Shandong University of Technology

A rapidly growing field is piezoresistive sensor for accurate respiration rate monitoring to suppress the worldwide respiratory illness. However, a large neglected issue is the sensing durability and accuracy without interference since the expiratory pressure always coupled with external humidity and temperature variations, as well as mechanical motion artifacts. Herein, a robust and biodegradable piezoresistive sensor is reported that consists of heterogeneous MXene/cellulose-gelation sensing layer and Ag-based interdigital electrode, featuring customizable cylindrical interface arrangement and compact hierarchical laminated architecture for collectively regulating the piezoresistive response and mechanical robustness, thereby realizing the long-term breath-induced pressure detection. Notably, molecular dynamics simulations reveal the frequent angle inversion and reorientation of MXene/cellulose in vacuum filtration, driven by shear forces and interfacial interactions, which facilitate the establishment of hydrogen bonds and optimize the architecture design in sensing layer. The resultant sensor delivers unprecedented collection features of superior stability for off-axis deformation (0–120°, ~ 2.8 × 10–3 A) and sensing accuracy without crosstalk (humidity 50%–100% and temperature 30–80 °C). Besides, the sensor-embedded mask together with machine learning models is achieved to train and classify the respiration status for volunteers with different ages (average prediction accuracy ~ 90%). It is envisioned that the customizable architecture design and sensor paradigm will shed light on the advanced stability of sustainable electronics and pave the way for the commercial application in respiratory monitory.

Current biodegradable biliary stents remain inadequate for clinical demands. Zinc (Zn) alloys, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties, moderate degradation rates, and favorable biocompatibility, are potential materials for biodegradable biliary stents. In this study, trace boron (B) was added to Zn-0.8Cu alloy to enhance its mechanical properties and biocompatibility, and to investigate its suitability as biliary stent. The incorporation of 0.03 wt% boron significantly refined the grain size and introduced the bimodal organization, consequently enhancing the mechanical properties of Zn-0.8Cu alloy (As cast: yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation increased by 52.0 %, 42.5 %, and 153.8 %, respectively). Moreover, boron addition reduced the corrosion resistance of Zn-0.8Cu alloy and the surface became hydrophilic (water contact angle 70.75° ± 1.74°). In vitro evaluations revealed that the Zn-0.8Cu-0.03B alloy exhibited excellent biocompatibility and strongly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, the Zn-0.8Cu-0.03B alloy stents maintained structural integrity in the rabbit common bile duct for 3 weeks, followed by accelerated degradation, and were completely degraded within 8 weeks. Zn-0.8Cu-0.03B alloy stents showed excellent biocompatibility in vivo, the degradation products were safely eliminated without causing biliary stricture or obstruction, and tissue hyperplasia induced by stent was effectively alleviated. In conclusion, this study expands the applications potential of Zn alloy in biomedicine and provides reference for developing new generation biodegradable biliary stents.

The global beverage market is rapidly evolving toward functional products fortified with bioactive ingredients like probiotics, polyphenols, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the inherent instability of these ingredients during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit compromises their efficacy and product viability. To address these challenges, micro- and nanoencapsulation have emerged as powerful technological solutions. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of recent advances in micro- and nanoencapsulation strategies for fortifying dairy and non-dairy beverages. It focuses on emerging delivery systems, including hydrogel beads, polymeric complexes, emulsions, and bilayer vesicular systems, and evaluates their role in improving the stability, viability, and bioaccessibility of bioactive ingredients. The impact of these strategies on beverage quality, sensory profile, and commercial potential is also assessed. Numerous studies demonstrated that encapsulation can enhance the performance of functional ingredients across diverse beverage matrices, from dairy to plant-based alternatives. Specifically, tailored systems (e.g., coated particles, emulsion-gels, Pickering emulsions) improve probiotic survivability, shield antioxidants from degradation, and mask undesirable flavors, thereby improving the beverage's sensory attributes. Crucially, these technologies facilitate targeted release in the gut, enhancing bioaccessibility and the potential for bioavailability to maximize intended health benefits. Despite promising laboratory results, commercial adoption faces challenges in scalability, cost-effectiveness, and sensory impact. Long-term stability in complex beverage systems and the regulatory landscape for novel materials, particularly nanocapsules, requires further attention. This review underscores the transformative potential of encapsulation for creating advanced, health-promoting beverages while outlining the critical path for successful market translation from research to market.