Chiral active materials are abundant in nature, including the cytoskeleton with attached motor proteins, rotary clusters of bacterial flagella, and self-spinning starfish embryos. These materials break both time reversal and mirror-image (parity) symmetries due to injection of torques at the microscale. It was recently discovered that chiral active materials show a new type of elastic response termed "odd" elasticity. Currently, odd elasticity is understood microscopically only in ordered structures, e.g., lattice designs of metamaterials. It remains to explore how odd elasticity emerges in natural or biological systems, which are usually disordered. To address this, we propose a minimal generic model for disordered "odd solids," using micropolar (Cosserat) elasticity in the presence of local active torques. We find that odd elasticity naturally emerges as a nonlinear effect of internal particle rotations. Exploring the viscoelasticity of such a solid, when immersed in an odd fluid, we discover new dynamically unstable regions driven by the odd solid-fluid coupling and, in the underdamped regime, also by inertia. Remarkably, in the overdamped limit, this odd solid-fluid coupling allows for bulk wave propagation near these unstable regions.
Interpretation and mapping strategies for 4D-scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) are well-developed for crystalline materials, yet in the case of amorphous and mixed materials it is significantly more challenging to separate different phases. Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) in principle would allow separation of 4D-STEM data into components with interpretable diffraction signatures and intensity maps, independent of the crystalline, amorphous or mixed nature of the material. However, adoption of NMF in this field is hampered by large datasets and conceptual hurdles: NMF tackles a nonconvex optimization problem, requiring iterative algorithms. Additionally, the stopping condition has to be chosen carefully. In this work, we show that the factorization of large 4D-STEM datasets can be drastically accelerated using a QB decomposition (i.e., randomized NMF or RNMF), leading to much shorter time per iteration. This allows structure-independent phase mapping on very large 4D-STEM datasets. We validate this approach on a synthetic literature dataset (mixed ZrCuAl), before mapping a thin TiO2 layer on top of SiO2, and an interface between a lithium-ion cathode and solid-state electrolyte. We also demonstrate that, before using NMF to transform the data on an interpretable, nonnegative basis, principal component analysis (PCA) can be used for fast exploratory analysis to assess dataset dimensionality and linearity.
Nature builds functional materials through simple yet powerful processes that generate structured architecture across scales-from the lamellar patterns in seashells to the zonal organization of living tissues. Emulating such complexity in engineered systems remains challenging and often requires microfabricated components, external fields, or specialized hardware. Previously, we introduced chaotic printing as a deterministic and flow- and geometry-driven strategy for fabricating structured filaments, using static mixers embedded within extrusion printheads-primarily in the context of biofabrication. We broaden the architectural and functional scope of chaotic printing by exploring diverse static mixer designs and demonstrating its compatibility with three distinct deposition modes: wet-printing, dripping, and direct ink writing. These modalities enable the generation of material constructs with chemically and biologically relevant internal organization. We showcase examples ranging from zonally arranged mammalian cells that prefigure microtissue compartments to spatially patterned bacterial consortia composed of strict and facultative anaerobes and localized mineral precipitation within hydrogel filaments. These proof-of-concept-demonstrations underscore the potential of chaotic printing for fabricating structured soft matter where internal microarchitecture enables biologically and chemically relevant processes. This study positions chaotic printing as a modular, scalable, accessible platform for generating architected materials across fields ranging from cell culture and microbiology to functional soft materials.
Nature encodes stability and responsiveness within single-molecule frameworks, creating systems that remain structurally persistent while retaining access to activated functional states. Tetrazoles embody this principle in synthetic chemistry by combining aromatic persistence with latent reactivity within a single nitrogen-rich heterocycle. Their intrinsic "Jekyll-Hyde" duality arises from a polarized electronic structure governed by the substitution pattern, which acts as an electronic switch between adaptive, triggerable, and structurally persistent regimes. Although tetrazoles are widely used in small-molecule chemistry, they remain comparatively underexplored as electronically programmable motifs in polymer science. Their polarity, ion-binding ability, and photoreactivity are often exploited individually rather than integrated into a broader structure-function framework. This Minireview presents a unifying concept linking tetrazole substitution patterns to electronic identity and, consequently, to macromolecular function in polymer systems. Monosubstituted tetrazoles enable adaptive acid-base responsiveness, hydrogen bonding, and ionic network formation. In contrast, 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles serve as photoaddressable precursors for nitrile imine-mediated ligation, covalent fixation, and fluorescent readout, whereas regio-defined 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles provide electronically locked, highly polar heteroaromatic motifs for persistent polymer architectures. Thus, the mini-review examines how synthetic strategy governs the formation and preservation of these substitution-defined tetrazole motifs during polymer synthesis, establishing practical design principles for rational development of functional polymer materials.
