Themed collection Journal of Materials Chemistry B HOT Papers

Frontiers in fluorescence imaging: tools for the in situ sensing of disease biomarkers
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1133-1158
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01867B
A PEGylated conjugated-BODIPY oligomer for NIR-II imaging-guided photothermal therapy
We have developed self-assembled nanoparticles (BODIPY4-PEG NPs) that exhibit excellent imaging performance and photothermal conversion efficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TB00152H

A light-driven molecular motor-polypeptide conjugate supports controlled cell uptake
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 2658-2665
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02434F
Improving the bioactivity and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels through a supramolecular support network
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1286-1295
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02002B
A supramolecular tranexamic acid with enhanced permeability and bioactivity
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 3553-3563
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02781G
Atomically dispersed copper(I) on tungstosilicic acid for catalytic protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss
Cu SAN attenuates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by inhibiting cuproptosis via directly decreasing the production of ROS and inhibiting the expression of FDX1.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 3540-3552
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02820A
Biomimetic NIR-II aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles for targeted photothermal therapy of ovarian cancer
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02855D
Towards injured joints rehabilitation: structural color hydrogels for accelerated wound healing and rehabilitation exercises monitoring
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02673J
Peptide-functionalized nanocapsules for targeted inhibition of β2-microglobulin amyloid aggregation
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 3319-3324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01347F
Liposome-encapsulated lambda exonuclease-based amplification system for enhanced detection of miRNA in platelet-derived microvesicles of non-small cell lung cancer
Immunoliposomes with a λ EXO-based amplification system target platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) in NSCLC patients for ultrasensitive miRNA-21 detection.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 2666-2673
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02621G
Hemocompatible nucleosome-inspired heparin-mimicking hydrogel microspheres for safe and efficient extracorporeal removal of circulating histones in critically ill patients
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 2366-2381
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01952K
Synergistic antibacterial drug elution from UHMWPE for load-bearing implants
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 2382-2399
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02672A
Towards cell-adhesive, 4D printable PCL networks through dynamic covalent chemistry
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 2352-2365
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02423K
Single-atom nanozyme-based catalytic ROS clearance for efficiently alleviating eczema
A RuN4 single-atom nanozyme was synthesized and it exhibited multi-enzymatic activities, which effectively alleviated eczema symptoms by ROS clearance.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1969-1979
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02316A
A dendritic drug–drug conjugate self-assembled hypoxia-responsive supramolecular nanoparticle for combination therapy
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1961-1968
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02400A
Enhanced undecylprodigiosin production using collagen hydrolysate: a cost-effective and high-efficiency synthesis strategy
A high-efficiency and cost-effective strategy for undecylprodigiosin synthesis was devised using pyrrole-based collagen hydrolysate and microbial producer Streptomyces sp. SLL-523.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1653-1665
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02171A
In situ dressing based on a D–π–A structured aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer for healing infected wounds
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1326-1337
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02372B
Bright “D–A–D” semiconducting small molecule aggregates for NIR-II fluorescence bioimaging guiding photothermal therapy
The strategy of combining intermolecular CT and AIE was proposed to enhance NIR-II fluorescence intensity of D–A–D semiconducting molecule aggregates.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 1316-1325
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02333A

Photodegradable polyacrylamide tanglemers enable spatiotemporal control over chain lengthening in high-strength and low-hysteresis hydrogels
Polyacrylamide tanglemers with photodegradable crosslinkers afford spatiotemporal control over the stability of entanglement-trapping crosslinks, influencing regional swelling and increased extensibility via chain lengthening.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 894-903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02149E
Engineered collagen/PLLA composite fillers to induce rapid and long-term collagen regeneration
A new injectable dermal filler with rapid collagen regeneration is developed.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 904-917
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02159B
MnCO3–Au nanoparticles to enable catalytic tumor inhibition with immune activation
A MnCO3–Au nanoplatform showing cascade catalytic effect and immune activation is constructed to enable synergistic tumor inhibition.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 536-548
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02108H

Synergistic microwave hyperthermia treatment for subcutaneous deep in situ breast cancer using conformal array antennas and a microwave-thermal-sensitive nanomaterial
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 524-535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02319F
A stable dual functional superhydrophobic coating to inhibit Proteus mirabilis colonization, migration, and encrustation formation for urinary catheter applications
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.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 511-523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB02218A
Dual-functional PCN-242 (Fe2Co) MOF for sensitive bacterial endotoxin detection
This work introduces a novel bimetallic MOF with superior endotoxin detection and enhanced catalytic activity for broader diagnostic applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 151-159
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01944J
About this collection
This on-going web collection features all the articles published in Journal of Materials Chemistry B in 2025 marked as HOT (selected by our Editors as especially significant based on reviewers’ recommendations and their own appraisal).
Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured!