Chemical Research in Chinese Universities

Chemical Research in Chinese Universities Vol.42 No.5 October 2026

2026, 42(5): 0-0.

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Bioinspired Nanopores for Alkali Metal Ion Transport: From Natural Structure to Artificial Design

LI Jingyi, QIAN Yongchao, XIE Lvchen, KONG Xiang-Yu, WEN Liping

2026, 42(5): 1343-1365. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6173-2

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Natural ion channels achieve exquisite selectivity and near-diffusion-limited flux through sub-nanometer confinement and precise chemical coordination, inspiring the design of synthetic nanoporous materials for alkali metal ion transport. This review systematically surveys recent advances in bioinspired nanoporous materials for the selective transport of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺. We begin by examining the structural and functional principles of natural channel proteins—notably Na_v channels and KcsA—which establish paradigms for ion selectivity via partial dehydration, electrostatic coordination and size exclusion. We then categorize artificial systems by dimensionality, from zero-dimensional graphene nanopores to three-dimensional framework materials, highlighting how pore architecture and chemical microenvironment collectively govern ion selectivity and flux. To achieve enhanced separation performance, researchers primarily relied on three core design strategies, namely size sieving, Donnan-based charge exclusion and stimulus-responsive regulation, with particular emphasis on their synergistic implementation. Finally, we offer perspectives on emerging material platforms, underexplored regulatory strategies, and advanced separation tasks, such as lithium isotope fractionation. Continued advances in fundamental understanding and scalable membrane fabrication will position bioinspired nanoporous materials for transformative impact in resource recovery, energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Nanopores and Nanochannels: From Confined Transport Mechanisms to Functional Applications

WU Chengda, JI Chao, GAO Yingying, CHEN Liuping, REN Ziqi, ZHANG Zhen

2026, 42(5): 1366-1393. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6180-8

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This review systematically summarizes recent advances in bioinspired nanopores and nanochannels for confined fluidics with emphasis on transport mechanisms, functionalization strategies and design principles for next-generation smart nanofluidic devices. Unlike macroscopic bulk fluidics, nanoscale transport leverages extreme spatial confinement to transcend classical continuum mechanics, exhibiting mass transfer and permselective properties analogous to natural biological ion channels. Focusing on fundamental physical mechanisms governing ion and molecule confinement, we elucidate anomalous transport phenomena that deviate from classical predictions. Specifically, we examine transport models modulated by the multiphysics coupling of geometric asymmetry, surface charge, electrical double layer overlap, interfacial wettability, and single-molecule recognition. Addressing the functional prerequisites of advanced devices, we categorize dynamic regulation strategies driven by structural asymmetry engineering and stimuli-responsive surface modifications. Furthermore, we evaluate critical applications of these confined systems in selective separation, smart gating, single-molecule detection, and high-performance energy conversion. Finally, we outline the persistent challenges impeding the scalability and practical implementation of artificial bioinspired nanofluidic systems, offering a forward-looking perspective on future developmental trajectories.

Self-assembled Isoporous Membranes: From Ordered Block Copolymer Nanopores to Integrated Transport Channels

JI Changxing, LIN Yangyang, LANG Chao

2026, 42(5): 1394-1407. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6149-2

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Self-assembly provides a unique route to polymer membranes with ordered pores and narrow pore-size distributions for liquid-phase separations. Nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) is simple and scalable, but the resulting pores are often broad in size and random in connectivity. The self-assembly and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) process for block copolymers combines nanoscale ordering with phase inversion and can form an isoporous selective layer and a porous support in one casting step. The self-assembly and block etching (SABE) route creates ordered block copolymer (BCP) precursors followed by selective removal of a sacrificial block. Polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) forms emergent block-copolymer nanostructures during polymerization, and after removal of a sacrificial domain, it yields crosslinked porous networks and is discussed as a BCP-derived boundary route rather than an intrinsically isoporous-membrane route. Pristine BCP pores separate mainly by size sieving, while charged, responsive, crosslinked, and inorganically modified pore walls add ion selectivity, molecular recognition, and fouling resistance. When incorporated into polymer matrices, protein and artificial channels can provide well-defined transport pathways with molecular-level selectivity. The distinct contribution of this review is to connect pore formation, pore-wall chemistry, and channel integration within a unified framework for designing transport pathways with controlled geometry, chemical interactions, and stability.

