The Royal Society of Chemistry最新文献

Hydrogels offer considerable promise as flexible sensors. However, maintaining their stable performance in complex underwater environments characterized by high pressure, high salinity, and temperature fluctuations remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the dynamic adaptive capabilities of jellyfish, this study reports a biomimetic composite conductive hydrogel with multi-level environmental responsiveness, synthesized via the copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and octadecyl methacrylate (OMA), incorporating color-changing microcapsules through a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelle-confined polymerization strategy. The long alkyl chains of OMA promote hydrophobic association networks inside CTAB micelles, endowing the hydrogel with both high strength and exceptional stretchability (fracture strength of 690 kPa; elongation at break 1370%). This hydrogel achieves multi-parameter, synchronized responses to complex marine conditions: strong temperature sensitivity (-15.344%/°C), an electrical response to water-depth pressure (7.13 kPa^-1, corresponding to 0-500 m water depth), stable tensile responsiveness, and reversible color changes visible to the naked eye. Building on these capabilities, the hydrogel can monitor human motion in conventional settings and also enable underwater sensing and Morse-code-based information transmission, demonstrating substantial potential for applications for underwater communication and emergency rescue applications.

The combined effect of π-linkers and terminal groups presents a powerful yet underexplored strategy for boosting the performance of benzotriazole (BZ)-based non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). In this computational study, we employ density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) to design and evaluate the photovoltaic performance of five benzotriazole (BZ)-core-based non-fullerene small molecule acceptors (BD1-BD5). These molecules are engineered by modifying the terminal acceptor groups of a reference structure (BZE-31) and incorporating a methyl thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-2-carboxylate π-linker. The designed molecules exhibit a pronounced bathochromic shift in absorption (λ _max = 690-939 nm in chloroform) and significantly reduced optical band gaps (1.66-2.24 eV) compared to the reference. In particular, BD4, functionalized with a 4-methylene-5-oxocyclopent-1-ene-1-sulfonyl chloride end-group, demonstrates the most promising optoelectronic profile. It achieves the narrowest band gap (1.66 eV), the highest red-shifted absorption (939 nm), the lowest exciton binding energy (0.31 eV), and an exceptional short-circuit current density (J _sc ≈ 22 mA cm^-2). This superior optoelectronic synergy transforms into an idealized theoretically estimated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.48% for BD4. Concurrently, BD1 (with a malononitrile end-group) also shows superior performance, with a high predicted PCE. A comprehensive analysis of frontier molecular orbitals, density of states, transition density matrices, and global reactivity descriptors confirms effective intramolecular charge transfer and favorable charge separation in the designed systems. The estimated PCEs for the most promising candidates, BD4 and BD1, reach 23.48% and 22.61%, respectively. This work provides a detailed theoretical blueprint demonstrating that π-linker incorporation and strategic terminal group engineering work in a combined manner and are highly effective strategies for tailoring the optoelectronic properties of BZ-based NF-SMAs. The high-performance candidates (BD1 and BD4) offer valuable theoretical insights for the experimental synthesis of next-generation, high-efficiency organic photovoltaic materials.

Biodiesel is a promising sustainable alternative to fossil diesel, but its deployment is limited by challenges in catalyst efficiency, stability, reusability, and process optimization. Metal-doped activated carbon (AC) and biochar-based catalysts have attracted considerable attention owing to their high surface area, tunable porosity, and low-cost production from waste biomass. In parallel, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful tool for biodiesel yield prediction, process modeling, and optimization. However, these research areas have largely progressed separately. This review combines scientometric analysis with a systematic review to examine advances in waste-derived AC and biochar-based catalysts and ML applications in biodiesel production. Catalyst synthesis, activation, metal doping, physicochemical properties, catalytic performance, stability, and reusability are critically evaluated alongside ML-based prediction and process optimization approaches. An integrated catalyst-process-performance framework is further discussed to highlight opportunities for incorporating catalyst descriptors into data-driven biodiesel modeling. The review identifies key research trends, knowledge gaps, and future opportunities for advancing sustainable and scalable biodiesel production.

Cognitive decline is a growing global public health concern in aging populations, with genetic and dietary factors contributing to individual differences in cognitive trajectories. Dietary choline, as a precursor of acetylcholine and a key regulator of methylation and membrane integrity, may protect cognitive function. However, epidemiological evidence remains inconsistent, and the optimal intake for neuroprotection remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary choline intake and cognitive decline and related outcomes, and a dose-response meta-analysis was performed. Eligible studies reporting risk estimates for cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or related outcomes according to dietary choline intake were included. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random-effects model and dose-response associations were assessed using a two-stage generalized least-squares framework. Eleven articles were included, of which nine independent cohorts involving 218 378 participants contributed to the primary meta-analysis. Higher dietary choline intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of adverse cognitive outcomes (pooled OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.92) and cognitive impairment/decline (pooled OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.95). A significant inverse association was also observed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) (pooled OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99), whereas the association with dementia was not statistically significant. Dose-response analyses revealed significant nonlinear associations for adverse cognitive outcomes and cognitive impairment/decline, with the lowest risk observed at approximately 350-400 mg day^-1 of dietary choline intake. Dietary choline intake was associated with lower risks of adverse cognitive outcomes, cognitive impairment/decline, and AD, with the lowest risks observed at moderate intake levels. These findings highlight the potential importance of adequate choline intake for cognitive health.

