Nano Convergence最新文献

Docetaxel (DTX, 1) and paclitaxel (PTX, 2) are famous cytotoxic agents widely used in cancer therapy, however, their low specificity for tumor cells often results in severe systemic toxicity. Beyond conventional prodrug strategies, this study introduces a novel nanoconversion technology that chemically modifies DTX to form self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs), which subsequently convert into a paclitaxel-mimicking molecule (PTXm, 3). Hydrophilic acetylated Phe-Arg-Arg-Phe peptide ((Ac)FRRF, 4) and hydrophobic docetaxel were conjugated to prepare self-assembled (Ac)FRRF-DTX NPs. The selective cleavage of the Arg-Phe bond by cathepsin B, which is abundant in cancer cells, facilitated the nanoconversion of PTXm (3) from (Ac)FRRF-DTX NPs, demonstrating effective cytotoxic effects. Utilizing the cleavage site of peptide and specific sequences (ex. Arg-Arg-Phe), this approach does not simply act as a prodrug but allows the nanomaterial to transform into another cytotoxic biomolecule within tumors. (Ac)FRRF-DTX NPs exhibited remarkable physicochemical properties, superior anti-cancer efficacy, and low toxicity, showcasing an innovative conversion in peptide-conjugated nanomedicine. Unlike traditional prodrug chemistry, this tumor-specific nanoconversion process involves the biochemical transformation of DTX (1) into PTXm (3) via enzymatic action. Overall, this study provides an outstanding example of chemical drug molecular modification through the concept of nanoconversion.

Intuitive design strategies, primarily based on literature research and trial-and-error efforts, have significantly contributed to advancements in the electrocatalyst field. However, the inherently time-consuming and inconsistent nature of these methods presents substantial challenges in accelerating the discovery of high-performance electrocatalysts. To this end, guided design approaches, including in-situ experimental techniques and data mining, have emerged as powerful catalyst design and optimization tools. The former offers valuable insights into the reaction mechanisms, while the latter identifies patterns within large catalyst databases. In this review, we first present the examples using in-situ experimental techniques, emphasizing a detailed analysis of their strengths and limitations. Then, we explore advancements in data-mining-driven catalyst development, highlighting how data-driven approaches complement experimental methods to accelerate the discovery and optimization of high-performance catalysts. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and possible solutions for guided catalyst design. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of current methodologies and inspire future innovations in electrocatalytic research.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenge for clinical diagnosis and therapy due to its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Hence, new methods to achieve TNBC imaging and imaging-guided TNBC therapy are urgently needed. Currently, the combination of chemotherapy with phototherapy/catalytic therapy has become a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Here, multifunctional CuFeSe₂ ternary nanozymes (CuFeSe₂-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets) were prepared as high-performance nanotheranostic agents for imaging-guided synergistic therapy of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. CuFeSe₂-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets not only exhibited outstanding CXCR4-targeted capability and superior photothermal properties, but also produced exact chemical cytotoxicity through the loading of the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine. Specifically, the CuFeSe₂-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets simultaneously possessed peroxidase-like activities capable of converting endogenous H₂O₂ to hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which could be significantly enhanced under light irradiation. Furthermore, these nanosheets showed remarkable multimodal imaging ability for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and infrared thermography in TNBC tumor-bearing mice (4T1 cells). More importantly, the in vitro and in vivo results verified the significant synergistic anticancer effect of the CuFeSe₂-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets by combining photothermal therapy and enzyme catalytic therapy with chemotherapy. In conclusion, these advantages demonstrate the powerful potential of CuFeSe₂ ternary nanozymes for imaging-guided synergistic photothermal/catalytic/chemical therapy for TNBC.

Graphical Abstract

Forming gas annealing (FGA) is applied to HfO_x ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) synaptic devices to passivate defects and reduce trap-assisted-tunneling (TAT). Without FGA, TAT caused by defects in metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor (MFIS) FTJ stack dominates the conduction mechanism in FTJs and results in no memory window (MW). The reduction of defects or TAT after FGA reveals the effect of polarization switching on the FTJ performance. Consequently, linear/symmetric potentiation and depression (P/D) characteristics of FTJ after FGA with stable repeatability are obtained. Owing to the FGA-induced linearity and symmetricity of P/D, a learning accuracy of approximately 90% is achieved via pattern recognition simulations utilizing HfO_x FTJ crossbar.