Bioinspired Nanofluidic Iontronics for Neuromorphic Computing

YANG Siqi, GUO Ziwen, ZHANG Mingshi, HOU Yaqi, HOU Xu

2026, 42(5): 1408-1425. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6160-7

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Bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics regulates ion transport in confined, hydrated environments to enable neuromorphic functions. Nanofluidic neuromorphic devices vary widely in materials, structures, transport mechanisms, and computational roles, complicating systematic comparison across platforms. Unlike existing reviews that primarily organize the field by material system, device structure, or individual synaptic-like behavior, this review establishes a mechanism-timescale-function framework that connects the physical origin, operation-relevant timescale, and computational role of ionic conductance responses. Within this framework, stable and transient conductance responses are treated not as separate device categories, but as functional regimes determined by their physical mechanism, temporal evolution behaviors, and computational roles. We first summarize the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ionic conductance under nanoconfinement, and then discuss the stable conductance responses for synaptic weight storage, the transient ionic conductance dynamics for temporal information processing, and the progression from individual devices to scalable iontronic circuits and systems. Finally, we highlight key challenges in mechanism attribution, reproducibility, benchmarking, interface design, and system integration, and outline future directions for reliable, function-oriented, and biointerfaced nanofluidic neuromorphic hardware.

Ion Transport Under Sub-nanometer Confinement for Fluidic Memristors and Neuromorphic Computing

SHI Deli, DUAN Libing

2026, 42(5): 1426-1443. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6150-9

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When nanopore dimensions approach the size of hydrated ions (sub-nanometer scale), ion transport deviates markedly from classical continuum descriptions. Under such extreme confinement, hydration-shell distortion, dielectric self-energy barriers, ion-pair dissociation, and ion-surface interactions collectively give rise to nonlinear conduction, ionic Coulomb blockade, and history-dependent ion transport. These confined phenomena provide a physical basis for fluidic memristors that emulate biological synaptic functions. This review summarizes recent advances in artificial sub-nanometer structures, anomalous ion transport mechanisms, fluidic memristors, synaptic plasticity emulation, and neuromorphic computing applications. Particular attention is paid to how confined ion transport mechanisms are translated into internal state variables of fluidic memristors, including ion-pair fraction, adsorbed ion density, concentration distribution, and wetting states. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future opportunities in precise fabrication, mechanistic understanding, device stability, and system-level integration. This review aims to provide a mechanistic perspective for developing low-power, biomimetic, and scalable ionic neuromorphic systems.

Influence of Pore Diameter on Water Transport Through Subnanometer-sized Artificial Channels

HU Yi-Fei, WANG Yinglan, LI Jia-Shuo, XIAO Qi, ZHANG Meng-Ke, WANG Wenning, SUN Mo, HOU Jun-Li

2026, 42(5): 1444-1448. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6168-z

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Water transport under subnanometer confinement exhibits transport behaviors that differ fundamentally from those in larger nanopores, yet how pore diameter governs water permeation remains poorly understood. Here, we report a series of pillar[n]arene-based artificial water channels with systematically varied pore diameters while preserving an otherwise identical channel framework. Unexpectedly, water permeability decreases monotonically with increasing pore diameter, revealing an inverse size dependence under subnanometer confinement. Combined ion-selective transport measurements, ion-water competition experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that this inverse dependence originates from a pore-diameter-controlled transport regime transition. Rather than directly enhancing water permeation through geometric enlargement, increasing pore diameter lowers the energetic barrier for chloride permeation, thereby activating ion-water competition that suppresses water transport. These findings establish a quantitative structure-transport relationship, in which pore diameter regulates water transport by controlling the onset of chloride permeation, providing mechanistic insights into pore-diameter-dependent transport within this homologous channel series and informing the rational design of high-performance artificial water channels.

Modulation of K⁺/Na⁺ Selective Transport Kinetics via Charge and Alkyl Chain Length of Edge-modified Carbon Nanotubes

LIU Rui, ZHANG Cheng, CHEN Rixuan, ZHANG Yuanshuo, YAN Tianjing, CAO Menghao, SONG Yichong, HUANG Menglian, XIA Fan

2026, 42(5): 1449-1460. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6177-y

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The respective and coupled contributions of electrostatic charge and steric hindrance at the nanopore entrance to ion transport remain poorly understood. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate potassium and sodium ion transport through edge-functionalized carbon nanotubes, focusing on how charge and chain length of grafted groups modulate ion permeation. It turns out that positively charged short chains promote chloride transport; strong sodium-chloride pairing drives sodium ions backward while potassium migrates forward, achieving complete spatial separation. For negatively charged groups, a four-state selectivity progression emerges from competition between ion hydration and group coordination. Long chains enhance potassium selectivity by disrupting hydration shells more effectively. This work provides atomic-level design principles for functionalized carbon nanotube ion channels and offers insights into transport mechanisms in confined nanofluidic systems.

