Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry B HOT Papers

A comprehensive overview of recent advancements in fluorescence imaging techniques for in situ sensing of various biomarkers, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of bioimaging.

We have developed self-assembled nanoparticles (BODIPY₄-PEG NPs) that exhibit excellent imaging performance and photothermal conversion efficiency.

A light-driven molecular motor-polypeptide conjugate links a molecular motor to a mitochondria-targeted polyglutamate. Upon 405 nm light irradiation, it shifts from micelles to worm-like structures, boosting cellular uptake and specificity.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels are brittle and bioinert. Incorporating a bioactive self-assembling tryptophan zipper (trpzip) peptide during polymerization enhanced bioactivity, durability and self-healing properties.

Green-synthesized RESV–¹⁹⁸AuNP enable sustainable immunomodulation, selective prostate tumor cellular targeting, and favorable in vivo biodistribution. β (0.96 MeV) emission reprograms M2 to M1 macrophages and induces potent tumor volume reduction.

Myocardial infarction (MI), a common and severe disease threatening human health worldwide, results from ischemic and hypoxic-induced necrosis of cardiac tissue due to coronary artery obstruction or rupture.

Easy-to-synthesize, completely biodegradable, and biocompatible hyperbranched polymers that can be crosslinked to construct sustainable polymeric gel materials and nanomaterials free of biosafety concerns for extensive biomedical applications.

A 3D-bioprinted scaffold containing fibroblasts and DRG neurons was developed to investigate PNS regeneration. This model supports neurite outgrowth and provides a platform for personalized therapies targeting neuropathic pain and sensory dysfunction.

To prevent PJI, PVA–TP–CA/Cu@TC4 was obtained by constructing a micro–nano structure on TC4 and loading a PVA gel coating, which exhibited enhanced biofunctional properties, including antibacterial, angiogenesis, and osteogenic activities.

The LC–aqueous interface detected membrane order across mycobacterial layers, lipidome changes during dormancy, and AMP-induced disruption, highlighting its potential for point-of-care diagnostics and therapies.

pH-Responsive BM-DOX@BSA NPs are innovatively developed integrating Bi-enhanced radiosensitization, Mn-driven hypoxia alleviation, pH-triggered DOX release, and CT imaging for synergistic image-guided radiotherapy with tumor suppression.

A novel highly transparent and elastic decellularized swim bladder corneal scaffold was prepared by dehydration and cross-linking. Its optical properties, mechanical properties, stability and biocompatibility were characterized.

L-RM1@¹⁰B-CD mediated boron neutron capture therapy induces immune state transition, DNA damage, and ferroptosis in prostate cancer tissue.

A natural polymer-based composite hydrogel dressing with a dynamic and nondynamic synergy network was fabricated. Mechanical robustness as well as excellent self-healing and antibacterial properties were integrated into the hydrogel dressing.

Traditional tumor treatments focus on treating the location of the lesion, while immunogenic cell death (ICD) triggers systemic anti-tumor immunity and inhibits tumor metastasis.

Fiber-reinforced zwitterionic elastomer composites have been developed for application in artificial heart valves, integrating exceptional anticoagulant and antifouling properties with anisotropic mechanical characteristics.

This study explores F incorporation in enamel via PIGE, NEXAFS, and Raman spectroscopy, integrating experimental/simulated spectra. Machine Learning boosts data interpretation, offering key insights into F delivery for clinical application.

The designed all-in-one SNAs anchored with ice-cream probes achieve three functions: (i) enhanced AMACR conversion efficiency; (ii) promoted rolling circle amplification efficiency; and (iii) improved CRISPR/Cas12a activation efficiency.

We newly fabricated molecularly imprinted hydrogels (MIHs) with a fluorescent monomer. The MIHs showed a remarkable increase in fluorescence upon adsorption of the target protein, demonstrating high selectivity compared to other proteins.

A dye-sensitized upconversion nanoprobe was developed for the specific detection of Hcy. It exhibits excellent sensitivity and rapid response and has been applied to the quantitative detection of Hcy in serum as well as cell-specific imaging.

Dual-laser triggered carrier-free self-assembly nano-photosensitizers (Ir-TCF₃P-FA NPs) with trimodal imaging performance significantly inhibited the progression of human cervical cancer through synergistic photothermal/ferroptosis therapy.

SCAPs-NV were reversibly loaded into tannic acid–Fe³-modified decellularized diaphragm tendons. The composite scaffolds showed dual functions: promoting osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis.

Integrating additionally empowered polyphenol-based nanodots into a multifunctional hydrogel system via iminoboronates has achieved powerful PDT efficacy against tumors.

A schematic overview of the FL probe HD-ALP designed for dynamic tracking of ALP activity in the different ovarian cells and models.

A topological diagram of a NM layered structure. Dielectrics filled with different colors represent the overall structure.