Aim: To assess the impact of psychoemotional status indicators (state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression) on the intensity and duration of postoperative pain syndrome in patients after hysteroscopic myomectomy, and to determine their prognostic value for optimising analgesic management under conditions of wartime stress. Materials and Methods: Ninety reproductive-age patients with submucosal uterine fibroids were examined. Group 1 (n=62) included women living under wartime stress in Ukraine: subgroup 1.1 (n=32) internally displaced persons and subgroup 1.2 (n=30) residents of Kyiv. Group 2 (n=28) comprised Ukrainian women temporarily living abroad who returned to Kyiv for planned surgery. Psychoemotional status was assessed using the Spielberger-Hanin and Beck scales, and pain using the NRS scale. Statistical analysis used nonparametric methods and ROC analysis. Results: Anxiety levels differed significantly between all groups (p<0.001), highest in internally displaced persons. Subgroups 1.1 and 1.2 had higher NRS pain scores and required the maximum daily dexketoprofen dose (150 mg) compared with group 2. ROC analysis showed state anxiety strongly predicts acute pain intensity (AUC=0.804), while depression predicts pain duration in the outpatient setting (AUC=0.860). Conclusions: Wartime stress significantly modulates pain perception by lowering the pain threshold even during hysteroscopic myomectomy. State anxiety correlates with acute postoperative pain intensity, while depressive states are associated with prolonged pain and the risk of chronification. These findings support personalised analgesia that considers patients' psychoemotional profiles.
Magnons provide a route to ultrafast transport and nondestructive readout of spin-based information transfer. Here, we report magnon transport and its emergent anisotropic nature in BiFeO_{3} layers confined between ultrathin layers of the antiferromagnet LaFeO_{3}. Because of the confined state, BiFeO_{3} serves as an efficient magnon transmission channel as well as a magnetoelectric knob by which to control the stack by means of an electric field. We discuss the mechanism of the anisotropic spin transport based on the interaction between the antiferromagnetic order and the electric field. This allows us to manipulate and amplify the spin transport in such a confined geometry. Furthermore, lower crystal symmetry and suppression of the spin cycloid in ultrathin BiFeO_{3} stabilizes an antiferromagnetic state exhibiting a nontrivial sign inversion of the spin current, which is a characteristic of an altermagnet. This Letter provides an understanding of the anisotropic spin transport in complex antiferromagnetic heterostructures where ferroelectricity and altermagnetism coexist, paving the way for a new route to realize electric-field control of a novel state of magnetism.
Conservation conditions assessment of cultural heritage objects is a complex task, requiring the distinction between original and manipulated areas and the identification of materials employed during previous interventions. At the same time, the analysis and detection of exogenous materials should minimise or avoid sampling and prevent sample degradation. In this study, a multi-analytical and multi-scale method is developed to achieve these goals, combining non-invasive hyperspectral imaging in the short-wave infrared region (HSI-SWIR) with micro-invasive FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopies. The top-down workflow lies on a first macroscopic imaging by HSI-SWIR, allowing to map spatial distributions of both inorganic and organic compounds. However, a deep diagnostic capability with this sole technique is limited. To enhance the spatial distribution estimation of restored portions of the object, a novel ORganic Index (ORI) based on characteristic CH absorptions in the SWIR region is introduced. ORI maps improve the detection of organic materials compared to UV-induced fluorescence imaging and Spectral Angle Mapper classification, enhancing the identification of regions of interest for further analyses. Micro-invasive FTIR and Raman spectroscopies are thus also implemented, enabling molecular-level unambiguous identification of different restoration materials, including polycyanoacrylates, epoxy resins, terpenoid resins, lime-based mortars. Mineralogical specimens embedded in geological matrices are selected as test materials due to their complex three-dimensional geometry and the lack of previous systematic analytical investigations. The proposed methodology represents a reliable non-destructive approach for the study of restoration practices, authenticity assessment, and conservation of complex cultural heritage objects.