Polymeric Templates Enhancing the Quality of Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Films Prepared on Water Surface

WANG Linna, LI Shuang, LIU Kejun, CHI Lifeng

2026, 42(5): 1461-1469. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6161-6

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Air-water interfacial polymerization is an emerging route to crystalline 2D covalent organic framework (COF) thin films, which can be highly influenced by surfactants used to guide crystal growth. Here we screen six surfactant-like soft templates under identical Schiff-base conditions. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-OH deliver highly continuous polycrystalline films, whereas the other four anionic small-molecule surfactants produce fragmented islands or films with limited long-range order. Multi-scale characterization of 2D COF films resolves a tetragonal lattice with face-on orientation and atomically resolved square pores. Raman spectroscopy identifies a crystallinity-sensitive peak at 1562 cm^-1, assigned by density-functional-based tight-binding (DFTB) to a Raman-active, IR-silent free-base porphyrin skeletal mode. This peak is weak or absent in small-molecule-templated films and provides a bench-scale crystallinity marker specific to porphyrin-node 2D COFs that retain local centrosymmetry. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) deep indentation on suspended Si3N₄ membranes (1 μm radius) probes intra-domain mechanics, and the measured moduli (309—613 MPa across surfactants) are consistent with the film-quality hierarchy. The results suggest that a polymeric surfactant backbone, which creates a continuous interfacial template, plays a major role in 2D COF film continuity; intra-domain stiffness is largely independent of macroscopic film continuity. The mechanism, by which polymeric templates outperform small-molecule surfactants remains to be fully elucidated.

Self-inhibited Multivalent Ion Transport of the Porphyrin-functionalized Amorphous Covalent-Organic Framework Membrane for Efficient Lithium Extraction from Battery Cathodes

GONG Yanfeng, HOU Yushuang, WANG Tianwen, WANG Yujue, XU Yongyuan, SUI Kunyan, GAO Jun, LIU Xueli

2026, 42(5): 1470-1477. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6075-3

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The recycling of lithium from spent batteries is crucial for mitigating resource shortages, yet achieving high Li⁺ selectivity over competing multivalent ions remains a major challenge. Here, we report a porphyrin-functionalized amorphous covalent-organic framework (COF) membrane that enables highly selective and efficient Li⁺ separation via self-inhibited multivalent ion transport. The membrane features sub-0.3 nm pores that sterically hinder hydrated multivalent ions, while porphyrin moieties strongly bind multivalent ions, increasing positive surface charge and electrostatically repelling subsequent multivalent ions. This self-inhibition mechanism, combined with distinct weakly interacting pathways for Li⁺, amplifies the Li⁺ selectivity by an order of magnitude, reaching 650 or even higher, depending on the multivalent ion type. Applied to cathode leachates, the membrane achieves Li⁺ purity up to 98.75% for LiFePO₄ and 99.97% for nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) systems via only a single-step separation. This work should guide the development of selective ion recovery methods, highlighting the potential of decoupled ion transport pathways in membrane design.

A Biocompatible “Three-pronged” Photo-responsive Chloride Transporter

YUE Yongcheng, ZHANG Yang, ZUO Yuxuan, CHEN Shuheng, WU Jiarun, ZHI Shengjie, DENG Shijie, ZHAO Hongyang, YAN Tengfei, LIU Junqiu

2026, 42(5): 1478-1483. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6170-x

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Photo-switchable artificial ion transporters have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their potential for precise temporal and spatial regulation of ion transmembrane transport. Herein we present a photo-responsive chloride ion transporter (E)-1a, which was composed of “three-pronged” thiourea arms with light-sensitive azobenzene moieties. The thiourea groups were served as the anion binding site. The results showed that (E)-1a possesses excellent photo-responsive performance and chloride ion transport capacity. While this transporter exhibits robust light-controlled transport activity in simplified artificial membrane models and favourable biocompatibility in mammalian cells, no detectable chloride flux is observed in living-cell systems, revealing the pronounced influence of native membrane constituents on transmembrane transport behaviour. This work establishes a distinctive photoregulation strategy for anion transport, offering fundamental insights for the rational design and further optimization of high-performance photoswitchable transporters toward biological and therapeutic applications.