Traditional fluorescent proteins, based on genetic encoding and expression, have introduced biocompatible fluorescent labeling analysis methods at the cellular and organismal levels, becoming an essential research tool in life sciences.

We report a novel mitochondria-targeting fluorescence probe for monitoring viscosity, enabling accurate diagnosis and rapid detection of fatty liver disease.

This work develops a customizable 32P hydrogel applicator for brachytherapy of skin hemangioma based on machine learning and 3D-printing, which demonstrates great practical potentials and can inspire the design of precision medical system.

This study presents a convenient and effective strategy for the synthesis of functional poly-β-peptides with diverse side-chain structures, to obtain a host defense peptide mimicking poly-β-peptide with potent antimicrobial activity.

A novel Cys probe MR-Cys for monitoring the pulmonary fibrosis progression and therapeutic effects.

Acid-responsive chiral supramolecular vesicles were constructed viaD-/L-glucose-modified pillar[5]arene/Fe-porphyrin host–guest assembly for LOx delivery. The L-form vesicles exhibit chiral recognition, LOx, and enhanced tumor-targeted therapy.

A structure–performance–function-integrated concept to prepare implantable xZrO₂/Ti–3Cu composites using laser metal deposition, giving Ti-based materials improved wear-resistance, antibacterial properties and biological functionality.

A structural color hydrogel composed of a hybrid double-network is developed for accelerated wound healing and rehabilitation exercise monitoring.

An illustration of 2TB-NPs@TM nanocarrier and photothermal therapy targeting ovarian cancer cells. A biomimetic nanocarrier integrating homologous targeting, NIR-II imaging, and photothermal therapy for precise ovarian cancer treatment.

We developed a supramolecular tranexamic acid by combining with glycolic acid, resulting in enhanced transdermal permeability and bioactivity, while maintaining low irritancy and high biosafety, offering great potential in skincare and whitening.

Cu SAN attenuates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by inhibiting cuproptosis via directly decreasing the production of ROS and inhibiting the expression of FDX1.

In this study, we developed a β2-microglobulin (β2m)-binding peptide (CF)-functionalized nanocomposite (NC-CF), which effectively binds to β2m via interactions with CF, thereby mitigating β2m aggregation and offering cellular protection.

Immunoliposomes with a λ EXO-based amplification system target platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) in NSCLC patients for ultrasensitive miRNA-21 detection.

The tailored RCHMs can adsorb circulating histones through electrostatic interactions with excellent hemocompatibility and significantly attenuate histone-mediated thrombocytopenia, platelet aggregation, and endothelial cell death.

The repositioning of the non-antibiotic compound bupivacaine enhances the antibacterial activity of drug loaded UHMWPE with outstanding mechanical properties, ensuring its suitability for load-bearing applications.

Photopolymerised 4D printable PCL networks using imine based dynamic covalent chemistry exhibiting glass transition-based shape memory with over 90% shape fixity and recovery, active cell adhesion, and scavenging reactive oxygen species.

A RuN₄ single-atom nanozyme was synthesized and it exhibited multi-enzymatic activities, which effectively alleviated eczema symptoms by ROS clearance.

Based on a dendritic drug–drug conjugate, a hypoxia-responsive supramolecular nanoparticle SN@IR806-CB was constructed via the synergy of π–π stacking interaction, host–guest complexation, and hydrophobic interactions for synergistic therapies.

A high-efficiency and cost-effective strategy for undecylprodigiosin synthesis was devised using pyrrole-based collagen hydrolysate and microbial producer Streptomyces sp. SLL-523.

A new photodynamic antibacterial dressing was developed by employing a highly efficient photosensitizer, DTTPB, which could efficiently both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without inducing obvious phototoxicity in mammalian cells.

The strategy of combining intermolecular CT and AIE was proposed to enhance NIR-II fluorescence intensity of D–A–D semiconducting molecule aggregates.

Polyacrylamide tanglemers with photodegradable crosslinkers afford spatiotemporal control over the stability of entanglement-trapping crosslinks, influencing regional swelling and increased extensibility via chain lengthening.

A new injectable dermal filler with rapid collagen regeneration is developed.

A MnCO₃–Au nanoplatform showing cascade catalytic effect and immune activation is constructed to enable synergistic tumor inhibition.

A microwave-thermal-sensitive ZIF-8@HA nanoplatform combined with conformal array antennas enhances MW thermal conversion efficiency, reduces tumor ablation time, and minimizes thermal damage to healthy tissues during treatment.

A superhydrophobic coating with dual functionalities and stabilities against prolonged incubation and various frictions was developed. It exhibited excellent capabilities against Proteus mirabilis colonization, migration, and encrustation formation.

This work introduces a novel bimetallic MOF with superior endotoxin detection and enhanced catalytic activity for broader diagnostic applications.