The efficient conversion of waste heat into electricity is a key challenge in energy sustainability, driving the search for novel thermoelectric materials with enhanced performance. In this work, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of the two-dimensional (2D) material Sn2Te6As2, a theoretically predicted compound identified through machine-learning-assisted materials discovery, using first-principles calculations combined with Boltzmann transport theory. Our results reveal an exceptionally low lattice thermal conductivity of κlatt = 0.24 W/mK at room temperature, which is crucial in improving thermoelectric efficiency by limiting heat dissipation. Additionally, the electronic transport properties, evaluated under the relaxation time approximation (RTA), confirm the isotropic nature of charge transport, ensuring balanced electrical conduction in different crystallographic directions. The figure of merit (ZT) reaches 0.69 for holes and 0.61 for electrons at 300 K, increasing to a peak of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively, at 600 K. The combination of ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, favorable charge transport characteristics, and an optimal operating temperature range suggests that Sn2Te6As2 could be an effective thermoelectric material. These properties make it particularly promising for applications in waste heat recovery and midtemperature energy conversion. These findings offer valuable insights into the fundamental properties of this material and establish a solid foundation for future theoretical and experimental studies aimed at optimizing its thermoelectric performance.
The low-dimensional nature of conventional polyoxometalate-based materials imposes intrinsic constraints on charge transport, limiting their photoelectrochemical performance. Herein, we report a dimensionality-controlled molecular engineering strategy that integrates phenylphosphonate-functionalized Fe{(PhP)4Mo6}2 clusters with the rigid conjugated bib ligand to construct two hourglass-type phosphomolybdate-based structures: one 3D covalent framework (compound 1) and one 0D supramolecular structure (compound 2), enabling specific photoelectrochemical (PEC) responses toward Cr(vi) reduction and levofloxacin (LVF) oxidation. Benefiting from enhanced carrier separation and charge transfer, compound 1 achieves detection limits of 0.11 nM for Cr(vi) and 0.16 nM for LVF, with sensitivities of 555.58 and 362.73 µA µM-1, outperforming most polyoxometalate-based sensors and rivaling noble-metal platforms. Compound 1 also showed excellent anti-interference and reliable performance in real water and milk samples. This work offers a new molecular engineering strategy for high-performance sensing materials of trace environmental pollutants.
Wastewater treatment using low-cost adsorbents developed from indigenous agro-waste materials via eco-friendly and economical methods has garnered significant attention to protect the environment from pollution. Due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization, a huge amount of wastewater is discharged from several large-, small-, and medium-scale industries, which is loaded with several hazardous toxicants, resulting in severe damage to the ecosystem and public safety. This work investigated the adsorptive elimination of MB dye from wastewater by developing a maize cob-derived functionalized biochar and applying a batch adsorption study. Meanwhile, multifunctional biosorbents, i.e., functionalized biochar (FBC) adsorbents, were produced using pyrolysis and the EIPS technique from an innovative and beneficial source, namely, maize (Zea mays) cob, after harvesting the edible parts of the plant. The influential parameters, like the initial concentration and pH of wastewater, the dosage of adsorbents, operational time, and temperature, were properly optimized during the real-time experiments. Additionally, the considered samples were characterized by FESEM, EDX, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, XRD, and UV-vis-NIR analysis. The experimental adsorption data were evaluated and interpreted by applying several well-established mathematical models. For adsorption isotherm analysis, the Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich models were applied, whereas the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied for the evaluation of the reaction kinetics. Moreover, to determine the thermodynamic nature, the Gibbs energy (ΔG), entropy (ΔS), and enthalpy (ΔH) of the experimental adsorption were calculated and analyzed for a better understanding of the actual sorption behavior of the applied FBC regarding the selective separation of MB dye from wastewater. It is noteworthy that the maximum adsorption efficiency and removal percentage were found to be around 126.91 mg g-1 and around 99.99%, respectively. The maximum R 2 value was found to be around 0.999 for the Temkin and pseudo-second-order models. The negative ΔG value around -9.224 kJ mol-1 and ΔH around -75.034 kJ mol-1 indicated that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using metallic coils is a widely accepted treatment for arterial bleeding in hepatobiliary surgery. Although generally safe, delayed migration of embolization materials into the biliary system is a rare but clinically significant complication that may lead to recurrent biliary symptoms. Early diagnosis can be challenging because of anatomical overlap and imaging limitations. We report a 73-year-old man with recurrent choledocholithiasis and cholangitis following right hepatic artery embolization with metallic coils. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration complicated by postoperative hemorrhage, TAE was performed successfully. Two years later, the patient developed recurrent biliary symptoms and underwent multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Post-procedural T-tube cholangiography and subsequent ERCP demonstrated bile duct dilatation and persistent metallic shadows in the hepatic hilum; however, definitive intrabiliary localization of the embolization material could not be established because of anatomical overlap and the absence of a clear filling defect. During a later ERCP for recurrent cholangitis, a metallic wire-like structure was partially extracted under direct endoscopic visualization, confirming intrabiliary involvement of embolization material. Further removal was withheld because of resistance during traction and concern for vascular injury. This case illustrates the gradual and diagnostically ambiguous nature of intrabiliary migration of embolization materials following hepatic arterial embolization. Repeated evaluation over time and cautious endoscopic decision-making may be necessary when recurrent biliary symptoms occur after embolization.