Graphical Abstract

In molecular diagnostics, the digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) has been considered a promising point-of-care testing (POCT) method for the rapid and accurate analysis of respiratory infections. To improve its practical applicability, it is necessary to develop a mass-producible and reproducible dPCR system for nucleic acid partitioning; additionally, the system must provide a customized portable analysis. In this study, we report an advanced mass-production method for the fabrication of microwell array-based dPCR chips suitable for nucleic acid partitioning and a compact fluorescence signal analysis dPCR system. Based on metal mold fabrication, different microwell sizes with diameters in the 100–200 μm range and pitches in the 200–400 μm range are designed and successfully fabricated using photolithography, metal electroplating, and injection molding techniques. Additionally, a battery-operated dPCR system utilizing digitalized fluorescence signal analysis is developed for on-site detection. To verify the chip and system applicability, the infectious human coronavirus is analyzed using different nucleic acid concentrations. By evaluating the performance of the dPCR chips and system, accurate and quantitative virus analysis results are obtained, verifying the portability, easy use, and reproducibility of the chips and system. Furthermore, the detection results obtained using the fabricated chips and the developed system are similar to the results obtained using commercially available systems, verifying that the proposed dPCR chips and system exhibit sensitivity, accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility in the quantitative molecular analysis of infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract

This study investigates the impact of dopants on Hf_1–xZr_xO₂-based capacitors for high-performance, hysteresis-free dielectric applications. Control of the crystalline structure of Hf_1–xZr_xO₂ films is crucial for achieving superior dielectric properties. The tetragonal (t) phase of Hf_1–xZr_xO₂ exhibits anti-ferroelectric (AFE) characteristics and shows promise due to its high dielectric constant (κ). However, hysteresis behavior in polarization–voltage sweeps due to AFE behavior presents a significant challenge, primarily due to the high energy loss when implemented in dynamic random-access-memory (DRAM) applications. To achieve hysteresis-free operation, this study focuses on suppressing AFE switching within the DRAM voltage range through Si or La doping in Hf_1–xZr_xO₂ films. Introducing small amounts of Si or La (< 1%) into Hf_1–xZr_xO₂ capacitors effectively diminishes AFE switching by influencing which structural phases are favored: Si doping tends to favor the amorphous phase, while La doping promotes the formation of the t-phase. La doping shows particular promise in enhancing pseudo-linear dielectric performance. ~ 0.9% La-doped Hf_0.25Zr_0.75O₂ capacitors exhibit a markedly improved equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of ~ 4.8 Å and a reduced leakage current density (J_leak) of ~ 10^–7 A/cm² at 1 V, achieved at back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible temperatures (< 400 °C). These results demonstrate a promising strategy for advancing energy-efficient high-κ dielectric materials in next-generation memory devices, offering a balanced combination of high capacitance, low leakage current, and BEOL compatibility.

Graphical Abstract

Sneak current issues in crossbar arrays of non-volatile memories can be effectively alleviated using threshold switching (TS)-based selectors. However, 1-selector–1-resistor integration requires coherence between the constituent materials and operational parameters of the two components. Here, we propose a highly coherent selector via in-depth investigation of the operation process of a fab-friendly As-SiO₂ selector unit. The structural and electrical characteristics of an As-embedded SiO₂ selector are analyzed, and the TS-on and -off operational mechanism is presented. Further, the critical control elements governing the selector operation are identified, including the electron charging into the oxygen vacancies in the SiO₂ matrix and energy band alignment between the As cluster and charged oxygen vacancies in SiO₂. Consequently, practical control strategies for the TS behavior are proposed with a pulse scheme applicable to actual device operation. The proposed TS operational mechanism and analytical methodology can contribute to interpreting and integrating various memory/selector components, thereby advancing their operational and integrative research.

Graphical abstract

Recent development of controlling quantum systems has enabled us to utilize the systems for quantum computing, communication, and sensing. In particular, quantum sensing has attracted attention to a broad community of science and technology, as it could surpass classical limitations in measuring physical quantities such as electric and magnetic field with unprecedented precision. Among various physical platforms for quantum sensing, trapped-ion based system possesses several advantages—atomic size, outstanding quantum coherence, and quantum properties. In this review, we introduce previous research efforts to utilize the trapped-ion system for reaching ultimate sensitivity and discuss future perspective and research directions in this emerging field.

Graphical Abstract

The upcoming generation of functional electronics in the era of artificial intelligence, and IoT requires extensive data storage and processing, necessitating further device miniaturization. Conventional Si CMOS technology is struggling to enhance integration density beyond a certain limit to uphold Moore’s law, primarily due to performance degradation at smaller dimensions caused by various physical effects, including surface scattering, quantum tunneling, and other short-channel effects. The two-dimensional materials have emerged as highly promising alternatives, which exhibit excellent electrical and mechanical properties at atomically thin thicknesses and show exceptional potential for future CMOS technology. This review article presents the chronological progress made in the development of two-dimensional materials-based CMOS devices with comprehensively discussing the advancements made in material production, device development, associated challenges, and the strategies to address these issues. The future prospects for the use of two-dimensional materials in functional CMOS circuitry are outlooked, highlighting key opportunities and challenges toward industrial adaptation.

Graphical Abstract