Reversible pH-Responsive Red Fluorescent Switch Based on a Water-soluble Pillar[5]arene-Triphenylamine Assembly for Cellular Imaging

NIU Mei, QIAN Zhenkai, ZHAO Wantong, YUAN Fengli, LIU Zhengyue, SUN Yonghui, XIN Pengyang

2026, 42(5): 1484-1488. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6151-8

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Herein, we report a water-compatible, reversibly switchable fluorescent assembly engineered from a pyridinium-functionalized triphenylamine (TPA) and a water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5). UV-Vis titration confirmed a strong 1:1 host-guest stoichiometry with a high association constant (2.95×10⁶ L/mol). Supramolecular confinement induces significant bathochromic shifts in both absorption (453→472 nm) and emission (607→635 nm), alongside a nearly tenfold fluorescence enhancement. Mechanistically, protonation of the carboxylate rim at low pH reconfigures interfacial electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, triggering a further redshift to 639 nm and elevating the absolute quantum yield from 1.04% (free TPA) to 5.20% (acidified complex). Crucially, TPA@WP5 exhibits negligible cytotoxicity (94%—100% viability) in A549 cells at concentrations up to 80 μmol/L and enables real-time intracellular imaging of acidic microenvironments. This work establishes a robust platform for pH-gated fluorescence amplification, offering a paradigm for designing responsive supramolecular probes.

Electrostatically Enhanced Single-Molecule Sensing of Aliphatic and Aromatic Polyfluorinated Carboxylic Acids Isomers Using A260K Aerolysin Nanopore

LI Pufeng, LI Hong-Shuang, ZHAO Xian, XIE Xueying, DING Ran, JIANG Jiale, LIU Kexian, ZUO Jiaqi, QIU Kaipei

2026, 42(5): 1489-1496. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6130-0

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) are persistent organic pollutants with complex structures and strong biological toxicity. Single-molecule sensing using Aerolysin (Ael) nanopore and cationic probe enables standard-free quantification of PFCA homologues, but its identification performance is limited by the relatively short analyte dwell time in wild type (WT) Ael. Herein, we engineered the nanopore sensing interface by introducing lysine (K) and arginine (R) at three sites near the trans exit barrier of Ael (T240, E258, and A260) to prolong analyte dwell time and enhance resolution. All-atom molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the electrostatic potentials at trans exit shifted from negative (WT) to strong positive for all mutants. The K-substitutions significantly enhanced the signal difference among analytes, as experimentally validated by two aliphatic isomers. In particular, A260K exhibited the most superior sensing capability: dwell time was increased by 50-fold and the sigma of blockade was reduced by 80%, leading to nearly 30-fold improvement in resolutions compared to WT Ael. Further evaluation with seven aromatic PFCA isomers showed that the identification accuracy increased from 57.71% for WT Ael to 91.58% for A260K, with the aid of multi-feature classification. This study provides a new strategy towards comprehensive standard-free detection of PFCA.

Recording of DNA Knots Formation and Their Splitting by TOPII with Solid-state Nanopore Devices

REN Meili, WENG Ting, XIANG Limin, CHEN Xun, LIANG Liyuan, ZENG Chunyu

2026, 42(5): 1497-1503. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6140-y

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DNA knots represent critical topological structures arising during DNA replication, recombination, and repair, of which the aberrant accumulation threatens genomic stability. Helicases and topoisomerases act cooperatively to maintain genomic integrity by specifically recognizing DNA knots and progressively unwinding them or relieving topological stress through transient DNA strand cleavage. This study employs solid-state nanopore (SSN) technology to achieve high-resolution detection of λ-DNA knots under optimized conditions. Our work demonstrates that DNA knot translocation generates multistage signals of ionic current blockade, with blockage current amplitude positively correlating with topological complexity. Furthermore, the capture frequency of DNA knots increases significantly with applied bias voltages, while translocation duration decreases with reduced channel length (referring to the thickness of silicon nitride). Notably, topoisomerase II (TOPII) exhibits moderate resolving activity toward DNA knots, manifested by an increased proportion of linear DNA signals and shortened blockade durations. The splitting efficiency of TOPII is influenced by the supercoiling status of DNA and the concentration of enzyme; the underlying molecular mechanism needs further investigation with combined single-molecule fluorescence techniques. This study innovatively applies solid-state nanopore technology to explore DNA topology and DNA-TOPII interaction, providing a new research strategy for related fields.

Voltage-driven Structural Modulation of Single Enzyme Molecules with Nanopipettes

ZHANG Cuiju, CHEN Wenlong, DENG Simeng, DENG Fan, MA Hui

2026, 42(5): 1504-1508. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6169-y

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Electric-field modulation of protein structure has attracted increasing interest, yet quantitative characterization under nanoconfinement remains challenging. Here, we investigate the voltage-dependent translocation of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) through a nanopipette. The ionic current blockade increases linearly between 300 and 500 mV before deviating from the low-voltage trend at higher voltages, accompanied by corresponding changes in dwell time and event frequency. Quantitative analysis of ionic current blockades reveals a progressive reduction in the effective excluded volume of FDH, decreasing by approximately 13% at 600 mV and 23% at 700 mV relative to the low-voltage range. These findings suggest the electric field can serve as a modulator of FDH conformation during translocation, highlighting its dual role in both driving transport and modulating protein structure at the single-molecule level.

Nanopore-based Ion-selective Electrode for the Detection of Calcium Ion

HUANG Ting-Jing, QILENG Aori, YING Yi-Lun, LONG Yi-Tao

2026, 42(5): 1509-1512. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6199-5

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Ion-selective electrodes have been widely used for inorganic ion detection; however, conventional micrometer-tipped electrodes cannot meet the growing demand for calcium imaging with high spatial resolution. Here, we report a sub-100 nm calcium-selective electrode based on a quartz nanopore. A classical calcium ionophore IV membrane cocktail was introduced into a 50 nm laser-pulled quartz conical nanopore by centrifugation, constructing a nanoscale ion-sensing interface. The electrode exhibited a linear potentiometric response of 19.14 mV/dec over the calcium concentration range from 1×10^-7 mol/L to 1×10^-2 mol/L, with a detection limit of approximately 100 nmol/L (the lowest concentration tested), and showed favorable selectivity against Na⁺, Mg²⁺, ascorbic acid, and dopamine. The aperture size significantly influenced the response: when reduced to 20 nm, the response slope decreased to 12.98 mV/dec. To the best of our knowledge, 20 nm represents the smallest aperture reported for quartz-nanopore-based ion-selective electrodes, while the 50 nm aperture still exhibits a sub-Nernstian response, offering a promising tool for ion detection in even smaller nanoscale spaces.

Real-time Monitoring of Voltage-dependent Dissociation Kinetics of Glutathione S-Transferase with Functionalized Glass Nanopore

WANG Haiyan, GUI Qunge, ZHAO Zhenda

2026, 42(5): 1513-1518. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6190-6

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The dynamic interaction between glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) is fundamental to cellular detoxification and redox regulation. Probing this transient binding at the single-molecule level under physiological conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a label-free approach that exploits the easy modifiability of glass nanopores to create a sensing interface for real-time monitoring of GST-GSH association and dissociation. By analyzing the dwell times of individual binding events, we directly extracted the dissociation rate constant (k_off) online and systematically investigated its voltage dependence. The observed increase in k_off with applied voltage is rationalized by an electrophoretic force-induced lowering of the dissociation energy barrier, consistent with standard nanopore force spectroscopy models. This work establishes a single-molecule platform for the online, real-time study of interfacial biomolecular interactions, providing kinetic insights into the GST-GSH system that complements traditional ensemble methods.

Functionalized Nanopipette for Fluorescence Analysis of Protein Kinase Activity in Single Living Cells

ZHANG Qian, MA Yuanyuan, ZHANG Xiaobo, JIANG Dechen, PAN Rongrong

2026, 42(5): 1519-1526. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6174-1

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Evaluation of protein kinase activity in individual living cells is important for understanding intracellular phosphorylation-regulated signaling pathways. However, it remains challenging because most existing approaches require cell lysis and thereby disrupt the native intracellular environment. Herein, we developed a functionalized carbon nanopipette platform for fluorescence-based analysis of relative changes in intracellular protein kinase A (PKA) activity at the single-cell level. The outer quartz surface of the nanopipette was modified with a DNA-templated Dy³⁺ recognition interface, which selectively captured phosphorylated peptides through phosphate-lanthanide coordination. For intracellular analysis, a fluorescent non-phosphorylated peptide substrate was introduced into single living cells by electrochemical microinjection. The delivered substrate was subsequently phosphorylated by activated intracellular PKA. Following injection, the intracellular fluorescence stabilized within 10 min and remained nearly unchanged for at least 60 min, while cellular morphology was largely preserved. The resulting phosphopeptide products were selectively recognized by the Dy³⁺-functionalized nanopipette, producing a significant fluorescence enhancement at the nanopipette tip. This work establishes a nanopipette-based strategy for intracellular kinase activity analysis in single living cells and provides a modular platform that may be extended to other phosphorylation-related signaling events by changing the peptide substrate.

Dual-gate Neurotransistors for Bio-inspired Multi-synaptic Integration

HUANG Zijia, ZHU Xinyi, LIU Wenchao, MEI Tingting, SI Zhixiao, XIAO Kai

2026, 42(5): 1527-1533. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6152-7

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Biological nervous systems perform sophisticated computation of multi-input signals and synaptic integration via ion migration across protein nanochannels, underpinning a broad spectrum of intelligent neural activities. Inspired by this biological mechanism, we construct a dual-gate ion transistor based on carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole (CNTs/PPy) composite nanochannels to mimic the signal processing behavior of biological synapses. The discontinuous gradient distribution of PPy guarantees independent modulation by the two gates and induces pronounced asymmetric electrical output properties. Electrical characterizations confirm that the dual-gate configuration activates additional ion transport pathways within the nanochannels. By adjusting the electropolymerization time of PPy, three devices with different degrees of asymmetry are obtained, which effectively emulate synaptic suppression, synergistic enhancement, and linear integration as observed in biological neurons. This study provides a facile and robust strategy for constructing a dual-gate ion transistor platform, establishing a reliable foundation for high-performance multi-input biomimetic neuromorphic computing.

Bimodal Deep Learning Network for Augmenting Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Image Analysis

WU Xinyan, FU Haohao, CAI Wensheng, ZHOU Yan, JING Xiang, SHAO Xueguang

2026, 42(5): 1534-1543. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6050-z

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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a vital technique for lesion identification, where accurate localization and segmentation of target regions are essential tasks. However, extracting reliable quantitative information from CEUS data is significantly challenged by respiratory motion artifacts that disrupt spatial consistency and the inherent fuzziness of lesion boundaries. Existing methods generally use a single-modal signal, i.e., the fundamental or harmonic signal, in the data, failing to leverage the complementary information from multimodal signals. In this work, we developed a bimodal deep learning network for fusing the bimodal features. The model synergistically fuses fundamental and harmonic signals by integrating residual learning and depth-wise separable convolution (DSCNN). The fundamental signal provides anatomical structural details, while the harmonic signal captures dynamic perfusion profiles. Identification of focal liver lesions (FLLs) was performed with a group of CEUS images. The pixel-level fusion strategy effectively enhanced signal resolution and robustness against motion interference, enabling the proposed model to outperform the established models, such as standard U-Net, fully convolutional network (FCN) and Attention U-Net. This work may provide a powerful tool for rapid and accurate FLL identification, offering a technique for processing multimodal signals.

Amorphous Heterostructure Derived from Ti₃C₂T_x MXene Towards Superior Lithium-ion Storage

AKHTAR Hassan, CHIMTALI Joseph Peter, REHMAN Ur Zohaib, AHMED Musab Syed, ABBAS Numan, WANG Changda, SONG Li

2026, 42(5): 1544-1553. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6057-5

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Engineering atomic disorder beyond conventional ordered frameworks offers a promising route to unlock the full electrochemical potential of MXenes. Herein, we report the rational design of a heterostructure Ti₃C₂T_x MXene (h-Ti₃C₂T_x) via a controlled ammonium persulfate-induced amorphization strategy. This approach introduces long-range atomic disorder while preserving the MXene layered structure, creating abundant active sites and synergistically enhancing structural robustness. Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS) provided direct evidence of the phase evolution from crystalline MXene (c-Ti₃C₂T_x) to h-Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, revealing the formation of a genuine heterogeneous architecture. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) further confirmed the dual-phase structure, in which crystalline domains coexist with amorphous regions. Complementary selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) established a clear processing-structure relationship, demonstrating a progressive reduction in crystallinity with increasing treatment time. The h-Ti₃C₂T_x electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of 464.4 mA·h·g^-1 at 0.1 A/g and outstanding rate capability, retaining 173 mA·h·g^-1 at 3.0 A/g, surpassing many previously reported Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes. Ex situ analysis further confirmed the exceptional structural stability of the heterostructured electrode. Overall, this study establishes a spectroscopy-guided heterostructure engineering paradigm for MXenes, providing fundamental insights into crystalline-amorphous coupling and offering a broadly applicable strategy for developing next-generation high-performance Li-ion battery anode materials.

Co-recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polylactic Acid by WO₃-loaded S1 Zeolite

LI Yuxiong, WU Xueting, XU Jing, WANG Xiao, SONG Shuyan, ZHANG Hongjie

2026, 42(5): 1554-1559. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6072-6

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Chemical recycling of single-component plastic wastes is regarded as an important way to save waste carbon resources. However, the real plastic wastes are multi-component composition, which combine with various plastics, and the chemical recycling of mixed polyesters often faces significant challenges because of complex functional groups and harsh acidic environment. In this work, we combined WO₃ with zeolite and synthesized 5W/S1 to address this challenge. The 5W/S1 shows excellent catalytic ability, which can convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) to terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG), and lactic acid (LA) with high yields and keep activity after use. From the results, there is a synergistic effect that occurs during the reaction, which is induced by polylactic acid and 5W/S1; they are synergistic in activating the ester groups to promote the conversion of PET. This work can provide a novel insight into the development of stable catalysts for recycling mixed plastics.

Disease-anchored Network Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Prioritize HSP90AB1 as a Doxorubicin-binding Hub Across Cancers

WANG Wentao, LI Sen, CAI Yanfei, CHEN Yun, ZHU Jingyu, JIN Jian

2026, 42(5): 1560-1571. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6078-0

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Doxorubicin functions through DNA-centered mechanisms and protein-level interactions; however, the cancer-relevant binding hubs remain inadequately defined. We integrated a previously reported functional protein microarray dataset for doxorubicin, which comprised 363 reproducible binders, alongside GeneCards and GeDiPNet disease-gene resources for breast cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphoblastic leukemia. The three disease gene sets shared a total of 962 genes and were enriched for pathways related to immune activation, chromosomal organization, DNA damage responses, and cancer/viral infections. Disease-anchored binders were assembled into a STRING network and ranked using four centrality measures from cytoHubba. Seven consensus hubs were retained, with HSP90AB1 ranking first by WeightedMean score (16.18). HSP90AB1 also constituted the core of the complete 363-binder network. Docking experiments positioned doxorubicin within the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of HSP90AB1, supported by recurrent polar, water-mediated, and aromatic interactions. In 400 ns simulations, doxorubicin remained associated with the binding pocket, exhibited stable ligand radius of gyration (rGyr) (approximately 5.0 Å to 5.3 Å, 1 Å=0.1 nm), had a higher ligand solvent accessible surface area (SASA) than KU3 (135.91 vs. 92.46 Å²), and produced ligand-dependent principal component analysis (PCA) profiles. Trajectory-sampled molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) analyses favored doxorubicin over KU3 [(-88.83±11.87) vs. (-51.08±3.55) kcal/mol]. These findings emphasize HSP90AB1 as a critical doxorubicin-binding hub relevant to disease.

A G-Quadruplex Rigidity-induced Quenching-Shielding Strategy for OFF-ON Fluorescent Detection of Strontium Ions

CHEN Linyuan, CHEN Chen, ZOU Li, LING Liansheng, ZHANG Ji

2026, 42(5): 1572-1576. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6083-3

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Human telomeric DNA sequences (5′-TTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-TTAGGG-3′) can be induced by strontium ions to form G-quadruplex structures. Based on this property, a novel “OFF-ON” fluorescent sensor was developed for Sr²⁺ using a G-quadruplex/ acridine orange-graphene oxide (G4/AO-GO) system. In the presence of Sr²⁺, the telomeric DNA folds into a rigid G-quadruplex structure, which not only inhibited the adsorption of acridine orange (AO) on graphene oxide (GO) and recovered the fluorescence of AO, but enhanced the fluorescence of AO as well. Spectroscopic results confirmed the formation of stable G-quadruplexes in the presence of Sr²⁺. Under the optimum condition, the fluorescence intensity showed a good linear relationship with the Sr²⁺ concentration over the range from 10 nmol/L to 3.0 μmol/L, and the detection limit was 3.6 nmol/L. The sensor also exhibited high specificity and selectivity, and was successfully applied to the determination of strontium in mineral water samples. This sensing platform provides a promising method for in situ monitoring of Sr²⁺ in geological surveys, environmental safety assessment, and food quality control.

Substituent Effect in Ligand Modification for Efficient Ethylene (Co)polymerization with α-Diimine Nickel Catalysts

XU Yuming, CHEN Ao, XU Menghe, MA Zhanshan

2026, 42(5): 1577-1584. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6089-x

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With the development of various catalyst backbones, introducing different substituents on the ligands has become an efficient modification strategy. In this work, methyl, methoxy and fluorine substituents were introduced at the ortho-, meta- and para-positions of the diarylmethyl group on the ligand (Ni1—Ni9) to investigate the effects of substituent identity and position. In ethylene homopolymerization, ortho-substituted catalysts showed increased steric hindrance, inhibiting the insertion of ethylene and reducing the rate of chain transfer. The ortho-methoxy catalyst (Ni6) produced polymer with high activity (10.6×10⁶ g·mol^-1·h^-1) and a high molecular weight (54.9×10⁴g/mol), which suggests the presence of weak attractive interactions between the adjacent methoxy substituent and metal center. The ortho-fluorinated catalyst Ni9 produced polyethylene with high molecular weight and low branching density, likely due to an ortho-fluorine-associated chain-ligand interaction. Fluorinated catalysts also exhibited better catalytic performance at 80 ℃. In copolymerization with methyl 10-undecenoate, methoxy-substituted catalysts showed higher activity and polar monomer incorporation, whereas fluorinated catalysts exhibited lower catalytic activity and comonomer incorporation. These results indicate that both substituent position and electronic properties are important for tuning α-diimine nickel catalysts in ethylene polymerization and copolymerization.

