BP induces durable antibody and T cell responses alongside crucial liver-resident memory T cells for frontline defence. Vaccine-induced antibodies efficiently neutralize sporozoites and inhibit parasite transmission. Pfs47-RTS,S-BP generates RTS,S-specific antibody levels 5.3-fold higher than the protective thresholds of the current RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. The Pfs47-RTS,S-BP formulation also achieves 80.4% protection against mosquito bite challenge and 68.15% transmission-reducing activity, demonstrating strong potential as a robust, dual-stage malaria vaccine candidate. Overall, this work underscores the potential of Pfs47‑RTS, S‑BP to overcome key limitations of current vaccines and to substantially advance global malaria control efforts.
{"title":"Robust Bioconjugated Antigens Induce Immune Responses Preventing Malaria Infection and its Transmission.","authors":"Nivethika Sivakumaran,Yevel Flores-Garcia,Chanel M Naar,Shuxiong Chen,Mili Mehta,Fijs W B van Leeuwen,Abhai Tripathi,Rajagopal Murugan,Meta Roestenberg,Fidel Zavala,Bernd H A Rehm","doi":"10.1002/smll.202508762","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202508762","url":null,"abstract":"Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with current vaccines providing only limited reductions in case numbers. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes engineered Escherichia coli to bioconjugate and assemble the pre-erythrocytic circumsporozoite protein-derived RTS,S antigen and the sexual-stage Pfs47 subdomain into biopolymer particles (BPs), generating the dual-antigen Pfs47-RTS,S-BP vaccine. Compared to single-antigen BPs, the fused Pfs47-RTS,S-BP formulation shows synergistic enhancement in immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Pfs47‑RTS,S‑BP retains its physical properties and antigenicity after storage at 37°C. Although functional in vivo assessment of these thermostable formulations has not yet been performed, the findings indicate promising thermostability that could help overcome cold‑chain limitations in malaria‑endemic regions. Pfs47-RTS,S-BP induces durable antibody and T cell responses alongside crucial liver-resident memory T cells for frontline defence. Vaccine-induced antibodies efficiently neutralize sporozoites and inhibit parasite transmission. Pfs47-RTS,S-BP generates RTS,S-specific antibody levels 5.3-fold higher than the protective thresholds of the current RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. The Pfs47-RTS,S-BP formulation also achieves 80.4% protection against mosquito bite challenge and 68.15% transmission-reducing activity, demonstrating strong potential as a robust, dual-stage malaria vaccine candidate. Overall, this work underscores the potential of Pfs47‑RTS, S‑BP to overcome key limitations of current vaccines and to substantially advance global malaria control efforts.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"190 1","pages":"e08762"},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cell membrane-derived nanodiscs or cellular nanodiscs (CNDs) integrate the structural fidelity of biological membranes with the tunability of synthetic nanomaterials, creating a versatile platform for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Despite growing interest, the relationship between CND size and biological function has not been systematically defined. In this work, we combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate how CND size governs its performance. Using red blood cell (RBC)-derived CNDs generated with styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers of varying styrene-to-maleic anhydride ratios, we produced three uniform and highly stable CND formulations with diameters of approximately 71, 26, and 15 nm. Functional studies revealed that smaller CNDs exhibited significantly enhanced antibody binding and faster interaction kinetics. Brownian dynamics simulations attributed these improvements to increased diffusion coefficients and higher particle numbers at reduced sizes. In agreement with these predictions, the smallest CNDs demonstrated the most potent α-toxin neutralization in vitro and provided the greatest survival benefit in a mouse intoxication model. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that precise size control is a key determinant of CND bioactivity and offer design principles for optimizing CND formulations towards optimal biological applications.