The brittle nature of today's displays, solar cells, and touchscreens leads to adverse economic and environmental impacts, driving the need for thin-film, flexible optoelectronics that are resistant to strain, impact, sharp objects, and liquids. This vision requires cost-effective, scalable production of ultra-resilient transparent conductors capable of withstanding millions of deformation cycles-challenges that nanowire-based electrodes have yet to overcome. In nature, particular insect wings achieve a unique blend of transparency, resilience, and lightness. This inspired us to develop liquid metal-based transparent conductors with nature-inspired gyroid-like nanostructures that outperformed nanowire-based counterparts significantly in conductivity and stretchability (7×), withstanding a record-breaking strain of 1400% and unprecedented stability over 100,000 strain cycles. Unlike nanowire-based electrodes, this electrode is simple, low-cost, scalable, and recyclable. The formation of such a nano-scaffold is beyond the reach of lithographic techniques but is enabled by our unconventional technique: graphene-assisted self-assembly of liquid metal nanodroplets into a porous 3D microstructure. We demonstrate mechanically resilient soft-matter electroluminescent displays with high light intensity and extend their applications to soft robotics, light-emitting muscles, energy harvesting, transparent heaters, and UV sensors. By harnessing the deformability of liquid metal, we demonstrate a transparent pressure-sensing film that converts any display into a pressure-sensing interface.
Viper fangs represent one of the most mechanically sophisticated biological penetration devices found in nature. Despite extensive interest in their venom-delivery function, a comprehensive characterization of the structure, composition, and biomechanics of neotropical viper fangs remains lacking. This study presents the first integrated analysis of the tubular fangs of three Latin American viper species - Lachesis acrochorda, Crotalus durissus cumanensis, and Bothrops asper - combining optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Vickers microindentation, compression testing, and high-speed strike kinematics. All three species exhibited fangs composed of aprismatic enamel concentrated at the tip and a dentinal body organized around a fused venom-conducting canal, producing three distinct regions: an outer C-region, an inner C-region, and a suture line. Dentinal tubules were significantly branched throughout the fang length. The chemical composition, dominated by biological apatite and an organic collagen matrix, was consistent across species and comparable to crocodilian and chondrichthyan teeth. Vickers hardness in dentin ranged from approximately 0.4 to 0.6 GPa and varied along the fang axis. Hydrated fangs withstood compressive loads up to 30 N and stresses up to 110 MPa before failure near the tip, with a radial fracture mode distinct from that of dried specimens. Strike velocities ranged from 2.0 to 2.6 m/s during defensive strikes, with kinetic energies of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 J, neither differing significantly among species. These results demonstrate that neotropical vipers share a conserved fang design with implications for bioinspired penetration devices and functionally graded hard-tissue biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Viper fangs integrate controlled compositional gradients, hierarchical microstructure, and macro-scale curvature into a biological penetration system capable of repeated high-energy tissue puncture. This study provides the first integrated, fully hydrated characterization of the tubular fangs of three neotropical viper species - Lachesis acrochorda, Crotalus durissus cumanensis, and Bothrops asper - spanning microstructural imaging, compositional spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and high-speed strike kinematics. The findings reveal conserved structural solutions across species differing markedly in body size: an enamel gradient at the tip, branched dentinal tubules in three morphologically distinct regions, suture lines potentially contributing to impact-energy absorption, and dentin hardness comparable to human and crocodilian teeth. These results offer design principles for bioinspired penetration devices and functionally graded hard-tissue biomaterials.