A Fully Conjugated Imidazole-based Covalent Organic Framework for Efficient Dynamic Capture of Radioactive Iodine

ZHANG Wenqi, MA Zhonglin, TANG Songbai, HE Linwei, CHEN Long, WANG Shuao

2026, 42(5): 1585-1590. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6097-x

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The safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy depends in part on the effective capture of volatile radioactive iodine released from reprocessing off-gas, yet existing adsorbents suffer from poor kinetics, low utilization efficiency, or inadequate stability under harsh conditions. Here, we report a rationally designed imidazole-based covalent organic framework (BI-TAPB-COF) that enables efficient iodine capture through synergistic charge-transfer interactions. The fully conjugated backbone endows the material with exceptional chemical and thermal stability, while the ordered pore channels and embedded electron-rich imidazole groups serve as Lewis basic sites to facilitate strong host-guest interactions with iodine molecules. As a result, BI-TAPB-COF achieves a high dynamic adsorption capacity of 0.402 g/g under demanding conditions (75 ℃, 20 mL/min), outperforming commercial silver zeolite and silica gel. Mechanistic investigations reveal the formation of polyiodide anions (I₃^- and I₅^-) via charge-transfer interactions.

Rational Design and Synthesis of Novel Allosteric Hsp70 Inhibitors via a Scaffold-hopping Strategy

WANG Siyao, WANG Zheming, SHENG Zhijue, ZHANG Hong, SONG Ting, SONG Yang, WANG Ziqian, ZHANG Zhichao

2026, 42(5): 1591-1595. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6100-6

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Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family proteins play a critical role in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells’ survival. Based on the Hsp70 inhibitor JG-98, we developed a new class of inhibitors via a scaffold-hopping strategy. A “privileged structure” in medicinal chemistry replaces the benzothiazole group of JG-98. Through optimization, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and molecular docking, we gained compounds Q3 and Q4, which achieved the same level of ATPase activity inhibition of mitochondrial Hsp70, GRP75, as JG-98. They exhibit a lower molecular weight than JG-98. Q3 and Q4 maintain a comparable cytotoxic activity with JG-98 against the CML cell line, K562 cells.

Organic-inorganic Tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin/Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ S-Scheme Photocatalyst for Efficient Degradation of Antibiotic in Water

LIN Wei, WANG Yanbo, LIU Yanping, JIANG Wei, YANG Fang, WANG Xiaobing, XIONG Wuwan, LIN Xiao, ZHOU Xiaosong, LI Shijie

2026, 42(5): 1596-1603. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6112-2

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Retarded photogenerated charge carrier dynamics and inadequate redox capability are two persistent obstacles to achieving efficient sunlight-driven antibiotic eradication. To address these issues, a distinctive tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin/bismuth silicate (TCPP/BSO) heterostructure was rationally fabricated by binding TCPP onto micro-sized BSO through a straightforward route. This configuration concurrently regulates charge transport and surface redox activity, leading to substantially augmented oxytetracycline (OTC) removal. Notably, TCPP/BSO-2 demonstrates far superior photocatalytic OTC degradation relative to pristine BSO. The synergistic integration of organic TCPP and inorganic BSO not only broadens light absorption but also expedites charge delivery and boosts photoredox kinetics, collectively accounting for the marked improvement in OTC decontamination. Overall, this work presents a robust organic-inorganic S-scheme heterostructure capable of jointly tuning charge behavior and maximizing redox potential, providing a promising strategy for the rational design of advanced porphyrin-based photocatalysts toward environmental remediation.

Multi-Scale Memory-Enhanced Transformer for Optical Chemical Structure Recognition

WANG Rui, JI Yujin, LI Youyong, LEE Shuit-Tong

2026, 42(5): 1604-1614. doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6126-9

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Optical Chemical Structure Recognition (OCSR) is a key technology at the intersection of chemistry and computer science, aiming to convert molecular structure images into machine-readable sequence representations. However, existing OCSR models still fall short in building long-range dependencies within sequences, making it difficult to accurately generate long sequences with complex structures. To address this, we propose a Multi-Scale Memory-Enhanced Transformer (MSMET) model and design two modules: the Layer-wise Hierarchical Fusion (LHF) module and the Cross-Attention Memory Augmentation (CAMA) module. The LHF module employs adaptive feature recalibration across encoder blocks through learnable gating, effectively alleviating feature forgetting phenomena in deep architectures while maintaining multi-scale visual discriminability. The CAMA module equips the decoder with a learnable memory matrix that dynamically enriches cross-modal attention, significantly enhancing the model's capacity to capture long-distance topological interactions in molecular graph structures. We evaluated the performance of MSMET, and the experimental results demonstrate that the model achieved strong overall state-of-the-art performance.

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