{"title":"Integrating Experiments and Simulations to Uncover Size-Dependent Bioactivity in Cellular Nanodiscs.","authors":"Kailin Feng,Yun Chen,Jiayuan Alex Zhang,Zhidong Zhou,Lei Sun,Wei-Ting Shen,Weiwei Gao,Kesong Yang,Liangfang Zhang","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514624","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514624","url":null,"abstract":"Cell membrane-derived nanodiscs or cellular nanodiscs (CNDs) integrate the structural fidelity of biological membranes with the tunability of synthetic nanomaterials, creating a versatile platform for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Despite growing interest, the relationship between CND size and biological function has not been systematically defined. In this work, we combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate how CND size governs its performance. Using red blood cell (RBC)-derived CNDs generated with styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers of varying styrene-to-maleic anhydride ratios, we produced three uniform and highly stable CND formulations with diameters of approximately 71, 26, and 15 nm. Functional studies revealed that smaller CNDs exhibited significantly enhanced antibody binding and faster interaction kinetics. Brownian dynamics simulations attributed these improvements to increased diffusion coefficients and higher particle numbers at reduced sizes. In agreement with these predictions, the smallest CNDs demonstrated the most potent α-toxin neutralization in vitro and provided the greatest survival benefit in a mouse intoxication model. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that precise size control is a key determinant of CND bioactivity and offer design principles for optimizing CND formulations towards optimal biological applications.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"14 1","pages":"e14624"},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this work, we discuss the complexities of Zn2+-ion storage in an organic stacked layered naphthalenediimide (NDI) via systematic experimentation and theoretical calculations. Apart from the possibility of insertion/deinsertion, NDI also provides redox-active docking motifs for Zn2+-ions. Additionally, the anode-associated challenges are mitigated using zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as an organometallic protective layer. Despite achieving a high coulombic efficiency (>99%) at high cycle numbers, capacity degradation is observed during long-term cycling. The observed capacity fade is attributed to the underlying NDI's transformation from a hexagonal to a flower-like morphology. This structural evolution is attributed to the co-insertion of Zn2+ and protons from the electrode/electrolyte interface into the bulk cathode via coordination with carbonyl (─CO) and amine (─NH2) groups. Additionally, the capacity fade is attributed to the sluggish kinetics of Zn2+ stripping/plating. The ZnPc protective layer effectively guides Zn2+ deposition along the (002) crystal plane, suppresses side reactions, and enhances both the capacity retention and cycling stability of the battery. Accounting for Zn2+-ion storage in a redox-active organic host through the elucidation of key roles in phase transitions, ion diffusion dynamics, and zinc electrodeposition/dissolution processes provides a deep-dive conceptual framework for designing novel organic Zn2+-ion hosts for practical AZIBs.
{"title":"Zn-Ion Storage in an Anode-Protected High-Performance Aqueous Organic Zinc Ion Battery.","authors":"Subhankar Mandal,Priti Singh,Dipen Biswakarma,Rekha Kumari,Martin A Karlsen,Martin Etter,Mudit Dixit,Aninda J Bhattacharyya","doi":"10.1002/smll.202600014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202600014","url":null,"abstract":"In this work, we discuss the complexities of Zn2+-ion storage in an organic stacked layered naphthalenediimide (NDI) via systematic experimentation and theoretical calculations. Apart from the possibility of insertion/deinsertion, NDI also provides redox-active docking motifs for Zn2+-ions. Additionally, the anode-associated challenges are mitigated using zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as an organometallic protective layer. Despite achieving a high coulombic efficiency (>99%) at high cycle numbers, capacity degradation is observed during long-term cycling. The observed capacity fade is attributed to the underlying NDI's transformation from a hexagonal to a flower-like morphology. This structural evolution is attributed to the co-insertion of Zn2+ and protons from the electrode/electrolyte interface into the bulk cathode via coordination with carbonyl (─CO) and amine (─NH2) groups. Additionally, the capacity fade is attributed to the sluggish kinetics of Zn2+ stripping/plating. The ZnPc protective layer effectively guides Zn2+ deposition along the (002) crystal plane, suppresses side reactions, and enhances both the capacity retention and cycling stability of the battery. Accounting for Zn2+-ion storage in a redox-active organic host through the elucidation of key roles in phase transitions, ion diffusion dynamics, and zinc electrodeposition/dissolution processes provides a deep-dive conceptual framework for designing novel organic Zn2+-ion hosts for practical AZIBs.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"92 1","pages":"e00014"},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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