Vertically stacked electronics require thermal interface adhesives that conduct heat through confined bondlines while retaining adhesion after placement. Yet, highly filled ceramic adhesives are still commonly designed as bulk composites, with performance pursued by increasing filler loading or filler conductivity. This view overlooks how heat transport and adhesion are determined within the formed bondline, where filler connectivity, shear-dependent processability, wetting, and trapped air collectively govern performance. Here, we introduce a rheology-guided bondline densification strategy for multiscale thermally conductive adhesives composed of spherical Al₂O₃, plate-like hBN, fine AlN, and heat-activated polycaprolactone (PCL). The Al₂O₃/hBN architecture was optimized to balance shear-thinning flow, shape retention, and cured-state integrity, while fine AlN reinforced the conductive network. PCL was used as a thermoplastic densification mediator that softens during heat-primed mixing and suppresses microvoids within the ceramic-rich network. This strategy reduced microvoid formation, drove the skeletal density toward the composition-dependent theoretical density, and increased the surface free energy of the cured adhesive. The adhesive showed scale-bridging adaptability, conformally filling microscale roughness while remaining processable into large-area sheets and stamped macroscopic forms. The optimized adhesive achieved a through-plane thermal conductivity of 3.57 W m^-1 K^-1, representing a 2280% enhancement over neat epoxy and a 35% increase over the Al₂O₃/hBN baseline, along with a lap shear strength of 3.704 MPa, corresponding to a 113% improvement over the 20/40 baseline. Mobile-device heat-dissipation and load-bearing demonstrations further confirmed its practical applicability. These results establish bondline densification as a design principle for dense, processable, conformable, and adhesive thermal interfaces.

Correction for 'Effects of different galactans on DSS-induced colitis and the gut microbiota' by Xuefei Wei et al., Food Funct., 2026, 17, 4171-4184, https://doi.org/10.1039/d6fo00058d.

Nutrigenomics explores how nutrients interact with the genome to influence metabolic and physiological functions through microbial and molecular mechanisms. Nutrients and bioactive food compounds act as biochemical modulators that regulate gene expression and immune responses, sustaining physiological stability. On the other hand, the gut microbiota create a balanced, complex ecosystem that is vital for maintaining host physiology and metabolic balance. The type and composition of diet directly shape gut microbial communities and populations, which, in turn, influence host gene expression. Disruption of this balance can contribute significantly to various health issues. In this context, the gut microbiota act as both allies and adversaries in human health. This review discusses the current state of nutrigenomics, focusing on the complex interplay among dietary metabolites, microbiota, and genes, and linking this interplay to the genesis and prevention of several chronic diseases. This review provides an overview of the unique composition of the intestinal microbiota and its role in mediating nutrigenomic interactions.

Circadian disruption (CD) is an important risk factor for cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, potentially through disturbances in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism. This study investigated the protective effects of orally administered vanillin in a mouse model of CD. CD impaired spatial learning and recognition memory, whereas vanillin improved cognitive performance and corrected abnormal changes in TRP-related metabolites, including tryptophan, kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA). Vanillin also modulated the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, enhanced intestinal barrier function, and improved immune homeostasis. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis further showed that vanillin regulated hippocampal proteins associated with neuronal and synaptic function and reduced astrocyte activation. These findings suggest that vanillin alleviates CD-induced cognitive impairment, accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota composition, TRP-kynurenine metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and neuroinflammatory responses.

Probiotic secretomes are cell-free byproducts of bacterial growth, which contain bioactive metabolites. These metabolites have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and mediate the host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions. However, the metabolomic profiles of probiotic secretomes are strain-specific and have not been fully investigated. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was used to characterise the metabolomic profiles of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus R0011 (R11) secretome (LR) and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 (R175) secretome (BL). LR and BL had distinct metabolomic profiles. LR exhibits a greater relative abundance of branched-chain hydroxy and aromatic lactic acids, mannitol/sorbitol, mevalonate and flavin mononucleotide. BL is characterized by higher relative abundance of indolelactate, γ-glutamylamino acid, niacin-related metabolites, and organic acids in the citric acid cycle. This study is the first to reveal distinct metabolomic signatures of two widely used probiotic species, providing new insights into their strain-specific roles in host health and microbiome modulation.

The contamination of water bodies and soil with toxic oxo-anions poses significant environmental and health risks. Conventional water treatment technologies often fall short in addressing the selective and efficient removal of these contaminants due to challenges related to their solubility, mobility, and persistence in natural systems. In this regard, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one of the most promising classes of materials for oxo-anion removal. Despite numerous advances in the sensing capabilities of MOFs, the identification of intermediate steps, as well as the precise location and exact binding interactions of the entrapped oxo-anions, is still in its infancy and requires in-depth structural analysis of SC-SC transformations during the ion-exchange processes. In this review, we aim to summarize recent progress in MOF sensors for which SC-XRD structural insights into the entrapped oxo-anions are available and discuss these findings in detail to enhance molecular-level understanding of the ion-exchange process in MOF chemistry. Most importantly, we present a 'critical analysis' section considering several critical aspects that are often overlooked during development and made future recommendations in the 'future prospects' section.