Anti-perovskite materials have recently gained special importance for environmentally friendly, lead-free, and low-cost renewable energy technologies. In this study, the structural, electronic, dynamic, thermodynamic, mechanical, optical, and photovoltaic properties of Cs3SCl anti-perovskite are analyzed in detail by density functional theory (DFT) and an SCAPS-1D simulator. The results show that Cs3SCl is thermodynamically, dynamically, and mechanically stable, with a ductile nature due to its B/G ratio of 2.03. The electronic band structure analysis identified the compound as a direct bandgap semiconductor, with bandgaps of 1.185 eV and 2.051 eV obtained by GGA-PBE and HSE06 methods, respectively. This suitable bandgap is highly favorable for visible light absorption. Optical analysis shows that Cs3SCl exhibits high absorption coefficients of about (2.6-0.2) × 105 cm-1 in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions. In addition, its favorable refraction, low reflectivity, and excellent dielectric properties further strengthen its potential for solar energy harvesting, charge-carrier generation, and optoelectronic applications. A fully lead-free Al/FTO/SnS2/Cs3SCl/HTL/Se solar cell was designed and optimized to evaluate the photovoltaic potential of the material. After systematic optimization of the hole transport layer (HTL), back-contact metal, device temperature, absorber layer thickness, defect density, and shallow acceptor density, the Cu2Te-based device exhibited the highest performance. At a 0.750 µm absorber layer thickness, 1 × 1015 cm-3 defect density, and 1 × 1017 cm-3 shallow acceptor density, the device achieves an open-circuit voltage of 0.752 V, a short-circuit current density of 39.23 mA cm-2, a fill factor of 84.43%, and a power conversion efficiency of 24.92%. Overall, these results indicate that Cs3SCl is a highly promising material for future generations of high-efficiency, environmentally friendly solar cells, visible-light-dependent photocatalytic technologies, and advanced optoelectronic devices.
Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems in decentralised settings often face challenges in achieving effective microbial removal, particularly for viruses. In this study, three chitosan-based antimicrobial filter media-chitosan beads, electrospun nanofibres and chitosan-coated sheep wool-were developed and evaluated using Escherichia coli and MS2 bacteriophages as model microorganisms. Despite the preliminary proof-of-concept nature of this study, all chitosan-based media demonstrated high microbial removal performance. Chitosan beads achieved markedly greater bacterial and viral removal than silica sand and mussel shells, indicating strong and largely irreversible microbial retention. Chitosan nanofibres outperformed unmodified sheep wool, achieving complete initial removal of E. coli and MS2, though repeated use revealed structural fragility requiring mechanical support. Chitosan-coated sheep wool markedly enhanced its antibacterial performance, maintaining E. coli removal above 90% after 95 wash cycles due to stable covalent attachment of chitosan. The enhanced performance is attributed to electrostatic interactions between the cationic chitosan and negatively charged microbial surfaces. Our findings demonstrate the versatility of chitosan across multiple material formats and highlight its potential as a sustainable, high-efficiency antimicrobial platform for controlling microbial contamination in POU water treatment systems. Further development and validation are required for the practical implementation of these materials in POU water treatment systems to reduce microbial contamination in decentralised water supplies.
The repurposing of waste industrial materials for use in environmental remediation is of great interest in terms of the circular economy as well as public health and safety efforts. Herein, an innovative approach is presented to synthesize a cobalt-functionalized waste silica (Co-MS) utilizing a green, solvent-deficient method (SDM), using industrial waste micron-sized silica (MS) as a sustainable support material. The resulting Co-MS composite is evaluated as a photocatalyst for the removal of methylene blue (MB) under natural sunlight, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly treatment method. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the formation of multiple-valence-state cobalt nanoparticlesCo, CoO, and Co3O4 on the waste silica support. The resulting optimal composite includes 9.1 wt % cobalt oxide species and shows a polyoxide nature with finely dispersed cobalt oxide nanoparticles that are less aggregated compared to bulk Co3O4 and show an improved photocatalytic performance under solar light. Incorporation of cobalt oxide species into MS also results in an S BET increase from 43 m2 g-1 for bulk Co3O4 to 91 m2 g-1 for the Co-MS composite. The selected composite Co-MS thus achieves 87.5% MB removal efficiency within 1 h, demonstrating its potential as a low-cost, sustainable photocatalyst for wastewater treatment applications.
Romosozumab is a dual antiresorptive/anabolic monoclonal antibody against sclerostin, approved for osteoporosis. Largely driven by the ARCH trial, unexpected concerns for cardiovascular safety arose, mandating a black-box warning. Despite numerous subsequent investigations, the true nature of this association is unelucidated. Real-world data were analyzed through TriNetX network, further clarifying this association. Over 1 year, we analyzed patients aged > 50 with osteoporosis, exposed to romosozumab (Cohort A) or teriparatide/abaloparatide (Cohort B), with propensity score matching. We did not exclude patients with outcomes of interest prior to the index event. We observed a significant association with lower hazard ratios among four- (HR 0.441, 95% CI 0.0.376-0.638, p < 0.0001) and three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.624, 95% CI 0.567-0.688, p < 0.0001), with improved survival probabilities among Cohort A. Romosozumab participants continued to demonstrate a significantly lower hazard (and improved survival probabilities) of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and death, but no significant difference was observed with respect to cerebrovascular accidents. Subsequent E-value sensitivity analyses suggested moderate robustness to unmeasured confounding. Further subgroup analyses were performed over two and five years of follow-up, among patients aged 50-64 and > 65, along with male- and female-only cohorts. The true association between romosozumab and cardiovascular events remains unknown. Additional studies of a prospective nature are required to investigate this further. These findings do not demonstrate a clear increased cardiovascular risk signal in a real-world setting; however, they should be interpreted as associative rather than causal and are not sufficient to change current regulatory recommendations.
Public engagement is an important mechanism for ensuring that the voices of the public are integrated into study design and data use. However, engaging with the public around data use and data privacy can be challenging, due to the complex and specialist nature of the topic. Building on previous work (Raybould, IJPDS 2025), this paper showcases the findings and outputs from a range of public engagement work carried out for Generation New Era, a new UK-wide birth cohort study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. A key aim for Generation New Era is to build public trust through clear communication about benefits and data safeguards and use the Five Safes Framework to help shape these communications. To help develop and test these communications, we are carrying out in-depth public engagement work to test the main study's privacy information and explanations of data use, security and privacy with members of the public, to better understand lay interpretations of technical language and to further improve how we communicate these. We are working with a specialist public dialogue team at Verian carry out testing of these materials using small in-person focus groups with a diverse group of parents from across the UK in late 2025. We also plan to use specialist public panels on data use (e.g. ADR-UK) in all four UK nations as part of this work, to review the more technical aspects of the privacy information.
The superstructures formed by the self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) can exhibit unique photonic collective properties (structural color, localized surface plasmon resonance [LSPR]), enhance the interaction between light and matter, and open up new possibilities for photonic sensing. Many photonic biosensors have addressed the limitations of current bioanalytical methods with their non-invasive nature, real-time monitoring, and high sensitivity. In recent years, the construction of photonic biosensors using super-structured materials could further enhance the sensors in terms of sensitivity, processing capacity, ease of use, and miniaturization. Superstructure-based photonic biosensors can analyze complex samples, but their development still needs to overcome limitations related to target binding specificity, long-term stability, and signal decoding efficiency. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) provides new opportunities to solve these problems. Deep learning (DL) algorithms can independently extract multi-dimensional data features such as spectra and images, distinguish weak biological signals from noise, optimize detection parameters, and achieve real-time dynamic calibration. In this review, we provide the photonic collective characteristics of superstructures and the applications of biosensors in intelligent diagnosis. The applications of superstructured photonic sensors in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, and cell imaging are summarized. The colorimetric, fluorescence-based sensor technologies assisted by DL are discussed along with challenges faced in integrating AI with superstructure-based photonic biosensors. As this field continues to evolve, the integration of AI and superstructure-based photonic biosensors will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Semiconductor metal oxides, particularly zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO), have attracted considerable attention as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants because of their favorable electronic properties, chemical stability, and low cost. In this study, ZnO and CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by wick-assisted solution combustion, while Zn-Cu mixed oxide composites were prepared by thermal decomposition of oxalate precursors. Their structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties were systematically compared with those of commercial materials. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the synthesized ZnO possessed a highly crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure, whereas the commercial ZnO exhibited a predominantly amorphous nature. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of Orange G dye under UV irradiation. Commercial ZnO exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared with the synthesized ZnO, while the synthesized CuO showed enhanced activity relative to commercial CuO. The Zn-Cu mixed oxide composite demonstrated improved photocatalytic performance owing to the synergistic interaction between ZnO and CuO, which promotes charge separation and suppresses electron-hole recombination. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed the generation of hydroxyl (˙OH) and superoxide (˙O2 -) radicals during UV irradiation, and radical trapping experiments identified ˙OH as the dominant reactive species responsible for Orange G degradation. These findings provide direct experimental evidence for the proposed photocatalytic mechanism and establish a clear relationship between crystallinity, reactive oxygen species generation, and photocatalytic performance. The results provide useful insights into the design of efficient ZnO-CuO-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.